Clackamas River Enforcement and Ecology Workgroup - CREEW

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

The Clackamas River is iconic in Clackamas County, providing numerous benefits to the region. The watershed is home to numerous fish species as well as other wildlife. Two county parks, Barton and Carver, serve as destinations and launch sites for much of the recreation that occurs on the Lower Clackamas River. Over the past decade, use of the river has grown substantially, with 400 people per hour recorded floating along the river in 2007 during the hottest summer days. Complaints of alcohol use, litter, and aggressive behavior on the river prompted the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners to pass a 2013 ordinance leading to tighter enforcement of alcohol use in county parks. The Clackamas River Enforcement and Ecology Workgroup, or CREEW– representatives from county departments and partners – was formed to collaboratively work to identify goals and programs for the upcoming summer recreation season that will help further the positive results of the Parks Ordinance and promote the Clackamas River as a river everyone should be able to enjoy, as well as Clackamas County parks and recreation areas.