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 current and recent events.
Solid Waste Management in Polk County: What Happens to Our Trash?
Free Panel Discussion
October 16, 2025 at 6–8 pm
Rickreall Event Hall
305 Nesmith Rd, Rickreall, OR 97371
Friends of Polk County is hosting a Panel Discussion regarding the proposed regional solid waste transfer facility in Rickreall. It is an information session only, and not a meeting for county decision on the application.
This presentation is open to the public.
Our guest panelists are:
Mark Yeager, Registered Civil and Environmental Engineer and Member of Valley Neighbors for Environmental Quality and Safety
Austin McGuigan, Polk County Planning Director
Nic Dahl, Applicant for ReHub Polk County, proposed transfer station at the former Rickreall Dairy
Short presentations will be followed by a question-and-answer session. Join us to learn about short-term and long-term plans for solid waste management in Polk County.
The Rickreall Event Hall is at 305 Nesmith Rd., Rickreall. Access is east of the Rickreall traffic light. Turn east from 99W onto Rickreall Rd then north onto Nesmith Rd.
Hosted by Friends of Polk County.
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.