The McKenzie Watershed Council is a group of volunteers representing the diverse stakeholders and interests in the watershed. We call Council members Partners. Currently, there are 23 Partners representing communities, commercial and recreational interests, schools, utilities, conservation organizations, and local, state and federal government entities. Mission Our mission is to foster better stewardship of the McKenzie River watershed resources, deal with issues in advance of resource degradation, and ensure sustainable watershed health, function, and use. The Council was formed in 1993 to help address watershed management issues in the McKenzie River watershed, as well as provide a framework for voluntary coordination and cooperation among key interests in the development and implementation of a watershed action plan. Vision The Council’s vision is that through its Conservation Strategy, the McKenzie River watershed supports exceptional water quality and habitats in balance with human livelihood and quality of life. The Council meets on the second Thursday of the month, except for July and August. All meetings are open to the public, and the public is encouraged to attend and participate. Monthly Council meetings provide a forum to address important issues affecting the watershed, exchange information, improve communication and provide oversight on restoration, education and outreach projects. The Council is not a regulatory body, but it may make recommendations to established decision-making bodies concerning the protection, restoration, and enhancement of the quality of the McKenzie watershed. The Council strives to achieve consensus on all actions. We work primarily with private landowners on a voluntary basis to conserve and restore riparian and aquatic habitat, cooperate with partners to monitor and maintain water quality, implement watershed education programs, focus outreach to residents and provide a monthly forum for addressing important issues.