The Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District’s annual report and audit for fiscal year 2020-2021 are now available. Fiscal year 2020-2021 covers the period from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021.
(Oregon Revised Statute 568.580 requires soil and water conservation districts to produce an annual report: “Each year after the creation of the first board of directors at a time fixed by resolution of the board, the board, by giving due notice, shall call an annual meeting of the landowners in the district and present an annual report and audit.”)
Message from the General Manager
I had the privilege of joining Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District as the new General Manager in December. I was excited to bring my experience from the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service to work with District staff and grow already successful conservation programs for residents of Clackamas County.
You could say that my arrival into the position was in a year unlike any other and I would be hard tasked to find fulfillment. The Pacific Northwest experienced one of its most destructive wildfire seasons on record, the County was hit by a significant ice storm causing widespread damage, and an intense heat dome settled in the area shattering record high temperatures, all amid a global pandemic. This would make even the most dedicated individual feel overwhelmed and discouraged. Instead, I witnessed resilience and commitment from the people of Clackamas County, supported by a dedicated District staff, to power through one obstacle after another.
It was satisfying to work among staff determined to continue to achieve accomplishments while working remotely. They balanced home life commitments and maintained program delivery for community members.
Notables include:
- Development of video resources, in lieu of in-person workshops,
delivering information on Best Management Practices for erosion control
for agricultural operations, as well as manure and pasture management
for horse owners, all to benefit water quality. - Commitment to oak conservation as an active steering committee
member of the Regional Oak Prairie Working Group. - Expansion of the Septic Loan Program for failing systems that impact
water quality. - Investment in invasive species control and road improvements for our
Eagle Creek Community Forest.
Conservation success does not occur in a vacuum and the District gains strength through a wide variety of partners. We became stronger this year by finishing the leasing process so the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Services Agency can move into our new Conservation Resource Center.
We are fortunate to have strong support and leadership from our board. It is thissupport and the staff’s passion that enabled us to find solutions to obstacles. We are here to make a difference in our community.
Thank you,
Christopher Lapp
