Our Story
Our goal is to support and assist those who care for land and water. Watch our video to learn more.
Our Story
For over 50 years we have been helping people in Clackamas County!
What Does the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District Do?
Every day, we meet people who do not know about the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District. And that’s okay! We love meeting new neighbors and seeing their surprise when they learn about who we are and what we do. Most people hear about us through word-of-mouth.
Clackamas County Facts
3rd
most populous county in Oregon
420k+
people live here
1,883
square miles
If you have worked with us, you know we are like a “best-kept secret.” If you have not worked with us, let us introduce ourselves! Here is a quick look at what we do and how we help our community.
Who We Are
The Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District is a special district, similar to a school or fire district. We are funded by a property tax that voters in Clackamas County approved in 2006. This means we are here to serve you at no additional charge.
We work with property owners and partners to care for our shared natural resources, like soil, water, air, wildlife, and habitats. These resources are important to all of us.
Many people ask if we are part of the Clackamas County government. We are not. We have the same boundary, but we are a separate organization led by an elected board of directors. All of our work is based on science and is completely voluntary. Our staff is trained in the latest conservation methods.
Who we are
- We are a special district, similar to a school or fire district
- We are funded by property taxes
- We work with property owners and partners to care for our shared natural resources
- We are led by an elected board of directors
Who we're not
- We are not a part of Clackamas County government. We have the same boundary, but we are a separate organization.
For over
50
Years we have been helping people in Clackamas County
How We Help Landowners
Our goal is to help people care for their land while reaching their goals. We provide at no charge:
- Technical help.
- Educational programs.
- Assistance to find grants or loans for projects.
This helps everyone in Clackamas County, now and in the future.
7
board members
5
districts
Who Represents You?
Oregon has Soil and Water Conservation Districts with elected boards. Our Board has seven directors. Five represent specific zones in Clackamas County, and two are elected from anywhere in the District. Each director serves for four years.
The public is welcome to attend board meetings, share comments, and join our Board as associate members.
Our Partners
We work with many groups to do our job better.
Watershed Councils
They plan and lead local projects and use volunteers to improve the environment.
Farmers Markets
Supports local farmers who help protect soil, water, and wildlife resources.
State Agencies
Such as Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and many more.
Federal Agencies
We partner with the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Land Management, and US Forest Service, among many others.
Local Groups
Partners like OSU Extension and the Backyard Habitat Certification Program help expand our reach.
Board Meetings
Staying Transparent
Our board meetings are open to the public, usually on the third Tuesday of the month at 4:00 p.m. in person and virtually. Meeting minutes are posted on our website, including monthly financial documents, program reports, and presentations.
How Can We Help You?
Do you need help with things like:
We’re here to help! Contact us to talk about your land or conservation concerns.
Community Agreements
Equity Statement
The Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District is an organization founded on and driven by collaboration. Our relationships with valued and diverse communities and partners provide us with opportunities to practice equity and inclusion by listening to understand. We believe that a resilient ecosystem is only possible when people of all identities are included. It is critically important to our organization that the principles of inclusion and equity, which have not often been central to conservation work, be integrated into conservation at all levels.
We are committed to using our power and privilege as a historically white-led organization to do our part in creating a just, equitable, and inclusive conservation community.
We protect, conserve, and restore shared natural resources which belong to all people. We believe that strong environmental and cultural diversity is integral to the health of all those who live, work, or play in Clackamas County.
Website Accessibility Statement
Clackamas SWCD is committed to making its website available to as many people as possible by addressing the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. We are committed to ensuring that our communications are accessible to those with special needs, including those with visual, hearing, cognitive, and motor impairments.
Our efforts to make this website accessible to people with disabilities and adhere to the current conformity guidelines and standards are ongoing. If you come across a page or document you find difficult to use, please email us at [email protected].
Social Media Statement
Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District Timeline
2023
District finalized 3-Year Strategic Plan
2019
District purchased the Eagle Creek Community Forest
2019
Completed building the Conservation Resource Center in Beavercreek OR
2017
Clackamas County designates the Clackamas SWCD as the county weed entity
2015
Name changed to Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District
2006
District receives tax base
1974
Clackamas County Soil and Water Conservation District established
1961
South Clackamas Soil Conservation District established
1958
North Clackamas Soil Conservation District established
“
Conservation is humanity caring for the future
—Nancy Newhall
Clackamas SWCD encourages your comments, understanding that all conversations posted here will be well-mannered and respectful. You are fully responsible for the content of your comments. We monitor all comments to ensure they meet our standards.
We do not discriminate against any views, but we reserve the right to delete any of the following: