Judge Steve Grasty
Judge Steve Grasty
HARNEY COUNTY IS RICH IN RESOURCES. Its 10,228 sq. miles are rich in sun, timber, wildlife and community. In a county where most jobs are in logging, ranching and recreation, the viability of the community is directly linked to the sustainability of its resources.
When the last timber mill closed, 1,000 people lost their jobs. Now the forests are being devastated by fires and insect outbreaks. Protecting these resources and creating jobs became a top priority for Judge Steve Grasty and his fellow commissioners. However, since 75 percent of Harney County is public land, creating this new strategy was likely to involve years of contentious negotiations and lawsuits.
Instead, Judge Grasty joined with Russ Hoeflich of The Nature Conservancy and Jack Southworth, a local rancher, to bring together environmental organizations, agencies, and businesses. Through this combined effort, they are working towards a common vision of long-term forest and economic health with a goal of raising the per capita income closer to the statewide average, generating new and retaining existing jobs, protecting 2 million acres of forest and wildlife habitat. Oregon Solutions has helped Judge Grasty form this innovative partnership to ensure a healthy community and healthy forests for generations to come.
To learn more about Harney County, go to: co.harney.or.us
To learn more about Oregon Solutions, go to: orsolutions.org/eastern/harneycounty.htm
More information also available on our Partners page, click the link below.
