Our history
Friends of Polk County was incorporated in 1997. Our founding members were: John Bosshart, Christpher Dobson, John Shafer, and Joni Weatherspoon. We currently have six board members and about 30 active members. Our primary interest has been to protect and conserve farm land and forest land in Polk County.
How the FPC Board Works for Our Members
Our activities fall into 4 categories:
1) Comments on Local Applications and Proposed Land Use Changes
2) Legal Appeals to LUBA at the State Level
3) Comments on Proposed Legislation at the State Level
4) Annual and Bi-annual Educational Presentations
Friends of Polk County Achievements
During our first five years (1998–2003) we worked on learning the local and statewide land use regulations. We formed and participated in Polk County Area Advisory Committees that met monthly and reviewed land use applications in specific areas of the county. We participated in Public Hearings regarding county land use and in 12 LUBA reviews at the state level. A major accomplishment of our group was to work with county Planning Department staff to develop an email notification to individuals and groups to replace the Area Advisory Committees.
Our work between 2004–2008 was primarily in response to Measure 37 and Measure 49. We participated in multiple public hearings to prevent the proposed development of subdivisions on Exclusive Farm Zone land in Polk County. These proposals were for subdivisions and development of twenty to thirty dwellings on some of Polk County’s best farm land. We worked with CRAG Law Center and local residents to file legal requests to deny these subdivisions. Review and discussion of Measure 37 and 49 dramatically increased public awareness of the importance of Oregon’s land use laws and also an increase in Friends of Polk County membership levels.
Between 2009 and 2023 Polk County was in good compliance with state and county land use rules (2009-2023) and we had less work in reviewing individual land use applications. We did provide input to Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners for their annual work plans. We also sponsor public forums at our annual meeting and continued publication of our annual newsletter.
Currently, (2024–present) we are expanding work internally and with other agencies. With the help of Paz Reingans (PAZ Design) we have developed and posted a new webpage details are given elsewhere. One very nice feature will be the ability to renew membership and make donations on-line. Also, in conjunction with the Department of Land Conservation and Development, 1000 Friends Farm and Forest Advisory Committee, and the newly formed Ag for Oregon Committee we have started a proactive campaign to maintain and enhance the protection of farm and forest land as productive resources of Polk County. Details are presented elsewhere. Finally, with greater exposure via our webpage, we hope to expand our board (currently we have 6 and we can add 5 more) and our general membership.