The Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Center (CPCRC) is an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) field unit located in northeastern Oregon, eight miles northeast of Pendleton. It is adjacent to the Columbia Basin Agricultural Research Center (CBARC), which is a branch station of Oregon State University (OSU). A Field Day in mid-June gives visitors an opportunity to meet the staff and discuss research results. However, visitors are welcome at either facility during business hours (7:30 am to 4:00 pm) or by appointment.

The joint state-federal unit was created in 1928 as an agricultural experiment station. CPCRC was established by Senate Document 59 of the 86th Congress to solve soil and water management and conservation problems of the Columbia Plateau and related areas of eastern Oregon and Washington. A parcel of land was deeded to the federal government in the 1960's for the construction of the CPCRC facility. The main building was dedicated in 1970. Offices for the ARS and OSU staffs, a conference room, a computer lab, and laboratories for chemistry, plant growth evaluation, electronics, and erosion reside within this facility. A plant pathology laboratory and a weed laboratory are also located in this building, but are operated by Oregon State University. Other USDA facilities include a microbiology laboratory, a machine shop, and a storage warehouse.