OPRD Trails Plan
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission has approved a final draft of a statewide trails plan that will guide maintenance and development over the next decade. Katie Gauthier with the Parks and Recreation Department says the plan is designed to help prioritize funding and shape recommendations for public lands.
“The Oregon trails plan is an effort that we undertake to help create priorities for grant funding and recommendations for public lands in Oregon over the next ten years”
The plan goes beyond just state park trails, taking a broader look at trail use across Oregon.
“It goes beyond state parks land but broadly how we as a state should be looking at trails.”
It also includes both land and water-based recreation. Gauthier says while water trails for kayaking and canoeing are gaining interest, they still trail far behind traditional use.
“In the surveys that we did 21% of residents reported utilizing water trails. But over 80 percent of Oregonians are accessing a trail every year. So, it’s a big part of who we are as Oregonians.”
More details on the plan, along with technical resources, are available online.
https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/BWT/Pages/Technical-Resources-for-Recreation-Planning.aspx
ARS Hosting 2 Shows
Each year the Siuslaw chapter of the American Rhododendron Society hosts a pair of flower shows at the Florence Events Center. The late show, in conjunction with the annual Rhododendron Festival, is a signature feature of the festival. But, since many of the hybrid rhododendrons in the area begin blooming well ahead of the festival, an early show is set for mid to late April. This year’s early show will be April 18th and 19th at the FEC. Blossoms along with a collar of leaves are known as trusses. Anyone with Rhododendrons or their cousins, Azaleas, may cut and submit theirs for entry between 7 and 9 AM Saturday the 18th for inclusion in the show. There is no charge to enter flowers, nor to visit the show. Information about the show can be found at the group’s website, siulsawars.org
Council Meeting
Florence City Council members will open tonight’s meeting with a proclamation recognizing Military Child Month, then take public comment on items not listed on the agenda. The main public hearing centers on the Bertao annexation and zone assignment request. Councilors will hear testimony on a proposal from Michelle Bertao to annex property at 88179 3rd Avenue into the city. They will also consider assigning medium-density residential zoning to the site. The property is identified on Assessor’s Map 18-12-04-44, with ordinances 1 and 2, Series 2026, up for consideration. the meeting will be at city hall at 5:30
Monument Damaged
A bronze monument honoring Jessie Honeyman at Honeyman State Park was damaged in what officials say appears to be an attempted theft last month. The “Eye of the Needle” monument, located near the Cleawox day-use area, was reportedly knocked over and cut in two places between the evening of March 2 and the morning of March 3, causing significant damage. The statue, dedicated in 1986 and sculpted by Gordon Newell, is recognized by the Smithsonian. Park staff have removed it for safety while they assess repairs, though no timeline has been set. Anyone with information is asked to contact Oregon State Police.
