>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

MAN WITH THE PLAN: Union County Planner Hanley Jenkins makes some introductory remarks during Tuesday’s information meeting on the proposed Mount Emily Recreation Area. - The Observer/BILL RAUTENSTRAUCH

Presenters included two officials from Morrow County, which used state ATV program grant funding to buy about 6,000 acres of land and establish a recreation area similar to the one proposed for Mount Emily.

Morrow County Judge Terry Tallman and Public Works Director Birk O’Brien both expressed satisfaction with their park and with the economic development it has brought to the area.

“We knew there was an opportunity there. We knew there was a big growth in ATV use and it was a chance to draw some tourists,” O’Brien said.

Fifty miles of trail were built in 2002 and improvements were made over time. Today, there are 172 miles of trail.

Improvements including campsites, cabins and buildings for emergency medical and law enforcement personnel have been added. The improvements have been funded with ATV program grants.

Tallman said use of the park has increased steadily since it opened in 2002.

“The first year we had 4,000 people come and ride. The next year it was about 8,000. This year there were 32,000,” he said.

Also during the meeting, Union County Planner Hanley Jenkins gave a slide show presentation outlining the county’s ideas for establishing the Mount Emily Recreation Area.

The county has tentative plans to buy the Mount Emily land from Forest Capital Partners. A $7.9 million purchase agreement with current owner Forest Capital Partners has been worked out, though no commitment has been made.

“The agreement doesn’t obligate the county to buy the property,” Jenkins said.

The county would pay for the land with grants from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department ATV and Local Government Grants Programs, plus a low-interest loan from a philanthropic organization.

Under a second option, the county could reduce its capital commitment by purchasing all the land but acquiring only one-third of the standing timber volume. Forest Capital would retain the other two-thirds and harvest it over four years.

The asking price under that option is $4.6 million. Grants from the two programs would cover the cost.

Jenkins said that if the county proceeds with the plans, the board of commissioners would appoint an advisory committee to help with the many aspects of management.

Another presenter was Tom Tuchman, a consultant from a company that is named U.S. Forest Capital but is not a part of Forest Capital Partners. Tuchman is helping Union County in its effort to obtain the low-interest loan.

He said talks have taken place with philanthropic organizations that are interested in investing in Mount Emily. No firm decisions have been made yet.

“We’ve had a couple of encouraging responses,” Tuchman said, without going into detail.

He said the interest rate for the approximately $3 million loan would be 2 percent or 3 percent. The loan would be secured by the timber asset, minimizing risk for the Union County taxpayer.

“We’re looking to make sure the recourse is not on the taxpayer, but on the trees,” he said.

The gathering featured a lengthy question and answer session, with citizens raising numerous concerns.

Jack Johnson of Cove had questions about the appraisal of the property that must be complete before grant funding is approved.

IT WORKS FOR US: Morrow County Judge Terry Tallman talks about the ATV park he helped established in his jurisdiction. Tallman said the park, funded by ATV program grants, has sparked economic development. - The Observer/BILL RAUTENSTRAUCH

Jenkins replied that the appraisal likely would be complete in about two weeks but may not be made public in time for the vote because of negotiations with Forest Capital.

The answer didn’t satisfy Johnson.

“I think it’s critical the public knows what the cash value of the property is going to be,” he said.

John Coote of La Grande had similar concerns.

“Forest Capital got that land for $750 an acre and now they’re asking three times that. What will happen if there’s a discrepancy between the appraisal and the asking price?” he asked.

Jenkins said that such a discrepancy would spark further negotiation.

“We’ll sit down and have a discussion,” he said.

After the meeting Jenkins said that terms of the grant forbid the county from paying more than the appraised value.

Johnson asked O’Brien what Morrow County paid for its 6,200 acres. O’Brien replied that the asking price was $2 million.

“And we’re paying $7.9 million for 3,200 acres?” Johnson said.

Scott Miller of La Grande said he wondered if county taxpayers would be held liable if fire damaged or destroyed the timber on the property, or if environmental lawsuits should arise.

Tuchman repeated that the recourse would be to the tree volume, and not the county’s general fund. Union County Commissioner Nellie Hibbert reinforced his statement.

“I for one am not interested in going into this if the general fund is at risk in any way,” she said.

A woman in the crowd wanted to know why taxes on the property are only $1,900 if the land is worth so much. She also wanted to know what taxes would be if the land was divided into lots and sold to private interests.

County Commissioner Steve McClure fielded the question, saying timberland is assessed at a lower rate. McClure said that even if the property was subdivided, most of it would still be taxed as timberland.

Among other questioners, Carrie Bingaman of Imbler wanted to know if effects on wildlife and plants had been studied.

Jenkins said a report had been done as part of the grants requests. He said the report is posted on the Mount Emily Recreation Coalition’s website.

Others in the crowd asked questions or voiced concerns about management plans, road closures, percentage of land dedicated to ATV use, and more.

Wednesday’s meeting is one of two the county has planned ahead of the May 20 election. The other is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 29 at Imbler High School.