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Opinion Greenway project has great potential
Greenway project has great potential
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When a community changes, grows and improves, it is rarely through the
efforts of any one person. In the best of projects, a vision emerges
from many minds and the final product is the work of many hands. That’s the case in Grande Ronde River Greenway Project, which got the green light recently after four years of cooperative effort among state and local officials and agencies, and private organizations and individuals. In the not-too-distant future, people will be able to relax and recreate along a scenic and serene stretch of river that previously was closed to the public. The community will add an attraction that can be used and enjoyed by local people and visitors from out of the area alike. With money from multiple grants, Island City recently finalized purchase of 20 acres of land stretching a mile and a half west from the Highway 82 bridge. The project is in a seminal stage now, but long-term plans call for a trail system for bicyclists and pedestrians, an urban catchable fishery in a 12-acre pond on the property, interpretive signs, an educational nature center. Fish and wildlife habitat and water quality improvement projects also will be implemented. More land sales agreements are being worked out between the City of La Grande and property owners along the river. The ultimate goal is for the greenway to link La Grande and Island City. As noted, the project is the work of many partners. In addition to Island City and La Grande, others represented in the effort the past several years include Union County, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Grande Ronde Model Watershed. Several agencies teamed to provide the money to buy the property from local businessman and developer Mike Becker. Grant sources included the ODFW’s Fish and Wildlife Restoration and Enhancement Program, the Union Pacific Railroad Blue Mountain Habitat Mitigation Fund, the Oregon Wildlife Heritage Fund and Oregon Parks and Recreation. Together those entities contributed more than $330,000. Island City helped out financially as well. The first phase of the development officially kicks off May 17, when volunteers get together for a general clean-up of the newly acquired property. Anyone interested in helping out should contact Island City Mayor Dale DeLong at 963-5017. Another way to register is online at the website of SOLV, a non-profit organization that works to enhance Oregon’s livability. The address is www.SOLV.org. The greenway will provide a place for outdoor recreation and education for decades to come. Volunteers joining in now will always be able to say they too had a hand in shaping a fine improvement for the Grande Ronde Valley. |
