The South Umpqua Rural Community Partnership (SURCP) began in 2004. If you haven’t heard about this 501C3 non-profit and what it’s been doing on behalf of the South Umpqua basin, here is the Cliff Notes version (though, I admit, it’s still long!). I hope it answers some of your questions: How did we came into being? What is it? What does it do? How can I get involved?

The initial purpose of SURCP (pronounced “sir cup”) was to assist some local landowners do an aquatic habitat restoration project. Coho salmon returned to their watershed for the first time in 60 years. Coho salmon are listed under the Endangered Species Act. There was keen interest by State and Federal agencies to assist these landowners. Soon after other landowners had interest in doing similar types of projects.

The organization formally submitted for 501C3 status in 2006.  SURCP was established to support community efforts to restore forest and aquatic habitats and ecosystem services of our region, as well as to stimulate our region’s diverse social and economic interests. As an umbrella organization, we enable partner-based projects for the South Umpqua River watershed communities.

SURCP currently hosts several successful collaborative partnership groups. Each of these “committees” or “projects” is engaged in specific activities that benefit our community and the surrounding environment. They encompass a broad range of topics with projects in various stages of development. We take pride in being open to the spectrum of ideas and paradigms within our communities. One primary quality we ask is that of a spirit of cooperation and friendly collaboration. If one of our committees is of interest to you, please meet with us to see how you can help.
We encourage you to get involved!