Author Archives: Alex

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EMSWCD Board statement regarding Portland Water Bureau filtration plant project siting

Multnomah County Hearings Officer
Multnomah County Community Services, Land Use Planning
1600 SE 190 Avenue
Portland, OR 97233

Re: case # T3-2022-16220 – Proposed Portland Water Bureau Filtration Plant Project

The East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD) is a nonregulatory government agency representing residents of Multnomah County east of the Willamette River to the far end of the county. The mission of EMSWCD is to help people care for soil and water.

EMSWCD understands that Portland Water Bureau (PWB) is obligated by US Environmental Protection Agency regulations and the terms of a compliance order entered into between the PWB and Oregon Health Authority to have a system operational no later than 2027 that is capable of removing Cryptosporidium and other potential contaminants.

While EMSWCD supports the provision of clean, safe drinking water for all PWB customers, we are concerned about the proposed location of the water filtration facility. The proposed location for the facility is on land designated as a Rural Reserve. Consistent with its Rural Reserve designation, this location represents some of the very best farmland remaining in EMSWCD’s service area. It has prime agricultural soils, favorable topography, legal water rights, and is sizeable enough to support commercial farming operations. Siting this facility on Rural Reserve-designated land not only equates to farmland loss, but it also sets a negative precedent of constructing facilities intended to serve a primarily urban population on land that is protected for agriculture. Read more →

We are hiring for an Executive Director!

photo of the EMSWCD office sign with logo mounted on a board, framed by oceanspray bushes behind the sign

East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD) has an exciting opportunity for an innovative, resourceful new Executive Director to continue to grow the current culture of trust and accountability while prioritizing the organization’s mission to help people care for land and water.

As the leader of EMSWCD, the Executive Director is responsible for the overall implementation of the strategic plan initiatives and annual goals. Prioritizing open and collaborative leadership with the elected board of directors and staff is key. A focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in conservation work, as well as a deep commitment to responding to the impacts of climate change on water, land and people are also key elements of success for this position.

Learn more about the Executive Director position here. Please note that the application period has closed and we are now in the process of reviewing applications.

EMSWCD invests $1 million in new Partners in Conservation grants

EMSWCD staff Monica (left) standing with several participants at a Voz event, all pausing for a picture. Most are wearing masks and some of the participants are holding up pumpkins

Grants supporting local efforts help us meet our mission and tackle some of today’s most pressing challenges. We’re investing $1,050,000 million into efforts led by non-profits and community-based organizations addressing key issues such as access to land, warming waterways, and the lack of trees in low-income and historically red-lined neighborhoods.

See the list of PIC 2023 grantees here.

In May our Board of Directors approved funding for 24 grant proposals recommended by our 13-member Grant Review Committee for sustainable agriculture and community gardens, habitat restoration, water quality improvements, and job opportunities for youth in the green workforce. Organizations are addressing community disparities and advancing equity by creating benefits for underserved communities through project design, partnerships, and organizational practices.

This year’s committee reviewed 42 grant applications requesting nearly $1.9 million in funding. Learn more about the committee members here.

Since 2007 we’ve invested more than $11 million in 150+ Partners in Conservation grants to organizations that help advance our mission.

Visit this page for the full list of 2023 Partners in Conservation Grant projects.

Scholarship opportunity with Oregon Nurseries Foundation

"Oregon Nurseries Foundation Scholarship Program" - "Do you know a student?" image has a graduation cap against a white background behind the text

Do you know students pursuing careers as nursery or landscape professionals? The Oregon Nurseries Foundation (ONF) awards scholarships to students preparing for a career in ornamental horticulture and related fields. In all, 20 different awards are sponsored by individuals and Oregon Association of Nurseries chapters as a way to support the next generation of green industry professionals. Over $20,000 is awarded each year in scholarships.

Find out more and apply here!

Applications are due by April 15th.

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