Phil Hassinger, Grand Ronde River Valley

Phil Hassinger is known for outstanding care of his land, its wildlife, and water. His passion for the land stems partially from a childhood spent in urban Philadelphia, far from the great outdoors. His respect emanates in his farming practices. He’s known in the ranks of the Farm Bureau, as well as the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife for his proactive environmental stewardship, particularly in terms of water usage.

The picturesque Catherine Creek meanders through Hassinger’s 800-acre farm in Cove and enhances the property’s natural beauty. But with it comes with a lot of responsibility. Between fish protection, erosion prevention, and water quality, Oregon farmers along waterways are required to comply with myriad state and federal regulations.

Hassinger not only complies, but he’s a leader in responsible water management, serving on the Grande Ronde Model Watershed technical review committee for Union and Wallowa Counties, and the ODFW Fish Screen Task Force for the entire state.

It’s through the model watershed -- an organization that operates as a forum between landowners and grant money -- that Hassinger has gotten funding for many of his projects along Catherine Creek. 

Fifteen- to 30-yard buffers of land surrounding the steam banks are designated for the growth of tall grasses and brush, and to provide habitat for native deer, elk, muskrat, hawks, and herons, any of which can be encountered in a typical day. The buffers also deter any chemical runoff from nearby fields.

Hassinger also used a watershed grant to create “water gaps,” which help improve water quality and minimize the erosion caused by livestock. A number of 20-yard sections along the creek are open for the cows and horses to access the stream. In those areas, landscaping fabric covered with gravel allows the animals to walk along the banks without causing any turbidity in the water.

Installing “rock barbs” was another erosion-prevention project Hassinger took on. A series of huge rocks were placed in a diagonal path through a strong current that was created by a narrow channel in the creek. These rocks break up the force of the current, which would normally crash into the bank and cause substantial erosion.

It’s not only the effort for life aboveground that distinguishes Hassingeringer’s farm; a lot of work goes into to preserving the wildlife below the water’s surface.

Because he built an impoundment, a reservoir of water that’s formed by a moveable, temporary structure in the creek, Hassinger installed a fish ladder. “This gives the fish a way to move upstream through the impoundment without any trouble,” says Hassinger. He’s seen everything from spawning salmon to 3-inch minnows make its way through.

As Hassinger looks over his crops, surrounded by blue-tinted mountains and flanked by a rippling stream, a satisfied smile comes to his face. “I was born in Philadelphia, so this environment is like paradise to me. I could do a job other than farming and make more money, but every day when I go out to work, it’s an enjoyable experience.”

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These are authentic stories from real farmers.  Any editorial content does not necessarily reflect the beliefs of the Agri-Business Council of Oregon or our members.