Madrone Wall (OR) Update 9/27/05

[elaine]

For those of you that are curious.

 

Clackamas County officials have held several "research" meetings with four focus groups; residents surrounding the Madrone site, government agencies ( State Parks, Metro), rock quarry businesses ( who cares), and lastly, the recreation/conservation group. Three of the four meetings were attended by the Madrone Wall Preservation Group, and the Access Fund. The residents surrounding the site, agencies, and recreationalists unanimously supported preservation and a good represenation at each of the 3 meetings requested immediate access. Including the many Clackamas County residents.

 

Important issues that the County can no longer throw up as a road block? 1) Liability. Clackamas County Cousel Steven Lounsbury told Madrone Wall attorney that the recreational liability is not an issue citing the Wagonneer vs City of Woodburn Case. Even the Metro rep stated that liaility is not an issue to keep this site closed and that Clackamas County needs to understand State Statutes 2) No cost to the County. This property is already publicly owned. It would not cost them anything to make it a park or an open space with limited facilities. We've provided Rocky Butte, Carver, Horsetheif Butte, and Broughton's Bluffs as such models. 3) Funding for facilities/maintenance. The Access Fund and the Madrone Wall Preservation Committee have promised 1000 volunteer hours in the first year this site was made into a park. The Access Fund awards grants for such needs as bathroom installation, and trail signage to keep folks off surrounding private property. The Madrone Wall Preservation Comm. can also help with this at a much smaller level. All the more reason to support these two organizations.

 

About 60 or so people showed up to the Sept 14th meeting. Not a great turn out, but not bad either. You all still have time to write your letters, and you can find that e-mail on this site. You can also go to the "Save Madrone" website.

 

Commissioner Martha Schrader was quoted at the March 2005 Study Session that she "did not see this place being anything other than a park." The City of Damascus is behind the preservation of this site, as are so many other established groups; Sierra Club, Mazamas, Friends of Forest Park, Cooper Spur Wild and Free, and so many more. It was nice to hear the input from the residents near the site and so many Clackamas County residents and groups that want to have access to it. Not only for climbing, but hiking, educational opportunities, horseback riding, etc.

 

The Clackamas County Parks Advisory Board will be making a recommendation based on all of the meetings, their research and the letters received before the winter holiday. A decision about this site will most likely be made in early 2006. Write Your Letters!!!!!!!!!!!