Metro and Clackamas County team up to protect land along the Clackamas River
Metro news release: May 30, 2008
Metro contact: Heather Nelson Kent, kenth@oregonmetro.gov, 503-797-1739 office, 503-860-6145 mobile
Clackamas County contact: Pamela Girtman, pamelagir@co.clackamas.or.us, 503-794-8041
"Carver Curves" purchased for permanent natural area protection
Metro and Clackamas County protect land along the Clackamas River.
Metro and Clackamas County have protected 17 acres along the Clackamas River adjacent to Highway 224 between Barton and Carver. Funding for the acquisition comes from Metro's 2006 voter-approved Natural Areas bond measure. Metro purchased the land and immediately transferred ownership to Clackamas County, who will manage it for river access.
“This property meets the Metro Council's goal of protecting water quality in the Clackamas River and improving fish habitat and recreation opportunities,” said Metro Council President David Bragdon. “We are fortunate to have a partner in Clackamas County that is willing to step up to the challenge of managing the property for the public's benefit.”
Located in a stretch of the Clackamas River known as Fisherman’s Bend, most of the site is within the 100-year floodplain. The property contains nearly 1/2 mile of river frontage, a perennial creek and a wetland system that could be improved to benefit threatened and endangered salmon species. Habitat restoration, including removal of common invasive weeds such as English ivy and blackberry, will be needed in order for the site to fulfill its potential and provide high-quality fish habitat. The site is mostly forested, including a cottonwood forest that extends to the river along the southern property boundary, a small stand of white fir and a larger stand of Douglas fir. Big-leaf maple and alder trees are also present and there is evidence of wildlife such as deer and beaver, great blue heron, red-breasted woodpecker, winter wrens, red-tailed hawk and pileated woodpecker using the site.
The property poses management challenges for Clackamas County due to its popularity with river users. Clackamas County recently unveiled a new program, the "ecOzone campaign", aimed at improving conditions on the Clackamas River this summer. A portable restroom and recycling bins will be placed at the site to give rafters and other river users an additional designated stopping point along the way between Barton Park and the Carver boat ramp.
"It's great that this land is now under the management of our parks department," said Clackamas County Chair Lynn Peterson. "We are hopeful that the community will respond positively to the new ecOzone program at the Carver Curves – and other places on the river – to help make the Clackamas safe and enjoyable for everyone this summer."
The deed given to Clackamas County by Metro will contain a perpetual restriction on the property prohibiting the land from being used for any purpose other than a natural area, open space, park, or trail area. The property was previously owned by the Oregon Department of Transportation. It was to be designated "surplus" by the agency and listed for sale on the open market. An independent appraisal, purchased by Metro, indicates that the site could have been sold for continued timber production and development of a single home site. Local groups including the Three Rivers Land Conservancy and the Clackamas River Basin Council have advocated for the site's permanent protection through acquisition with Metro's bond funds.
The Metro Council's 2006 Natural Areas Program funds land acquisition and capital improvements that protect water quality and fish and wildlife habitat, enhance trails and wildlife corridors, and provide greater connections to nature in urban areas throughout the Portland metropolitan area. For more information, visit www.oregonmetro.gov/naturalareas.
Metro, the regional government that serves 1.4 million people who live in the 25 cities and three counties of the Portland metropolitan area, provides planning and other services that protect the nature and livability of our region.
Need assistance?
Related Links
Acquiring natural areas
Find out more about the 27 target areas where Metro is acquiring natural areas and trails to safeguard water quality, protect fish and wildlife habitat, and ensure access to nature for future generations.