Special ProjectsProductive and healthy agriculture and natural resource lands are at the very heart of what makes Clackamas County stunningly productive, unique and beautiful. These lands provide biomass for our food, our building materials and our very quality of life. They are also the potential source of our renewable energy future. In 2006, Clackamas County appointed the Green Ribbon Committee (PDF 838 KB) to develop measures to preserve and support the County’s agricultural economy and others to encourage sustainable growth in urban areas. The GRC identified opportunities to enhance the economic and environmental performance of our Woodshed, Watershed, Foodshed, and Energyshed. These opportunities are innovative and collaborative in nature and therefore have been termed “Special Projects.” Foodshed:This program is intended to “grow the grower” by creating institutional capacity and enhancing demand for locally and sustainably grown and processed food products. Local and sustainable food products can support economic development, environmental stewardship and human and cultural health. Woodshed:Value-Added Forestry: This program will enhance the viability and marketability of forest products utilizing sustainable forestry practices and certification systems. The program will increase awareness and utilization of market-based incentives for local producers and wood product manufacturers and encourage productive use of wood waste. Watershed:This program will build on and enhance the natural resource legacy of Clackamas County’s watersheds. The overall purpose is to ensure that the river ecosystems, communities, infrastructure, recreation and economic opportunities thrive for generations to come. Energyshed:This program is designed to promote energy conservation and the development and use of renewable energy sources in an effort to decrease reliance on petroleum-based products, reduce costs and enhance efficiency. This program also will work toward the reduction of carbon in our atmosphere. Current ProjectsOther helpful links: Groundwater Restricted Areas in Northwest Oregon Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board Clackamas Farm Forestry Association Oregon Department of Agriculture Renewable Energy Program
|
