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CORVALLIS - An Oregon State University Extension Service publication that uses 33 newspaper-style stories to explore issues and examine citizens efforts linked to Oregon's future has won a national award from Agricultural Communicators in Education (ACE), a university-based professional organization.

"Looking for Oregon's Future: What is Sustainability," a tabloid-format publication, has received the professional organization's annual Outstanding Professional Skill Award for publishing.

"We decided to do a publication about sustainability to encourage conversation and sharing of ideas in the state," said Peter Bloome, associate director of the OSU Extension Service. "The greatest challenge was to provide a balance between the economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainability. The social dimension seemed the most difficult until the events of Sept. 11 underscored its importance."

Since Sept. 11, the importance of crafting a livable future has become more personal for everyone, he added. "For me, sustainability is about the quality of life we want to make possible for our children and grandchildren."

Because the publication was produced as a public service, there is no charge for single or multiple copies. According to the Extension Service, secondary schools, colleges and universities are using the publication in classes, and numerous public and private groups are using it to stimulate discussions about the future of the state.

You can order the publication by calling 1-800-561-6719, e-mailing puborders@orst.edu, or write to: Publication Orders, Extension & Station Communications, OSU, 422 Kerr Administration, Corvallis, OR 97331-2119. Ask for EM 8784. A brief study guide also is available.

In addition, the publication is available online, including an interactive quiz to test readers' knowledge of sustainability issues. To view the online edition, log onto http://oregonfuture.oregonstate.edu/.

In November, the publication was inserted in daily newspapers across Oregon.