The Oregon Department of Agriculture has hired Tyler Manitsas as an Agriculture Channel Maintenance Specialist. Tyler joined the Agricultural Water Quality Program on Feb. 18.

In this new position, Tyler will be working with ODA Water Quality Lead Policy Specialist Mike Powers as well as partner agencies Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Oregon Department of State Lands to implement House Bill 2437, which allows certain maintenance activities in traditionally maintained channels. He will be providing outreach to landowners and coordinating with the state's Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Although new to the water quality program, Tyler isn't a stranger to ODA. He got his start last July working in the Market Access and Certification Program as a produce safety outreach specialist, providing growers with information about new produce safety requirements.

Tyler is from John Day, where he got his start in agriculture raising animals in 4-H and FFA while working on cattle ranches. He worked seasonally in the area for the Oregon Department of Forestry fighting wildfires.

Tyler graduated from Oregon State University in 2018 with a degree in agricultural business management.

ODA's HB 2437 webpage