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• 1. [Article] Planting Prosperity and Harvesting Health: Trade-offs and Sustainability in the Oregon-Washington Regional Food System

  This assessment reveals food system sustainability trends in Oregon and Washington, focusing specifically on the producers in both states and the consumers in the Portland- Vancouver region. We began the ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Planting Prosperity and Harvesting Health: Trade-offs and Sustainability in the Oregon-Washington Regional Food System Author: Martin, Sheila A, Henderson, Tia, Merrick, Meg, Mylott, Elizabeth, Haines, Kelly, Price, Colin, Koski, Amy, Dann, Rebecca Year: 2008 This assessment reveals food system sustainability trends in Oregon and Washington, focusing specifically on the producers in both states and the consumers in the Portland- Vancouver region. We began the assessment by asking a group of food system stakeholders from Oregon and Washington to define broadly supported goals for a sustainable food system. They also helped us identify the data necessary to understand trends in the food system. This information can be used in the future to establish benchmarks and to assess future progress toward food system sustainability goals. Framed by stakeholder concerns, this report will assist program and policy decision makers in prioritizing efforts to shape and strengthen the regional food system. This information is also a foundation for building new and unique partnerships among organizations in food system planning. Title: Planting Prosperity and Harvesting Health: Trade-offs and Sustainability in the Oregon-Washington Regional Food System Author: Martin, Sheila A, Henderson, Tia, Merrick, Meg, Mylott, Elizabeth, Haines, Kelly, Price, Colin, Koski, Amy, Dann, Rebecca Year: 2008 This assessment reveals food system sustainability trends in Oregon and Washington, focusing specifically on the producers in both states and the consumers in the Portland- Vancouver region. We began the assessment by asking a group of food system stakeholders from Oregon and Washington to define broadly supported goals for a sustainable food system. They also helped us identify the data necessary to understand trends in the food system. This information can be used in the future to establish benchmarks and to assess future progress toward food system sustainability goals. Framed by stakeholder concerns, this report will assist program and policy decision makers in prioritizing efforts to shape and strengthen the regional food system. This information is also a foundation for building new and unique partnerships among organizations in food system planning. Close

• 2. [Article] Seeking Solutions to Long-Term Public Engagement in Rapidly Diversifying Communities: A Case Study in Washington County, Oregon

  This paper explores the challenges in engaging a rapidly diversifying public in county government decision-making. The State of Oregon recognized the importance of meaningful public engagement by naming ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Seeking Solutions to Long-Term Public Engagement in Rapidly Diversifying Communities: A Case Study in Washington County, Oregon Author: Merrick, Meg, Tremoulet, Andrée Year: 2016 This paper explores the challenges in engaging a rapidly diversifying public in county government decision-making. The State of Oregon recognized the importance of meaningful public engagement by naming it as the first goal of its landmark statewide land use planning system adopted in 1973. Washington County, which is part of Portland’s tri-county metropolitan region, is geographically large, historically white but, in recent years, rapidly diversifying. It is also largely suburban and includes the region’s largest unincorporated communities. In addition, Washington County includes significant agricultural activities and small rural communities. Title: Seeking Solutions to Long-Term Public Engagement in Rapidly Diversifying Communities: A Case Study in Washington County, Oregon Author: Merrick, Meg, Tremoulet, Andrée Year: 2016 This paper explores the challenges in engaging a rapidly diversifying public in county government decision-making. The State of Oregon recognized the importance of meaningful public engagement by naming it as the first goal of its landmark statewide land use planning system adopted in 1973. Washington County, which is part of Portland’s tri-county metropolitan region, is geographically large, historically white but, in recent years, rapidly diversifying. It is also largely suburban and includes the region’s largest unincorporated communities. In addition, Washington County includes significant agricultural activities and small rural communities. Close

• 3. [Article] What is Driving Measure 37 Claims in Oregon?

  With over 7,500 claims covering 750,000 acres of farm and forestland, Measure 37 claims harbor the potential to change the landscape in Oregon. The majority of these claims are located in the Willamette ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: What is Driving Measure 37 Claims in Oregon? Author: Martin, Sheila A., Merrick, Meg, Rundell, Erik, Shriver, Katie Year: 2007 With over 7,500 claims covering 750,000 acres of farm and forestland, Measure 37 claims harbor the potential to change the landscape in Oregon. The majority of these claims are located in the Willamette Valley, where growth pressures and the value gradient between land for farms and land for residential development is great. This paper explores those relationships by describing and mapping the claims in terms of location, size, and current and proposed use, and then analyzes factors that appear to be driving the claims. At a county level, variables such as population growth, farm income, farm tenure and average age of farmer are considered as explanations of claim density. Using maps, we also examine the impact of distance from urban growth boundary and proximity to public lands. We conclude with comments about the unforeseen consequences of the “time zone” zoning on agriculture and public services, and consider the fairness of the Measure 37 regime. Title: What is Driving Measure 37 Claims in Oregon? Author: Martin, Sheila A., Merrick, Meg, Rundell, Erik, Shriver, Katie Year: 2007 With over 7,500 claims covering 750,000 acres of farm and forestland, Measure 37 claims harbor the potential to change the landscape in Oregon. The majority of these claims are located in the Willamette Valley, where growth pressures and the value gradient between land for farms and land for residential development is great. This paper explores those relationships by describing and mapping the claims in terms of location, size, and current and proposed use, and then analyzes factors that appear to be driving the claims. At a county level, variables such as population growth, farm income, farm tenure and average age of farmer are considered as explanations of claim density. Using maps, we also examine the impact of distance from urban growth boundary and proximity to public lands. We conclude with comments about the unforeseen consequences of the “time zone” zoning on agriculture and public services, and consider the fairness of the Measure 37 regime. Close

• 4. [Article] Floodplains: Balancing Nature and Human Needs

  For countless years, the interaction between climatic conditions and water flow has forged the rolling hills and rivers in the metroscape. The floods that forced a deluge of water down the Columbia River ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Floodplains: Balancing Nature and Human Needs Author: Shandas, Vivek, Merrick, Meg Year: 2008 For countless years, the interaction between climatic conditions and water flow has forged the rolling hills and rivers in the metroscape. The floods that forced a deluge of water down the Columbia River between 13 and 17 thousand years ago established the fertile and absorptive landscape of the Willamette Valley. The lush vegetation controlled the regional climate and stabilized the soils, while the thirsty wetlands reduced flood potential, provided habitat, and purified the water. Over geological time, these natural processes have created ideal conditions for humans. The Pacific Northwest was home to some of the most densely populated communities of Native Americans, due partly to mild climate, plentiful water, and abundant sources of food and shelter. In the 19th century, Anglo settlers flooded the region for the same amenities, which continues to create ideal conditions for all that the region is known for today, including hiking, kayaking, and sailing - not to mention the provision of climate, topography, and fertile soils for growing some of the world?s best wines! Land surveys from the 1860s suggest that the current form of the metroscape started to take shape at the end of the 19th century. The conifers, alders, and maples that covered the region were slowly removed to make way for new urban settlements, and wetlands were drained to create farms and agricultural areas. In this atlas, we journey 140 years into the past to examine how and where the metroscape has changed. Our aim is to illustrate historic flooding of the region, and ponder what changes might mean to its future. Title: Floodplains: Balancing Nature and Human Needs Author: Shandas, Vivek, Merrick, Meg Year: 2008 For countless years, the interaction between climatic conditions and water flow has forged the rolling hills and rivers in the metroscape. The floods that forced a deluge of water down the Columbia River between 13 and 17 thousand years ago established the fertile and absorptive landscape of the Willamette Valley. The lush vegetation controlled the regional climate and stabilized the soils, while the thirsty wetlands reduced flood potential, provided habitat, and purified the water. Over geological time, these natural processes have created ideal conditions for humans. The Pacific Northwest was home to some of the most densely populated communities of Native Americans, due partly to mild climate, plentiful water, and abundant sources of food and shelter. In the 19th century, Anglo settlers flooded the region for the same amenities, which continues to create ideal conditions for all that the region is known for today, including hiking, kayaking, and sailing - not to mention the provision of climate, topography, and fertile soils for growing some of the world?s best wines! Land surveys from the 1860s suggest that the current form of the metroscape started to take shape at the end of the 19th century. The conifers, alders, and maples that covered the region were slowly removed to make way for new urban settlements, and wetlands were drained to create farms and agricultural areas. In this atlas, we journey 140 years into the past to examine how and where the metroscape has changed. Our aim is to illustrate historic flooding of the region, and ponder what changes might mean to its future. Close