It may take a long perspective to see it, but our planet is fragile. Nature's ability to continue to provide the resources and services we depend on, in a stable climate, is being threatened by the overuse of natural resources, the production of wastes and pollution including greenhouse gas emissions, and degradation of landscapes that harm people and ecosystems. At the same time, many people struggle to meet their basic needs.

Clackamas County's mission is 'to ensure high quality public service is provided to citizens so they can enjoy livable, healthy, safe and sustainable communities.' Sustainability means using, developing and protecting resources at a rate and in a manner enabling people to meet their current needs while ensuring that future generations can meet their own needs. Our commitment to sustainability requires us to ask: What kind of world can we prosper in, for the long term? What kind of world will we leave to our children and grandchildren?

The county has been growing its commitment to and culture of sustainability and expanding sustainable practices for several years. We continue to look for the most sustainable ways to serve the public.

Several policies and plans inform our approach to sustainability.

• Resolution for a Sustainable Clackamas County
• Action Plan for a Sustainable Clackamas County
  
• Clackamas County Policy on Sustainable Practices
• Clackamas County Administrative Procedures for Implementing the Policy on Sustainable Practices

The Clackamas County Office of Sustainability supports and coordinates sustainability activities within and throughout Clackamas County, and is a resource for the community. We also provide introductory training on sustainability to all employees. For more information, contact Susan Ziolko at sustainability@co.clackamas.or.us or 503-557-6363. 

View the 2008 State of the County video. (Internet Explorer or Windows Media Player required.)

View The Greening of Red Soils video.(Internet Explorer or Windows Media Player required.)