SALEM An audit isnt always a bad thing.

A new state audit found that, since its creation in 1999, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board has produced a successful strategy for watershed restoration efforts.

A watershed is an area of land that drains water to a stream, river, lake, wetland, estuary or ocean. Several salmon species inhabit Oregons watershed and are viewed as indicators of watershed health.

Most notably, the audit found OWEB has helped build capacity and sustainability for community-based actions through grants to watershed councils, soil and water conservation districts, landowners and others. These grants fund projects that have helped improve fish access to rivers and streams, plant native species, manage invasive species, remove dams and other barriers, increase irrigation efficiencies, and promote education and outreach.

Good stewardship of Oregons natural resources needs more than one agencys efforts, said Secretary of State Kate Brown. In just 10 years, OWEB has built strong partnerships and funded projects that have helped communities address large and complex challenges in their local watersheds. This great work needs to continue statewide.

State auditors also found that Oregons watersheds need a continued commitment from OWEB and its partners, as well as new strategies for applying its resources.

The timing is right for OWEB to refocus its priorities with the recent passage of Ballot Measure 76, which continues its lottery funding source, said  Audits Director Gary Blackmer. Our recommendations will help OWEB continue its success around the state.

The audit recommends OWEB continue to support the establishment of watershed action plans, develop statewide restoration priorities on which to base future funding decisions, and continue to work with its partners to implement a statewide monitoring plan.

We are pleased with the findings of the audit report, Tom Byler, OWEBs executive director, said. It affirms that OWEBs approach to local, cooperative conservation is working well. The audit offers useful recommendations to help us to maintain our strategic focus as we move forward.

The audit can be found at www.sos.state.or.us/audits.