UERC Acronyms are a way of life for natural resource and other groups and agencies. If you are ever accosted by a long string of letters that make no sense, challenge the individual by asking them to use it in a sentence and explain what it is that they do.

UERC is the Urban Ecosystem Research Consortium. This organization consists of a group of individuals and their organizations that have put on a symposium for the last 4 years. The symposium gives attendees a glimpse of all the fabulous urban conservation work that is being done in the Portland Metro area. These areas include Portland, Tigard, Beaverton, Vancouver, Gresham, Milwaukie, Happy Valley, and others in the Metro area. There are oral presentations, and a poster session. In the oral presentation, you have 8 minutes to explain your project. The time is strictly kept and you get honked by a rubber chicken if you run over. There were morning and afternoon keynote addresses and 24 speakers. Talk about information! Close to overload.

The topics ranged from urban air emissions affect on lichens to “Regional Equity” in amount of park space per citizen. The great thing about this format is that you do not have to listen to 45 minutes of something you are not particularly interested in. You also have the opportunity to talk to the speakers. It is a great place to learn what others are doing in the region. These contacts can lead to partnerships and weeding out of redundant programs.

I had the privilege to talk about one of my projects, “Golf Course Quality Lawns” and the goal of reducing pesticides and fertilizer use. I also talked about, all the groups that are assisting to make the project work to its best advantage. We have Dave Phipps at Stone Creek Golf Course reducing chemicals on the golf course, we have Kim Swan at South Fork Water Board and Nikki Everson at Sunrise Water District that is helping with water conservation. DEQ (Oregon Department of Environment Quality) and USGS (United Stated Geological Survey) are doing the stream pesticides and nutrient monitoring work to see where we need to concentrate our efforts. Their data will eventually see if we are doing what needs to be done. Metro, East Multnomah SWCD (Soil and Water Conservation District), WES (Water Environmental Services), irrigation suppliers, and golf course superintendents are all part of the team.

The purpose of this was to talk about UERC, but in the process I have to note that there are a whole bunch of people that are needed to keep urban natural resources viable. When everyone does a little bit, the insurmountable task for just one group just melts away.

Put January on the calendar for next year!

Check it out for yourself. http://www.esr.pdx.edu/uerc

As always Clair Klock is willing to answer any questions. Clair can be reached at Clackamas County Soil & Water Conservation District 503-656-3499 or by email at clair.klock (at) or.nacdnet.net.