The pioneering collaborative efforts in the Siuslaw National Forest are taking root in other National Forests across Oregon. One such example is the Clackamas Ranger District on the Mount Hood National Forest.

In 2004, the Clackamas Stewardship Partners (CSP) formed to enhance stewardship opportunities in the forest and bring multiple stakeholders together. Oregon Wild has served on the CSP for several years now, providing a voice for fish and wildlife.

Since its inception, the CSP has approved restoration thinning projects on thousands of acres of forest, leading to millions of dollars made available for road-decommissioning, stream restoration, and more.

In 2008, the CSP won the Two Chiefs award from the heads of the National Resources Conservation Service, and the United States Forest Service. The award recognized “outstanding partnerships in forest conservation work."

Wilderness Coordinator for Oregon Wild, Erik Fernandez says this of the CSP:

“It's rare that such a wide variety of interests can all sit down and find common ground. The Clackamas Stewardship Partners are an example of how we can restore our forests and protect clean drinking water and salmon habitat.”

CSP Mission Statement

Enhance ecosystem health and economic viability of local communities within the Clackamas River Basin. The Clackamas Stewardship Partners are committed to a collaborative process that employs stewardship contracting and other innovative tools to meet restoration goals.

Highlights and Accomplishments

Over the last couple years, the CSP has been steadily working to bring our mission to life on the ground. The group has resolved conflicts over forest thinning projects that would have otherwise been litigated and has began implemented on the ground restoration projects like road decommissioning and aquatic restoration. The group continues to build trust and understanding between the diversity of members at the table as well as between CSP members and the Forest Service.

Partners

Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners, Clackamas County Soil and Water Conservation District, Clackamas River Basin Council, Clackamas River Ranger District of the Mt. Hood National Forest, Clackamas River Water Providers, Gifford Pinchot Task Force, Interfor Lumber Mill, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Portland Chapter of the Society of American Foresters, Portland State University, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wild (formerly ONRC), Northwest Forest Conservancy, Northwest Oregon Resource Conservation and Development Council, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

More information on the Clackamas Stewardship Partners

Oregonian article: The Clackamas River basin benefits from stewardship of the forests