In 2000, the SWCD recruited people for a local advisory committee to work with Oregon Department of Agriculture to develop the Lower Deschutes Ag Water Quality Management Area Plan, which covers a portion of Sherman County. The program, known in Oregon as SB-1010 is designed to help the agricultural community address its responsibilities under the Clean Water Act while retaining local control versus having EPA step in and dictate what people will do. It allows flexibility for ag producers on ways they can achieve the goals of the plan. In 2002 the SWCD became the Local Management Agency for the development of the Lower John Day Ag Water Quality Management Area Plan. These plans have been adopted and will be reviewed every two years with the assistance of the SWCD.