Planting project supported in part by District funds. Photo provided by Molalla River Watch.
Clackamas County Soil and Water Conservation District is excited to announce that partnership support grants totaling over $94,000 will be distributed to farmers markets and watershed councils within the District boundaries. Partner organizations like these share similar goals as the Conservation District and are effective at overseeing local projects and achieving positive results in their communities.
This year, twelve farmers markets in Clackamas County will receive $27,600 in support for their 2014 market season. These funds help support our local farmers by expanding their customer base and provide county residents with easy access to fresh, healthy food produced locally. Successful farmers markets mean local farmers can better manage productive soils, making them available for agricultural production now and into the future. Economically viable farms are better able to conserve water and soil resources and maintain healthy habitat. That’s good for the farm, native wildlife, our waterways and drinking water, and you!
Awards to Clackamas County Farmers Markets went to:
• Boring Saturday Market
• Colton Farmers and Crafters Market
• Damascus Fresh and Local Market
• Happy Valley’s Sunnyside Farmers Market
• Lake Oswego Farmers Market
• Milwaukie Sunday Farmers Market
• Oregon City Farmers Market
• Sandy Public Market
• Trolley Trail Market in the Oak Grove Neighborhood
• West Linn Farmers Market
• Willamette Farmers Market
• Wilsonville Farmers Market
The Conservation District also provides support to local watershed councils. Ten different watershed councils are located either wholly or partially in Clackamas County. Local watershed councils are highly effective in planning, developing, and implementing projects to maintain and restore streamside areas and to improve fish and wildlife habitat. Their education programs inform people about watershed processes and functions and they make a significant positive impact on the local environment, economy, and community.
We are happy to announce that partner support grants totally $67,000 have been awarded to the following ten watershed councils.
• Clackamas River Basin Council
• Greater Oregon City Watershed Council
• Johnson Creek Watershed Council
• Molalla River Watch
• North Clackamas Urban Watersheds Council
• Oswego Lake Watershed Council
• Pudding River Watershed Council
• Sandy River Basin Watershed Council
• Tryon Creek Watershed Council
• Tualatin River Watershed Council
Each of our grant recipients has demonstrated their ability to plan and implement conservation activities that help conserve our precious natural resources. The District is pleased to partner with these organizations by participating in joint projects and by providing funding to support the councils and their work.