Public Educational Events

Once or twice per year Friends of Polk County sponsors educational events open to the public. Our topics range from land use regulations, water supply, conservation projects and candidate forums. These events are free and advertised in the local paper. We typically attract 20 to 30 participants at each event.

Here are announcements of three of our recent events.

Enhancing Special Habitats
in Polk County

Free Panel Discussion

October 24, 2019 at 7 pm
Independence Library

  • Kristin Larson, Director, Luckiamute Watershed Council, Luckiamute State Natural Area

  • Matt Blakeley-Smith, Greenbelt Land Trust, Willamette Bluffs

  • Cameron King, US Fish and Wildlife, Partner's Program

  • Rick and Judy Smith, private landowners, Restoration on ~ 500 acres near Baskett Slough

  • Bill Wainwright, private land owner Smithfield Oaks, Restoration on 400-acre ranch near Baskett Slough

Each speaker will give 10–15 minutes overviews of their project, followed by a question and answer period. NRCS and US Fish and Wildlife staff will also be available to answer questions about their programs.

Hosted by Friends of Polk County.

Solar Arrays on Farm Lands

Public Forum

September 21, 2017 at 7 pm
Independence Library

  • Sam Sweeney, Yamhill Farm Bureau

  • Meriel Darzen, Circuit Rider Staff Attorney, 1000 Friends of Oregon

  • Jeff Bissonnette, Executive Director, OR Solar Energy Industries

  • Tim Murphy, DLCD, Farm and Forest Specialist

Each speaker will give a 10 minute overview from their perspective. Topics will include economics, siting on farmland, allowed sizes of facilities, and required infrastructure for energy transmission.

This will be followed by a question and answer session.

Tremaine Arkley will moderate the session.

Hosted by Friends of Polk County
Refreshments will be provided.

Our growing population
and our
shrinking water supply

Free Public Forum

November 1, 2023 at 6:30 pm
Polk County Courthouse

SPEAKERS:

  • Austin McGuigan, Polk County Planning Director

  • Danny Jaffer, Luckiamute Domestic Water Cooperative

  • Harmony Burright, Legislative Water Caucus, formerly with the Oregon Dept. of Water Resources

Question and answer time will follow

Sponsored by Friends of Polk County.