Agriculture

The agricultural soils in the region are considered some of the most fertile soils in the United States. Farmers in the area have established sound farming practices over the years and have become world leaders in agriculture, especially in wheat production. 

Agriculture has been the mainstay of the region's economy in the past and is still a large contributor to the economy. Profits from area crops are generally returned to the local economy and boost activity in all other sectors, especially retail trade, wholesale trade, and service sectors.

The region's primary crops are wheat and barley. Lentils and green peas are also very prevalent in Whitman County. The remaining crops of oats, hay, grass seed and various fruits and vegetables are also grown, but in lesser amounts. Cattle, hogs and sheep are also produced in the region.

ACREAGE & YIELDS OF MAJOR CROPS IN WA.

Timber/Forest Land

The southern portion of the District is forest and timberland in contrast to the dry land farming and rolling hills which typifies much of the District. The wooded areas include the Umatilla National Forest, the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness and the Blue Mountains. Asotin, Columbia and Garfield counties all contain portions of the Umatilla National Forest. This area contains Camp William T. Wooten State Park, Field Springs State Park, Ski Bluewood ski area, as well as two peaks over 6,300 feet:  Oregon Butte and Diamond Peak.

Umatilla National Forest 
www.fs.fed.us/rs/uma

The Umatilla National Forest, located in the Blue Mountains of southeast Washington and northeast Oregon, covers 1.4 million acres of diverse landscapes and plant communities. The Forest has some mountainous terrain, but most of the Forest consists of v-shaped valleys separated by narrow ridges or plateaus.

The landscape also includes heavily timbered slopes, grassland ridges and benches, and bold basalt outcroppings. Elevation range from 1,600 to 8,000 feet above sea level. Changes in weather are common, but summers are generally warm and dry with cool evenings. Cold, snowy winters and mild temperatures during spring and fall can be expected.

NATIONAL FOREST ACREAGE INFORMATION

River System

Centuries ago floods carved out what today is known as the Columbia, Snake and Clearwater River System, with its countless coulees, steptoes, plunge pools, river valleys and huge depressions. A complex system of reservoirs, canals, rivers, streams and wetlands resulting from these unique geologic features provide recreation, irrigation, wildlife habitat and transportation.

A series of Snake River Dams provide hydroelectric power, the most prevalent source of energy in the district and the reservoirs behind them provide the means to a low cost alternative for shipping the region’s agricultural commodities, lumber and manufactured products to the West Coast and beyond.

Upriver from the Lewiston-Clarkston area, the Snake and Clearwater River Systems provide abundant recreational opportunities for boating, rafting, fishing and other water-related sports.

Lower Monumental Dam

Little Goose Dam

Lower Granite Dam