Working with you to protect our finite soil and water resources in Polk County.

Preserving farmland for future generations

Agriculture is the second largest business in Oregon but without land use planning we most likely wouldn’t have commercial agriculture in much of the Willamette Valley.

Polk County is rich with high value farmland. It is important that the land is protected from over development — once it is developed, the farmland is gone forever. The Friends of Polk County monitor land use applications and their compliance with Oregon’s land use laws as they are submitted to the Polk County Planning department.

Providing a balanced approach to urban planning

With continued growth, what will Polk County look like in 50 years? If not for land use planning, many of Oregon’s fields and forests would long ago have been divided and paved over, and the unique character of each of our towns and cities diluted by the same kind of endless sprawl seen in so many other states.

Fortunately, that kind of sprawl can’t happen here. It’s literally the law.

Friends of Polk County exists to guide development where it belongs and protect the land and water that sustains our communities and ecosystems.

Protecting our valuable forests and watersheds

As the population of Polk County grows, conserving our local watersheds will be critical. Our forested watersheds enrich us in many ways. They prevent erosion and provide clean water, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation and climate benefits.

These forested watersheds are fragile, many are no longer in a pristine condition. Our mission is to monitor land use applications to see that these resources are protected to the full extent of the land use laws and occasionally to advocate for improved protections. 

Avoiding the loss, parcelization, or conversion of our forests will insure a more abundant future in a more livable state for future generations.

Agriculture, forestry, wildlife and people thrive together with Oregon’s land use planning.

Amid the pressures of increasing development and a changing climate, ensuring a balanced and sustainable approach to land use planning is critical to our future. Oregon’s land use planning system only works if the laws are followed. Friends of Polk County is not against development, but we desire smart development that does not have a negative effect on the surrounding area. Like you, we want clean water, abundant wildlife, productive farms and forest lands, vibrant urban and rural communities.

Learn more about Oregon’s historic land use protection.

This 83-minute documentary takes a deep dive into Oregon’s extraordinary journey to protect its natural landscapes and agricultural lands. Featuring interviews with key players, historical footage, and stunning visuals, the film chronicles the creation of Oregon’s landmark land-use laws and the ongoing efforts to preserve its unique environment. Learn how far-sighted leaders like Oswald West and Tom McCall ensured that Oregon’s iconic coastlines and farmlands would remain accessible and protected for generations.

The Friends of Polk County provide resources and information on Oregon’s land use regulations.

  • "I've worked with the Friends of Polk County for many years. According to the latest Census of Agriculture, Oregon lost over 4% of land in farm use over the last five year reporting period. Polk County is doing a much better job than the state as a whole protecting its working lands. Friends of Polk County have been and remain a key to maintaining the land base needed to support a viable agricultural and forest operations in the county.”

    Jim Johnson
    WORKING LANDS POLICY DIRECTOR, 1000 FRIENDS OF OREGON

  • “I am blessed to be married to a 5th generation family farmer. As a State Legislator I work hard to educate my colleagues that agriculture sustainability comes in many forms, but we can’t have it without farmers or without farmland.”

    Anna Scharf
    FARMER AND MEMBER OF THE OREGON HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE 23RD DISTRICT.

  • “Protecting our productive farmland is vital. I appreciate what Friends of Polk County does to educate the public about this issue.”

    Helle Ruddenklau
    FARM OWNER, SERVED AS PRESIDENT OF OREGON WOMEN FOR AGRICULTURE (OWA)

Upcoming events

Friday, April 18, 2025 1 PM
FoPC Board Meeting

Monmouth Library

Friday, May 9, 2025 1 PM
FoPC Board Meeting

Monmouth Library