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Rural Report
Umpqua Soil and Water
Conservation District
Meetings and coming Elections
Meetings are the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:
30 p.m. and they are held virtually. The only month
that sometimes differs from the scheduled 2nd of
the month is October, which is sometimes skipped
and usually the meeting is one week later on the 3rd
Thursday of October.
Elections are coming up.
NOTICE OF ELECTION FOR DISTRICT DIREC-
TORS OF THE UMPQUA
SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Notice is hereby given that on November 5, 2024,
an election will be held for the purpose of electing
board director(s) to the following positions for the
Umpqua Soil and Water Conservation District:
Positions:
Zone 1, 4 years; Zone 2, 4 years; Zone 3, 2 years;
At-Large 1, 2 years; At-Large 2, 4 years;
Zone boundaries, eligibility requirements,
and copies of the required elections forms may be
obtained by emailing rhonda@umpquasoilandwate
r.com or by calling (541) 662-1341.
Election forms and information may also be
found at: https://oda.direct/Elections
Each candidate must file a “Declaration of Can-
didacy” and a “Petition for Nomination Signature
Sheet” with the Oregon Department of Agriculture,
Natural Resources Division. The filing deadline is 5:
00 p.m. on August 27, 2024.
Rhonda Black
District Manager/Certified Conservation Planner
Umpqua Soil & Water Conservation District
P.O. Box 415, Reedsport, Oregon 97467
Telephone: (541) 662-1341
Email: rhonda@umpquasoilandwater.com
Website: www.umpquasoilandwater.com
North Douglas Herald
May 2024
Oregon Produced Pinot Noir among the Best Worldwide
Continued from Front Page
the state’s varied geography ranges from coastal
regions to inland valleys, which offers a plethora
of microclimates to impact the grape and the
wine it becomes.
Depending on where a vineyard is located
within the state, annual precipitation levels can
reach as low as 10 inches per year or as high as
110 inches per year. Temperatures also depend
on location, but most locations experience a
hearty 50 degree diurnal swing between day
and night temperatures in the summer, which is
excellent for balancing sugars and acids within
the grapes.
With a rich history of geological activity,
Oregon boasts over 1,000 distinctive soil types,
with the widest portions of the state covered in
volcanic soil. Vineyard elevations range from
sea level to 2,000ft, and all must be conscious
of the direction they face so as to gain optimal
sunshine.
These variations in terroir translate to diverse
aroma and flavor profiles in Pinot Noir, from
fruit-forward to earthy and spicy. Tannins and
color saturation are also impacted. This diverse
range of outcomes is why so many Oregon
wineries tend to produce single-vineyard Pinot
Noir. The people behind the wine wish to invite
you on a journey of the senses and welcome you
into the world of terroir-driven wine.
The Elkton Oregon AVA is one of the coolest
and wettest regions in Oregon and produces
different varieties and different wine styles than
other regions. Residing in the northernmost
region in the Umpqua Valley AVA, Elkton
enjoys a cool, marine-influenced climate, but
milder and longer growing season than the rest
of the Umpqua Valley AVA and receives much
more rain annually, about 50 inches. Pinot noir
and other cool-climate varieties thrive well in
Elkton. The Umpqua River weaves through the
middle of the region, offering a cool afternoon
breeze during the growing season and vineyard
soils there are predominantly residual clay, silt
loam soil, alluvial deposits and river terraces
around the meandering Umpqua River. Clay
soils retain water very well, resulting in less of a
need to irrigate and lower yields.
Wines produced from this region are more often
from cool climate varieties made in a lusher
style, fuller in body with bolder fruit notes.
The best Pinot Noir from Oregon share four key
characteristics:
Balance – Top Oregon Pinot Noir exhibit
undeniably perfect balance. They masterfully
combine the purity of fruit with complex savory
qualities. Tannins and acidity are both present,
while neither overpowers the other. These Pinot
Noirs also tend to offer pleasant herbal and/or
floral notes that tie the whole tasting experience
together.
Aging Potential – The keen aging potential
of Oregon Pinot Noir is another distinguishing
factor. Deep tertiary elements reveal themselves
with proper aging to offer a sensory experience
like no other. Many vintages evolve gracefully
over decades and make an excellent addition to
any cellar.
Accolades – The fact that Oregon wines and
producers consistently earn distinguished awards
doesn’t hurt the region’s reputation either. These
national and international celebrations help
showcase the excellence of the wines produced
in Oregon with a wider audience of wine
connoisseurs.
Pairing Perfection – Oregon Pinot Noir also
makes the ultimate pairing partner with a wide
array of foods. Consider pairing them with
dishes that complement their elegance. A few
classic suggestions include roasted or seared
duck, wild mushroom risotto, or cedar-planked
salmon. Pinot Noir’s fruity and earthy qualities
also pair famously well with nutty cheese
including Gruyere, Parmigiano Reggiano, and
even a bloomy Camembert. The natural acidity
and nuanced flavors of Oregon Pinot Noir
elevate these culinary experiences.
Determining the “best” is a deeply subjective
process that varies from taster to taster. With
many captivating styles of this versatile grape,
there is much to explore before truly determining
what you personally deem the very best of the
best, here are two excellent places to begin:
1.) Earthy Characterized by notes of baking
spices, mushrooms, tea, cedar, and tobacco and
are often accompanied by velvety tannins, and
full-bodied mouthfeel.
2.) Fruity Identified by delicate aromas, bright
acidity, and intense fruit flavors, making them
refreshing and easy-drinking.
Remember, factors such as personal taste
preferences, past experiences, and cultural
influences all come into play when determining
what constitutes the “best” wine. What one
individual finds exquisite, another may find
unremarkable or even unpleasant. Additionally,
the context in which wine is enjoyed—whether
it’s paired with food, shared among friends, or
savored in solitude—can significantly impact
one’s perception of its quality.
Navigating the vast world of wine can be
daunting, especially for those new to the scene
or unsure of their preferences. As tastes evolve
and palates mature, so too does one’s definition
of excellence in wine. Ultimately, the best wine
is not determined by awards or accolades, but by
the joy and satisfaction it brings to those who
partake in its pleasures, making the pursuit of
the perfect bottle a deeply personal and endlessly
rewarding endeavor. Each bottle tells a story,
reflecting the land, the climate, and the hands
that crafted it. The next time you are in search of
a wine that epitomizes elegance with depth, turn
to the fine selection of Oregon Pinot Noir for a
rewarding experience.
Veterans Corner - Enjoying your Freedoms? Thank a Veteran!
Oregon Veterans Educational Bridge Grant Eligibility Expanded
For Veterans Pursuing Educational Or Vocational Training
Since January 2024, the Oregon
Department of Veterans’ Affairs has
expanded the Oregon Veterans Educational
Bridge Grant (VEBG) Program, greatly
broadening financial assistance eligibility
for veterans completing their educational
or vocational training.
The VEBG was established by the
Oregon Legislature in 2019 to provide
financial assistance grants up to $5,000 to
eligible veterans to alleviate the financial
stress during a gap period when required
courses or training hours are unavailable,
allowing them to remain enrolled in school
or their apprenticeship training.
With the passage of House Bill 2271
in 2023, the Legislature expanded the
program’s eligibility to include veterans
not eligible to receive federal GI Bill®
benefits, meaning any veteran who is an
Oregon resident and meets the definition
of “veteran” defined in ORS 408.225, may
now qualify for financial assistance using
the Veterans Educational Bridge Grant.
Legislators also expanded the grant
eligibility to include any career school
licensed by Higher Education and
Coordinating Commission (HECC), any
apprenticeship registered with BOLI, and
any On-The-Job Training (OTJ) program
offered by a public employer.
The final and most significant addition
was the option for eligible veterans to use
Bridge Grant funds to pay off debt on a
student account that is preventing them
from registering for future terms.
“This grant is an empowering option
for veterans actively pursuing education
or training after military service. Whether
you are eligible to receive federal GI Bill®
benefits or not, Oregon’s VEBG funds
can now help ensure the continuation of
training and remove significant barriers to
completing educational goals,” said ODVA
Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels.
“These eligibility expansions reflect our
state’s collective dedication to providing
comprehensive support to veterans in
their pursuit of education and vocational
training, recognizing and addressing the
distinct challenges they may encounter on
their paths to success.”
Veterans may also be eligible for
retroactive funding (i.e., funding for a
past term or training period) in certain
circumstances. Any veteran who believes
they may meet the new eligibility
requirements is encouraged to apply.
For more information about the Veterans
Educational Bridge Grant Program or
to apply, visit the ODVA website at
https://www.oregon.gov/odva/agency-
programs/grants/Pages/Educational-
Bridge-Grant.aspx or email the program
coordinator at ebg@odva.oregon.gov.
Established in 1945, the Oregon
Department of Veterans’ Affairs is
dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse
veteran community that spans five eras
of service members. ODVA administers
programs and provides special advocacy
and assistance in accessing earned veteran
benefits across the state. Learn about
veteran benefits and services, or locate a
local county or tribal veteran service office
online at oregon.gov/odva.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark
of the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs. More information about education
benefits offered by VA is available at
the official U.S. government website at
www.benefits.va.gov/gibill
Sign, seen on I-5. Deported Veterans gener-
ally served specifically to become citizens af-
ter honorable service to our country, often in
combat. To negate that promise and deporting
them is unconscionable. It is time to bring
all of our Veterans home.