Whitewater Draw

Land ownership in the Whitewater NRCD includes private, State, and federal lands, including some wildlife preserves. The District was initially established to address mainly farming problems such as salt accumulations and sulfur and smoke resulting from emissions of the copper smelter in Douglas. Declining water tables were also a problem. Since the closing of the smelter and establishment of a Irrigation Non-Expansion Area, farming has once again increased in profitability and importance over the years. However, the emphasis of the District on rangeland issues has increased over the years, because this is by far the dominant land type.

The Whitewater Draw NRCD works with the NRCS to coordinate technical assistance and cost sharing for farm and ranch practices to its cooperators. Such practices include prescribed grazing, fences and water developments, brush control, improved irrigation methods and equipment, and other practices designed to protect soil, save water, and increase the productivity and sustainability of farming and ranching. Most of these practices also benefit wildlife habitat and some are designed specifically for that purpose.