CLATSOP COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATIONAL LANDS MASTER PLAN D I S C O V E R Y 2 0 0 6 Including GOAL 8 RECREATIONAL NEEDS BACKGROUND REPORT March 1, 2006 i As representatives of Clatsop County citizens, we are more convinced than ever that Clatsop County?s diverse recreational holdings are among our most valuable assets. What we have discovered gives us a deeper appreciation for the privilege of living here and stronger commitment to pass this on as a legacy for future generations. -Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Task Force Thank you to the citizens of Clatsop County who attended public meetings, participated in the survey and symposium and reviewed the draft reports. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Task Force Carolyn Eady, Chair Lynne Leland Recreational Lands Advisory Committee Oregon Equestrian Trails Marc Auerbach Neal Maine Recreational Lands Advisory Committee North Coast Land Conservancy John Benson Tom Parke Recreational Lands Advisory Committee Weyerhaeuser Company, Retired Mary Blake Nancy Sells Sunset Empire Parks and Recreation Recreational Lands Advisory Committee Richard Fencsak Larry Sprouse Bikes and Beyond Oregon Department of Forestry Gail Galen Scott Stonum Recreational Lands Advisory Committee National Park Service, Fort Clatsop Debra Kraske, Assistant County Administrator Patrick Lines, State Parks Advisor Steve Meshke, Parks Foreman Helen Westbrook, Board of Commissioners? Liaison Clatsop County Recreational Lands Planning & Advisory Committee Marc Auerbach, Chair Dale McDowell John Benson Nancy Sells Carolyn Eady Charles Wassinger Gail Galen Clatsop County Planning Commission Bruce Francis, Chair Brian Pogue Marc Auerbach Dirk Rohne William ?Bill? Harris Charles Switzer Jeff Martin Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Richard Lee, Chair Patricia Roberts Lylia Gaebel Helen Westbrook Samuel Patrick Consultant Illahee Group, Vancouver WA iii Table of Contents Introduction 1 1. Planning Process 3 Statewide Planning Goals 3 Clatsop County Comprehensive Plan 4 Goal 8 4 1992 Recreation Master Plan 5 Recreational Lands Planning Advisory Committee 6 Master Plan Task Force 7 2. Public Involvement 9 Master Plan Task Force Meetings 9 Park Opinion Survey 11 Public Workshops 12 Commissioner Presentation 13 Symposium: ?Hidden Presence, Undiscovered Treasures? 13 3. Clatsop County Today & Projected: Demand for Outdoor Recreation 17 Present Situation 17 Demographics 19 Planning Area 20 Natural Features 21 Benefits of Recreation and Open Space 22 Statewide Outdoor Comprehensive Recreation Plan 24 Demand for Trails Today and Projected 31 4. Recreation Providers: Overview of Resources and Supply 37 Diverse Recreational Lands 37 Public Lands 41 Federal Lands 41 State of Oregon 41 Cities 42 Clatsop County 42 Public School Districts 43 Park and Recreation District 43 iv Private Providers 43 Industrial Forest Lands 44 Recreation Inventories 44 5. Park System Goals, Objectives and Action Strategies 53 Planning Goals 53 Objectives and Action Strategies 53 Goals, Objectives and Action Strategies List 54 6. Definitions and Standards 59 Park Classifications 59 Shared-use Parks 60 Special Use Areas 61 Natural Areas 61 Gateway and Leased Park Designations 63 Classification Matrix 64 Zoning 65 7. County Parks and Recreational Lands 67 Parks and Recreational Lands 67 Habitat Summary 70 Designated County Parks 71 County-Owned Recreation Sites 104 Other County-Owned Actual or Potential Recreation Sites 113 Camping Facilities 115 Land and Water Trails Proposals 116 8. Park System Financial Analysis 117 Park System Management and Financial History 117 Current Budget Resources 119 Grant Funding Opportunities 123 Other Mechanisms and Resources 125 Financing Summary and Recommendations 126 Parks Management Recommendations 128 v 9. Park System Summary Recommendations and Capital Projects List 129 Introduction 129 Summary of Recommendations 130 Procedural Recommendations 136 Capital Projects List 137 Appendix Task Force Meetings A 2005 Clatsop County Parks System Survey and Summary Report B Public Meetings Summary C Community Symposium D Top LWCF Priorities: Region 1 E SCORP Phone Survey: Disability Information F SCORP: Role of County Park and Recreation Departments G Local Area Trail Maps H Recreation Rules and Map: Astoria District - ODF I Recreation Rules and Map: Weyerhaeuser Forest Lands ? Clatsop County J Tillamook and Columbia County Camping Fees K Locations of Proposed LNG Proposals on Columbia River L Grant Summaries and Worksheets M Regional Recreation Council - Proposed Charter N Clatsop County Park Rules and Regulations O Article: Sigfridson Park Adopted by Class of Star of the Sea School P Article: Camp Kiwanilong Celebrates 70th Anniversary Q Other Funding Mechanisms and Resources R Clatsop County Travel Impacts, 1991-2004 S County-Owned Water Access Sites T Other County-Owned Parcels U vi Figures Figure 1 ? Symposium Mapping Exercise 16 Figure 2 ? Park and Recreational Lands Map 69 Tables Table 1 ? Participation Rate by Activity 26 Table 2 ? Top 10 Outdoor Activities ? State Residents 26 Table 3 ? Percentage of Region 1 Participating in Recreation Activities (11 most popular) 27 Table 4 ? Changes in Recreation Participation in Region 1 (1987-2002) 28 Table 5 ? Most Significant Participation Growth Activities in Region 1 29 Table 6 ? Land Managed for Recreation: Examples by Provider 38 Table 7 ? Other Land in Clatsop County Open to the Public for Recreation 39 Table 8 ? Supply of Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities by Major Supplier in Clatsop County 40 Table 9 ? Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Lands in Clatsop County 45 Table 10 ? Clatsop State Forest Recreation Facilities 46 Table 11 ? Public Water Access: Rivers and Streams 47 Table 12 ? Public Water Access: Boat Ramps 48 Table 13 ? Designated Area Trails 49 Table 14 ? Golf Course 49 Table 15 ? School District Facilities 50 Table 16 ? Other Tennis Courts 50 Table 17 ? Camping/RV Facilities 51 Table 18 ? Goals, Objectives, and Strategies 54 Table 19 ? Park and Recreational Lands Classification Matrix 64 Table 20 ? County Zoning Relevant to Parks and Recreation Lands 65 Table 21? Parks and Recreational Lands 68 Table 22 ? Habitat Summary 70 Table 23 ? Facility Inventory by Site 71 Table 24 ? Undeveloped County-Owned Water Access Sites 113 Table 25 ? Current Budget Resources 120 Table 26 ? Available Grant Programs 123 Table 27 ? Other Mechanisms and Resources 127 Table 28 ? Capital and Maintenance Improvement Plan 138 vii References ?Creating Connections: The Oregon Recreational Trails How-To-Manual,? a component of ?Oregon Trails 2005-2014: A Statewide Action Plan,? Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, May 2004. (www.prd.state.or.us/trailsplanning.php) ?Clatsop State Forest Recreation Management,? PowerPoint presentation, RMPTF meeting, 2005. ?From Rails to Trails in Oregon: The Springwater Corridor,? Community Development Department, City of Gresham, February 1993. ?Local Greenprinting for Growth Workbooks ? Vol 1: Overview Vol. II: How to Define a Conservation Vision Vol III: Securing Conservation Funds Vol. IV: How to Acquire and Manage Park and Conservation Lands,? Trust for Public Land, 2003 ?Oregon Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2003-2007,? Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, January 2003. ?Oregon Trails 2005-2014: Water Trails Plan Non-Motorized Trails Plan Motorized Trails Plan,? Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, February 2005. ?Rails-with-Trails: Design, Management and Operating Characteristics of 61 Trails along Active Rail Lines,? Rails to Trails Conservancy in cooperation with National Parks Service, November 2000. ?Rails-with-Trails: Lessons Learned, Literature Review Current Practices, Conclusions,? U.S. Department of Transportation, August 2002. ?Surface Transportation: Issues Related to Preserving Inactive Rail Lines as Trails,? Report to the Hon. Sam Brownback, U.S. Senate; U.S. General Accounting Office, October 1999. (GAO/RCED-00-4) Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 1 INTRODUCTION It is significant that the Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Task Force (the ?Task Force?) went about its work during 2005 and 2006 ? 200 years after Lewis & Clark?s Corps of Discovery reached the mouth of the Columbia River. The Corps set foot in this area November 26, 1805. They camped near the present-day John Day boat ramp after crossing the Columbia River at Aldrich Point. On December 9, the Corps started construction of Fort Clatsop to make their winter home. For three and one-half months they explored this area. Captain Lewis wrote more in his journal about what he discovered here than anywhere else on the journey. The 12 Clatsop County citizens on this task force served as a latter-day Corps of Discovery, taking an inventory of existing parks and recreation sites, examining the many details of parks management and operation, and exploring ways to preserve some of our most valuable resources. The report that they produced is a comprehensive examination of the demand and supply of outdoor recreation in Clatsop County, including an in-depth examination of the county-owned resources. It is an update to the 1992 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan and, as such, is part of the county?s Comprehensive Plan. The Task Force?s report is organized into nine chapters: 1. Planning Process Key milestones in Oregon?s long history of land-use planning. 2. Public Involvement Methods of outreach and results obtained through involvement of Clatsop County citizens in the planning process. 3. Clatsop County Today and Projected: Demand for Outdoor Recreation Examination and analysis of current trends, conditions and outdoor recreation needs and demand. 4. Recreational Providers: Overview of Resources and Supply The broad spectrum of recreational providers, types of resources and inventories of current supply. ?We need to take seriously the evidence that open space counts in human lives and that places where we play can be places of hope.? Martin J. Rosen Founding Member and President of the Trust for Public Lands 1972-1977 2 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 5. Park System Goals, Objectives and Action Strategies Five identified planning goals with subsequent objectives and action strategies for parks and recreational lands. 6. Definitions and Standards Proposed park classification system to better manage, plan for and promote county park resources. 7. County Parks & Recreational Lands Benchmark data obtained in on-site inventories at county-owned parks and recreation sites. 8. Park System Financial Analysis A review of funding mechanisms currently in use or available, and recommended ways to achieve more stable funding. 9. Park System Summary Recommendations and Capital Projects List Recommendations for meeting recreation needs of residents and visitors in the next ten years. Building A Legacy We must remain aware of our role as land and water stewards of Clatsop County, with a responsibility to protect and preserve the quality of life we enjoy here today. Economic growth, housing development and jobs should be balanced with the need to protect our resources. Without a healthy environment we threaten our own health, water and food supplies, and the overall stability of natural systems that sustain us. Partnerships, a coordinating council, innovative funding strategies and marketing tools recommended in this report serve as effective means by which to bring about greater recognition of our common cultural, ecological and recreational values. Above all, they reinforce the need to preserve and enhance these resources for future generations. ?In the end, our society will be defined not only by what we create, but by what we refuse to destroy.? John Sawhill President of the Nature Conservancy 1990-2000 ?Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike.? John Muir Sierra Club Founder Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 3 1 > PLANNING PROCESS The update to the Clatsop County Parks and Recreational Lands Master Plan builds on Oregon?s long history of land-use planning and policymaking at the state and local level. Key milestones are described here. > Statewide Planning Goals The State of Oregon has long maintained a strong statewide program for land-use planning. The foundation of the program is a set of 19 Statewide Planning Goals to which local governments are required to conform. In more than three decades since the goals were first established, there have been modifications in process, but the goals themselves have remained the same. The 19 goals express the state?s consistent policies on land use and related topics such as citizen involvement, housing, natural resources and recreational needs. Most of the goals are accompanied by ?guidelines? that suggest ways in which a goal may be applied but (as noted in Goal 2) the use of the guidelines is not mandatory. Local comprehensive planning is the means by which municipalities achieve the Statewide Planning Goals. State law requires each city and county to adopt a comprehensive plan, along with the zoning and land-division ordinances necessary to put the plan into effect. Oregon?s Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) reviews local comprehensive plans to ensure consistency with the Statewide Planning Goals. When LCDC officially approves a local government?s plan, the plan is said to be ?acknowledged? and becomes the controlling document for land use in the area covered by the plan. ?There is a shameless threat to our environment and to the whole quality of life, an unfettered despoiling of the land. Sagebrush subdivisions, coastal ?condomania? and the ravenous rampage of suburbia in the Willamette Valley all threaten to mock Oregon?s status as the environmental model for the nation ? ?We are in dire need of a state land-use policy, new subdivision laws and new standards for planning and zoning by cities and counties. The interests of Oregon for today and in the future must be protected from grasping wastrels of the land ...? From Gov. Tom McCall?s opening address to the 1973 Legislative Assembly January 8, 1973 Later that year, the Legislature adopted Senate Bill 100, creating Oregon?s Statewide Planning Goals. 4 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Oregon?s planning laws apply not only to local governments but also to special districts and state agencies. The laws strongly emphasize coordination ? that is, the need to keep plans and programs consistent with each other, with the goals themselves, and with acknowledged local plans. > Clatsop County Comprehensive Plan Clatsop County?s Comprehensive Plan is consistent with Oregon?s Statewide Planning Goals. First adopted in 1983 and amended over the years, the plan represents literally thousands of hours of work by citizen advisory committees, the Clatsop County Planning Commission and staff of the Community Development Department, all supported by the active involvement of interested residents. The Clatsop County Plan is a statement of public goals, policies, objectives, standards and maps used in making specific decisions about present and future land use. As a long-range policy guide it represents a public statement of the most desirable land conservation and development uses for the next ten to 20 years. As a vital, living document, the Clatsop County Comprehensive Plan is flexible enough to change as long as goals and policies, once established, maintain their consistency and the integrity of commitment that underlies them. > Goal 8 Oregon Statewide Planning Goal 8 requires local governments to inventory recreation needs based on public wants and desires. They are also required to inventory recreation opportunities that are available, based on adequate research and analysis. Goal 8 urges long-range plans, policies and action strategies. Oregon Statewide Planning Goals 1: Citizen Involvement 2: Land Use Planning 3: Agricultural Lands 4: Forest Lands 5: Open Spaces, Scenic and Historic Areas, and Natural Resources 6. Air, Water and Land Resources Quality 7. Areas Subject to Natural Disasters and Hazards 8: Recreational Needs 9: Economic Development 10: Housing 11: Public Facilities and Services 12: Transportation 13: Energy Conservation 14: Urbanization 15: Willamette River Greenway 16: Estuarine Resources 17: Coastal Shorelands 18: Beaches and Dunes 19: Ocean Resources Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 5 Among issues addressed, it focuses attention on the need to: ? Meet recreational needs for high-density population centers and persons of limited mobility and finances. ? Provide maximum conservation of energy and minimize environmental impact and deterioration. ? Make services available to the public at nominal cost. ? Meet the needs of visitors to the state. Goal 8 works in synergy with other elements of the statewide plan. Goal 1, for example ? the Citizen Involvement Goal ? requires that the county develop and implement a program that provides an opportunity for citizen involvement in all phases of the land-use planning process. Goal 9 ? the Economy Goal ? requires the county to plan for economic development. In Clatsop County, tourism plays a key role. Large shares of the county?s recreational resources are provided for or are used extensively by tourists. Planning for these types of recreational facilities maintains the county?s economic health both by encouraging tourism and providing opportunities to keep people healthy. > The 1992 Recreation Master Plan Clatsop County?s Recreational Lands Master Plan is a subset of Oregon Statewide Planning Goal 8. The original Recreational Lands Master Plan was adopted Dec. 23, 1992, representing the combination of two planning documents: 1. A recreational needs background report that inventoried existing recreational facilities; examined general recreational needs; and reviewed land-use controls relating to recreational uses. 2. A management tool for county-owned lands that inventoried county-owned sites; provided site-specific recommendations; and examined the county?s park management structure. Oregon Goal 8 (www.co.clatsop.or.us) reads as follows: ?To satisfy the recreational needs of the citizens of the state and visitors and, where appropriate, to provide for the siting of necessary recreational facilities and destination resorts.? Goal 8 ? Recreational Lands, Clatsop County Comprehensive Plan reads as follows: ?Provide opportunities for Clatsop County residents and visitors to enjoy a variety of quality outdoor recreational activities through the development and maintenance of a well- balanced county-wide park system.? (Goal #2, page 3) Goals, Policies and Action Plans on behalf of Goal 8 (amended by Ordinance 05- 04) were last updated and adopted by the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners in March 2005 (www.co.clatsop.or.us). 6 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan During the process of developing the master plan, the Clatsop County Recreational Lands Committee affirmed the following mission statement: ?The mission of Clatsop County Recreation Resource Planning is to pursue adequate funding to support Park and Recreation staffing with the ability to implement the plans formulated in the Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan and management policies.? While the master plan served successfully as a tool for managing the county?s recreational resources, even during times of great financial pressure, it is now out-of-date and does not address the future of recreational lands in Clatsop County. It does not provide the broad vision needed for park and trail systems, nor an approach for resolving funding issues. > Recreational Lands Planning Advisory Committee On Oct. 27, 2004, the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners ordered the preparation of an updated Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan. The county?s Recreational Lands Planning Advisory Committee, a group of citizens named by the county commissioners to guide the county on recreational land-use issues, was named to supervise the preparation of the plan update. ?As the rest of the world sees Oregonians able to mix economic prosperity with conservation, they will be encouraged to balance their communities, cities and counties in a healthier manner.? Boone Johnson From SOLV?s Oregon Owner?s Manual Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 7 > Master Plan Task Force The committee created a task force consisting of 12 citizen volunteers. Those who served included community residents, business and civic leaders, educators and recreation professionals. In updating the master plan, the Task Force set goals and priorities, recommended suitable projects for the county?s parks and other recreational lands, and formulated recommendations. The Task Force met at least once a month (Appendix A ? Meeting Schedule). Members completed extensive on-site inventories of land managed for recreation in Clatsop County, as well as land not currently managed for recreation but available for that purpose. The new plan is expected to serve the county?s recreational land-use planning needs for the next ten years. ?A child born today could conceivably live to see 2115. The planning done today will affect that child?s sunset years as well as the childhood of that child?s grand- children. We?re really setting the tone, vision, the future of the quality of life for generations.? Mary Blake Task Force member and general manager, Sunset Empire Parks & Recreation 8 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan This page intentionally left blank Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 9 2 > PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT The Master Plan Task Force studied conditions, trends and attitudes in the county and solicited public input to establish a framework for the preservation, restoration and enhancement of recreational lands over the next ten years. > Master Plan Task Force Meetings The update to the 1992 Recreational Lands Master Plan is primarily the work of the Master Plan Task Force, which met monthly beginning in December 2004. The county retained the services of Illahee Group, a private consulting firm specializing in park planning and design, to assist in completing various component parts of the plan. Input from county and state staff, state and national parks representatives and local citizens was included in the team?s deliberations. The Task Force undertook a series of comprehensive, on-site inventories of designated county parks and other land used for recreation. Members assessed the current condition of each property and evaluated possibilities for future use. Five goals were identified along with supporting objectives and action strategies that provide detailed guidelines of park standards, physical improvements, operations and maintenance, and administrative functions. These are reviewed in Chapter 5: Park System Goals, Objectives and Action Strategies. A new park classification system was developed that will serve as a guide for the ongoing management and use of county parks and other county-owned holdings. It will also provide direction for the development of new facilities. The classification system recognizes the diversity and variety of uses within the park system and is described in Chapter 6: Definitions and Standards. Task Force Mission Statement: The mission of Clatsop County Parks and Recreation resource planning is to improve the quality of life and environment in the county by creating a more healthful, desirable and prosperous urban and rural community. 10 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Trails were recognized as an important part of the Recreational Lands Master Plan because of their innate ability to connect people to parks, waterfront areas, businesses and neighborhoods. Terry Bergerson, an outdoor planner with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, made a presentation to the Task Force at the meeting on July 28, 2005. The popularity of walking as documented in our local survey also spurred development of recommendations regarding land and water trails as a key element of the Recreational Lands Master Plan. Subcommittees were formed to address issues regarding public outreach, funding, policy recommendations and planning for the community symposium held Dec. 7, 2005. The Parks and Recreational Lands Master Plan includes recommendations for the overall park system, financing strategies and the aforementioned trails report, along with extensive appendices with source documentation. The full record of the Task Force including meeting minutes and supporting documents is retained in the county?s public records file. The Oregon State Parks Statewide Trails Plan goes the extra mile by including three components: non- motorized trails, motorized trails, and water trails. Oregon is the first state in the United States to give water trails equal billing. Read the plan at oregon.gov/OPRD/ PLANS Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 11 > Park Opinion Survey A survey measuring public awareness and attitudes about Clatsop County Parks and recreation programs was conducted during August 2005. Surveys were handed out at key venues, mailed and made available online at the Clatsop County Web site. The objective was to obtain information that would be useful in preparing this report (Appendix B ? Survey Form and Results). Sixty-five surveys were returned. Nine of these were submitted online. Of the remaining surveys, 26 were from a random mailing to households in Clatsop County. The results of the survey process are contained in Appendix B. Key findings are highlighted here: ? When asked about favorite outdoor activities, walking/hiking received the largest percentage response of any item (83%). Beach activities and biking were mentioned by over half of the respondents, and fishing and wildlife viewing/bird watching by nearly half. ? Many survey respondents said they had no knowledge of many parks included in the survey or the breadth of recreation opportunities available. One Seaside resident said, ?County parks are seriously under-advertised.? Suggestions included better signage, brochures and maps of park facilities. ? The most heavily used county park was Cullaby Lake Park. 62% of all respondents visited the park at least once in the last 12 months. Sigfridson Park was the least-used county park and also scored lowest in name recognition. Favorite outdoor activities identified in local survey (ranked by percent who participate) Walking/hiking 83% Beach activities 55% Biking 54% Wildlife/bird watching 49% Fishing 49% Swimming 39% Natural & open spaces 37% Non-motorized boating 31% Motorized boating 26% Tent camping 26% Playgrounds 25% Golf 19% Educational 19% Hunting 17% RV camping 15% Target shooting 15% ATV 14% Sport fields 14% Basketball 11% Archery 8% Horseback riding 6% Skating 5% Tennis 5% Yurts 3% ?I think county parks are seriously under- advertised. I?ve lived in the county for 20 years and regularly use state parks ? really had NO idea there were so many county parks!? Survey respondent Seaside 12 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan ? Survey participants were asked if they had enough information about specific recreation opportunities. Walking/hiking registered the largest response. Just 26% say they currently have enough information about walking/hiking. 51% say they want more. Other comments referenced the need for more trails and ATV (all-terrain vehicle) ride areas, parking and other fees, lack of restroom maintenance, crowded campgrounds, and recreational impacts of LNG (liquefied natural gas) storage facilities. > Public Workshops Two public meetings were held in Clatsop County in October 2005. The objectives of these meetings were to gather public comment on preliminary master plan findings and to solicit additional opinions about parks and recreational lands in Clatsop County. Comparisons are made to state data in Chapter 3 of this report. The first meeting was held on Oct. 6, 2005, at Astoria?s Red Lion Inn. The second meeting was held on Oct. 13, 2005, in Seaside at the Bob Chisholm Community Center. Both meetings lasted approximately 90 minutes. Public notices, newspaper articles and radio play were used to publicize the events. Fifteen participants, five in Astoria and ten in Seaside, attended the workshops. In addition, the meetings were staffed by Task Force members and attended by members of the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners. Community comments were gathered from questionnaire forms, post-it note statements adhered to displays, and text written directly on maps. A summary of comments is contained in Appendix C. ?County parks are not well distributed geographically.? ?Link the trail system in Tillamook forest to trails in Clatsop forests. Include equestrians.? ?Develop more shared- use trails.? ?Parks need signs.? ?Put in a bike trial from Fort Stevens to Seaside.? ?I had no idea there were so many parks.? -- Comments by workshop participants Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 13 The need for better awareness of county parks was reinforced, just as in the survey. Participants advised promoting a park or other recreational opportunity in each weekend section of The Daily Astorian. Better signage was requested. Participants made specific requests for: ? A shared-use trail and mountain bike system at Carnahan Park. ? A horse camp at Cullaby Lake. ? Parking for horse trailers and large trucks at DeLaura Beach. ? A bike trail from Fort Stevens to Seaside. ? An ATV park and campground on Nicolai Mountain. ? More mountain bike trails. ? Greater effort to limit dumping, vandalism and damage to the dunes being done by four-wheel drive vehicles at DeLaura Beach. > Commissioner Presentation The Recreational Lands Master Plan Task Force reported to the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners. Chair Carolyn Eady made a presentation on Sept. 28, 2005, to review progress on inventories, goals and priorities, and steps necessary to complete the work of the charter and finish the plan on schedule. > Symposium: ?Hidden Presence, Undiscovered Treasures? Seventy-eight people gathered on the evening of Dec. 7, 2005, to acknowledge and celebrate the recreational resources of Clatsop County, and to review work to date by the Recreational Lands Master Plan Task Force (Appendix D). The symposium was held at the Rilea Armed Forces Training Center, 200 years to the day after Lewis & Clark?s Corps of Discovery arrived at the present-day location of Fort Clatsop. ?Our parks offer a wealth of opportunities for health, fitness and wellness, social interactions, economic gains and environmental stewardship. We want to engage our residents in making this a working document that preserves our most precious and valuable resources now and for the next 100 years.? Mary Blake The Daily Astorian Dec. 1, 2005 ?Everyone needs a place to enjoy. ATVs, bikes, horses and hikers.? Workshop participant 14 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan It was an event of historic significance as guests took the opportunity to look closely at Clatsop County?s recreational and natural resources, and at what the community will preserve and enhance as a legacy for future generations. Those attending included business leaders, elected officials, planners, parks and recreation advocates, history enthusiasts and interested citizens of all ages. Speakers included State Representative Debbie Boone; Clatsop County Commissioner Helen Westbrook; Chip Jenkins, superintendent of Lewis & Clark National Historical Park; Frank Jagodnik, executive director of the Oregon Parks & Recreation Association; and Carolyn Eady, chair of the Recreational Lands Master Plan Task Force. Neal Maine, executive director of the North Coast Land Conservancy and member of the Task Force, presented a slide show featuring his original photographs. Testimonials from citizens Greta Passetti, Margo Lalich and Lujac Desautel spoke to the personal benefits of parks and recreation. Mary Blake, general manager of the Sunset Empire Park & Recreation District, served as master of ceremonies. Harking back to 1805, lights in the mess hall were turned off and candles lit to summon guests to dinner. The meal included elk stew, salad greens with pine nuts and dried berries, homemade bread and freshly churned butter. Utensils were basic, appetites hearty. In keeping with the spirit of Lewis and Clark, guests at each table were asked to engage in a discussion of the county?s ?undiscovered treasures? and provide a summary of their observations. Innovative ideas for parks and other recreation facilities came from people who use them on a regular basis or who are curious and want to know more. ?Talk to everybody. When you give people a chance to buy into your plan, they?ll support it.? Frank Jagodnik Executive Director Oregon Parks & Recreation Association Dec. 7, 2005 ?Parks mean so much to someone like me.? Greta Passetti, Seaside, who made a daily exercise regime out of walking trails in Clatsop County as she recovered from a debilitating stroke, speaking at the Dec. 7, 2005 symposium Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 15 Comments echoed those gathered in our community survey and centered on four key areas, suggesting the need to: ? Raise awareness of parks and facilities. A number of guests said they did not know about some county-owned properties. They said there is an immediate need to install more signage as long as signs are aesthetically pleasing and ?respectful? to visitors. ? Build parks closer to major population centers. Interest centered on parks and facilities closest to incorporated areas. There was also a desire for trails connecting all parts of the county, with parks serving as trailheads. ? Involve youth and volunteers. High school students suggested organizing a Youth Corps, and building on the theme of ?making memories? that last a lifetime through organized events at parks and other play spaces. The students and many others embraced the concept of taking ownership of their local parks. ? Strengthen connections. Guests expressed the need for better connections on many levels ? for example, a single network of trails linking local communities to hiking and biking paths, and other attractions. Chip Jenkins said it would take just a few signs to direct users of the county?s Lewis & Clark boat launch to the Lewis & Clark National Historical Park?s Netul Landing canoe and kayak launch site just a mile away. From there they could follow a hiking trail to Fort Clatsop. ?Kudos to rec committee? I attended the Rec Lands Symposium at Camp Rilea this week and I?d like to say good job to all the fine people who both organized and presented the program, but also those in attendance ? The year-long work put forth by the Rec Lands Master Plan Committee is producing big value and benefit for the entire region. We all owe them a large vote of confidence and appreciation for their fine work ? As a past member of the Rec Lands Advisory Committee, I am very proud of the terrific work being accomplished. You continue a fine tradition of advancing the interests of land stewardship and access and responsible use of our wonderful lands and recreational areas. You do us all proud. Quality of life in our region is being preserved by your continued service and unwavering commitment. RICHARD JOHNSON Warrenton From a letter to The Daily Astorian Dec. 9, 2005 16 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Others advised strengthening connections by partnering with schools, timber companies and other entities, and for purposes of education and outreach across jurisdictions. (Appendix D ? Summary Comments.) Figure 1 ? Symposium Mapping Exercise Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 17 3 > CLATSOP COUNTY TODAY AND PROJECTED: DEMAND FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION The active support and wise use of our underutilized recreational lands and facilities can play a key role in creating a community that encourages healthy growth ? socially, physically and economically. > Present Situation Clatsop County is well-known for its rich history and wealth of natural resources. From the beaches of the Pacific Ocean and waters of the Columbia River to the lushly forested Coast Range, the spectrum of opportunities for outdoor recreation is among the finest in the state. This is a keen advantage for residents and visitors, and is a major reason many choose to live here, including a higher- than-average number of retirees and people of middle age and beyond starting a second career or small business. Traditionally, Clatsop County?s economy was dependent on products and activities associated with its renewable natural resources. Although not as prominent as they once were, seafood, forest products and agriculture continue to be important industries. A workforce analysis by the Oregon Employment Department for February 2003 showed approximately 24% percent of the total private employment in leisure and hospitality and about 12.8% percent in natural resources and mining, wood product manufacturing and paper manufacturing. Large numbers of tourists visit during the summer months, fueling a significant portion of Clatsop County?s economy. Highways 26 and 30 provide access to Portland and the New homes swamp coastal communities to south ? ?More than 5,300 units or building lots have been approved for development, according to a survey by The Oregonian ? ?With it come daunting implications for coastal communities as they stare down the need to expand boundaries and build roads, sewer and water facilities while confronting a growing housing affordability problem and pondering how an influx of part-time residents might change the civic culture.? Sample numbers of residential lots or building permits approved in 2005 or planned for development in the near term: Gearhart 102 Seaside 29 Cannon Beach 26 Manzanita 30 Rockaway Beach 147 Lincoln City 1,918 Depoe Bay 91 Florence 249 Bandon 494 Brookings 1,061 From The Oregonian Oct. 23, 2005 Sources: County and city planning and building departments 18 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Willamette Valley, while Highway 101 connects the county to the rest of the Oregon coast and southwest Washington. While Cannon Beach and Seaside have long been vacation destinations, Astoria has achieved ?destination? status. An increasing number of cruise ships stop in Astoria to enjoy its history, retail services and cultural attractions. The Lewis & Clark Bicentennial and creation of the Lewis & Clark National Historical Park are expected to significantly increase tourism long-term. The area?s recreational opportunities are likely to continue to attract a growing number of visitors. Balancing growth with livability issues is a challenge for many coastal communities. For example, Cannon Beach is considering whether to expand its urban growth boundary after years of limiting growth. Clatsop County?s recreational assets are as important to the physical health of its residents as they are to a healthy, growing economy. Much has been made in the media, and deservedly so, of health issues related to sedentary lifestyles. It is especially disturbing to note that the most rapid rise in obesity nationally is occurring among children and adolescents. Not only does this threaten the lifelong health of individuals, many of its costs fall on taxpayers and the insurance-buying public. To Oregon?s credit, it is the only state not to see gains from 2002-04 in the number of obese residents, holding steady at 21% in a new study out in 2005 from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control. Interest in walking/hiking, bicycling, swimming and other activities, shown in our local survey, plays an important role in keeping our community healthy. With our higher-than-average population of aging baby boomers and retirees, lifelong fitness should be encouraged. Although the state as a whole did not show a rise in obesity, there is room for improvement. Oregon?s obesity ranking falls just below the median compared to the rest of the nation. We ?The fastest growing epidemic in America is obesity. We?re getting fatter as a nation, putting on an average of one pound a year ? ?We need to apply some of the lessons learned from tobacco control to obesity control and prevention ? especially the power of education and community-based approaches.? Susan Blumenthal Former U.S. Assistant Surgeon General March 8, 2004 Adult obesity rankings at a glance: 1. Mississippi 2. Alabama 29. Washington 31. California 36. Oregon 37. Idaho 50. Colorado ?In the last 20 years, the percentage of adolescents who are obese has tripled and the percentage of overweight children between ages 6 and 11 has doubled.? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ?Next great Destination: Astoria? Sunset Magazine in a feature article January 2006 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 19 can and must do better, and our recreational resources are one of the best means by which to do it. > Demographics Clatsop County is home to an estimated 36,340 residents, according to figures released in 2004 by the U.S. Census Bureau. This represents an approximate 2% increase since the last U.S. Census in 2000. The county?s major population centers are along or near the coast. About one-third of the population resides in unincorporated areas. Growth rates have been greatest in the vacation destination, Cannon Beach, and the city of Warrenton, which has a large land area and annexed Hammond in 1991. Astoria had slight negative annual growth in the 1990s but that trend has reversed. Clatsop County has a lower percentage of youth under 18 than the rest of Oregon, but more residents over 45. The number of persons 65 years and older moving to Clatsop County between 1990 and 2000 was nearly 3% greater than the state average. Net personal income in Clatsop County gets a higher-than- average boost from transfer payments by government and businesses. Examples are social security, veterans benefits and pension plans. During the 1969-2003 period, earned income in Clatsop County grew by 94.2%. Property income increased by 191.8%, while transfer payments rose 301.4%. The share of Clatsop County's personal income from transfer payments is above both the national average and Oregon?s average (see sidebar). The population remains less diverse than the state as a whole, although minorities have increased since 1990. About 93% of the county?s population identified themselves as white in Census 2000, compared with the statewide average of 86.6%. (As a caveat, note that racial data from the census is self- Population of Clatsop County?s five incorporated cities in Census 2000: Astoria 9,813 Seaside 5,900 Warrenton 4,096 Cannon Beach 1,588 Gearhart 995 Annual Growth - Cities ?90-?00 Astoria -0.3% Seaside 1.0% Warrenton 4.3% Cannon Bch. 2.7% Gearhart -0.3% ?00-?03 Astoria 0.3% Seaside 0.8% Warrenton 1.6% Cannon Bch. 1.1% Gearhart 1.5% Source: Portland State University Population Research Center Transfer Payments as Percent of Total Personal Income in 2003: United States-14.6% Oregon-15.6% Clatsop County-19.0% Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis 20 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan reported. Respondents decide with which racial and ethnic group they want to be identified.) Since 1970, the county has gained over 7,800 residents. However, growth between 1990 and 2000 was 13.4% less than the state of Oregon as a whole according to Census 2000. Finally, it should be noted that population figures represent permanent residents. The population swells to in excess of 80,000 on summer weekends with vacationers drawn by the scenery, mild weather, small-town atmosphere and wealth of recreational opportunities. The number of visitors can be many times more than that on special-event weekends such as the August Hood to Coast Relay, the largest relay event in North America, which ends in Seaside. > Planning Area According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Clatsop County has a total area of 1,085 square miles ? 827 square miles of land and 258 square miles of water. The latter represents 23.74% of the county?s total area. This includes a large area within the Columbia River. Land ownership within Clatsop County is primarily private. More than 80% of the land is forested, and much of this is privately owned industrial forest land. At present, the major private timber landowners are Weyerhaeuser Company, Longview Fibre and Hampton Affiliates. Land ownership in Clatsop County Private 88.1% State 9.8% Federal 1.3% County 0.8% Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 21 > Natural Features Clatsop County?s location in the northwest corner of Oregon offers a spectacular mix of physical features. The terrain is mostly mountainous timberland, bounded on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north by the lower Columbia River. Douglas-fir, Sitka spruce, hemlock and red alder are the primary tree species in the forests. The silt loam bottomlands of the Columbia and its tributary rivers, the adjoining hills and coastal plain with its dunes and bog lands are home to most of the population and offer rich agricultural lands. While harvesting on small woodlots makes up 40% of agricultural sales, dairy and beef are also major-revenue agricultural resources. Coastal weather patterns supply ample rainfall for agricultural production and forest vegetation, and for feeding numerous coastal foothill streams. Clatsop County has a temperate, marine climate, with rainy winters and moderate summers. Precipitation occurs mainly from October through April. ?Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us. We need hours of aimless wandering or spates of time sitting on park benches, observing the mysterious works of ants and the canopy of treetops.? Maya Angelou 22 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan > Benefits of Recreation and Open Space Recreational lands and open space offer a wealth of benefits that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. Health and Wellness. Recreational lands provide excellent opportunities for walkers, joggers, bicyclists and equestrians; many are accessible to people with disabilities. Almost everybody can enjoy the healthful benefits of fresh air, exercise, reduced stress and potential weight loss. Safe, Clean Transportation. Trails are an essential component of recreation, providing safe, scenic routes to and from work, school, shops, parks and other community facilities. Trails in and around urban areas have the potential to reduce dependence on cars and relieve congestion on highways and streets. Plant and Animal Habitat. Recreational lands and open space host native plants and animals, including some endangered species. Mushroom picking, hunting, clamming and birdwatching are popular activities among residents and visitors, requiring habitat to be protected and preserved. Travel corridors for breeding and foraging are needed to keep flora and fauna populations healthy. Economic Development. Recreational lands are attractive to companies seeking to do business in Clatsop County. Employers today recognize the economic benefits that recreational activity provides, such as greater productivity and potentially lower health care costs. For homeowners, the presence of nearby parks, trails and open space increases property values. National Recreation and Park Association: ?The benefits are endless.? More than a popular slogan, this has become the rallying cry throughout the U.S. and Canada for the transformation in thinking about parks and recreation that has taken place since the early 90s. The benefits ?movement? was born largely out of competition for scarce public funds ? a stress that has increased over the years. It became obvious to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) that there was a need professionally to move beyond ?fun and games? and make it clear that parks and recreation play a vital role in the health and well-being of individuals, families, neighborhoods, communities and the environment. ?Active recreation travelers average $442 per party per trip, passive travelers spend $342 and other travelers spend $245 per party per trip; as a whole travelers spend close to $123 per day.? Travel Industry Association of America (TIAA), General Tourism Trends in Oregon, 2000. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 23 Tourism. Recreational opportunities encourage tourism and give visitors reason to stay in our area longer, bringing more dollars into the local economy. Unspoiled beaches, natural forests, hiking trails, camping facilities and waters for fishing and boating are a magnet to visitors. See Appendix S for an estimate of the economic impact of visitors to the county according to the Oregon Tourism Commission. Water Quality and Flood Control. Recreational lands managed as natural areas can function as a buffer for wetlands and rivers, leading to improved water quality. They also act as a sponge, absorbing and reducing storm water runoff to minimize flooding. This reduces the need for costly flood control measures. Cultural and Historic Preservation. Cultural resources located on recreational lands ? such as historic buildings (the Lindgren cabin) and heritage trees (the largest Sitka spruce) ? provide the community with a sense of place and cultural continuity. People become more aware of their roots and take pride in their heritage when they can visit archaeologically and historically significant sites. ?Nature-based tourism (travel and recreation for the appreciation of nature and the outdoors) is?growing at 30% annually and involving non-consumptive activities such as bird and other wildlife watching, hiking and backpacking, nature study and photography, boating, biking, camping and picnicking, and allied activities? Travel Industry Association of America (TIAA), General Tourism Trends in Oregon, 2000. ?The four (Oregon) counties where travel- generated earnings comprise more than ten percent of the total earnings are Clatsop, Curry, Lincoln, and Tillamook? Oregon Travel Impacts, 1991-2005p, Oregon Tourism Commission Oregon Travel Spending for Clatsop County by year: 2000: $306 2001: $320 2002 : $326 2003 : $324 2004 : $338 ($Millions) Oregon Travel Impacts, 1991-2005p, Oregon Tourism Commission Clatsop County Travel Impacts 1991-2004, see Appendix S 24 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan > Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan In 2002, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department completed a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) 2003-2007 for Oregon. The outdoor recreation habits of 4,400 Oregonians and 800 residents from California, Washington and Idaho were surveyed in this study. The plan constitutes Oregon?s basic five-year strategy for outdoor recreation. It provides the state with an up-to-date regional information and planning tool serving as the basis by which all Oregon recreation providers (state, federal, local and private) are able to: ? Catalogue and rank their recreation needs. ? Obtain funding through partnerships and grants. ? Clarify their respective roles. The guidance provided by the SCORP report influenced the process followed by the Task Force and the presentation of its findings. The completion of the SCORP report allowed the state to maintain its eligibility to participate in the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). (The state has received approximately $235 million from the fund during the last 40 years.) To allocate LWCF monies in an objective manner, a set of Open Project Selection Process criteria were developed during the 2003-2007 Oregon SCORP planning process (See 2003- 2006 Oregon SCORP, Appendix J). The Oregon Parks & Recreation Department uses these criteria to evaluate statewide LWCF grant proposals. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 25 Regional recreational trends and issues reported by recreational providers in SCORP have implications for Clatsop County. For example: ? Recreational providers consistently report that the recreational infrastructure in Oregon is aging and needs rehabilitation. Recommendation was made to focus rehabilitation priorities on sites and facilities that satisfy current recreational need and ensure long-term performance. ? The public is asking land managers to place more emphasis on preserving existing vegetative communities and wildlife habitat systems. People want quiet, natural places where they can go to recreate and renew. ? Information and education are in greater demand. ? People are taking shorter trips closer to home due to less disposable leisure time. The increase in gas prices since SCORP was adopted has also reinforced the desire to limit travel by visiting nearby destinations. ? There is an increased emphasis on regional recreation planning. Rural communities are becoming more interested in collaborating with managers and recreation providers with the aim of diversifying their economies, while maintaining their quality-of-life values. ? Recreation providers report a significant increase in water- based recreation activities. The latest non-motorized boating numbers for Oregon state show a 138% increase from 1987 to 2002. ? Recreational trails are important to Oregonians. The growing number of diverse land and water trail users requires planning to provide additional trail facilities including inter-connected opportunities where appropriate. Nationally, there are significant recreational trends that are a match for Oregon. For example: ? Camping is the number one outdoor vacation in America. ? Biking vacations rank as the third most popular outdoor vacation activity, following camping and hiking. 26 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan SCORP examined and presented the recreation utilization data collected in a variety of ways: Recreation Activity: Statewide Table 1 below shows the percent of Oregon?s population that participates in various recreational activities. Nearly three out of four Oregon households surveyed participate in some type of outdoor activity: Table 1 ? Participation Rate by Activity Table 2 below lists the ten most popular recreational activities of Oregon residents. Table 2 ? Top 10 Outdoor Activities ? State Residents Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 27 Recreational Activity: Residents Within the Region In its study of recreation trends, SCORP divided the state into 11 planning regions. Region 1 consists of Clatsop, Tillamook and Lincoln counties, and approximately 1/5 of Lane County (the coastal portion). While it includes an area larger than Clatsop County, the Region 1 findings provide insight into types of recreation taking place in the north coastal region. Table 3 below shows the percentage of Region 1 residents who participate in the 11 most popular recreational activities. Both these data and the data collected by the Task Force in its survey (see sidebar, page 11) show the popularity of walking/hiking, beach activities, nature/wildlife observation and fishing among area residents. Table 3 ? Percentage of Region 1 Participating in Recreational Activities (11 most popular) Sightseeing/driving for pleasure 44% Walking for pleasure 41% Beach activities 36% Visiting cultural/historic sites 31% Running/walking for exercise 30% Nature/wildlife observation 29% Collecting (rocks, plants, mushrooms, etc.) 28% Picnicking 24% Fishing from a boat 24% Bird watching 22% Fishing from shore 21% Data extracted from SCORP Table 3.5 SCORP Region 1: Clatsop, Tillamook and Lincoln counties, and approximately 1/5 of Lane County (the coastal portion). 28 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Recreational Activity Trends: Estimated Demand by Destination Region SCORP estimated the demand for 30 recreational activities in 2002 compared to demand in 1987. These data are expressed as user occasions for the destination regions, in contrast to the home regions of the respondents reported above. Table 4 gives these data for Region 1: Table 4 ? Changes in Recreation Participation in Region 1 (1987-2002) *Fewer than 10 observations SCORP Table 4.6 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 29 The Task Force had concerns about a few of the levels of change reported in this table, specifically ?Fishing from a Boat? (0.8% increase) and ?Non-motorized Boating? (45.7% decrease). After consultation with OPRD staff, the Task Force decided that the statewide figures for these activities (44.3% increase and 137.9% increase) were more representative of these activities in Clatsop County. In addition, no mention was made of surfing, which is a popular activity but was not represented in the survey. SCORP combined the demand estimates with an outdoor supply capacity for each region to develop facility needs. Based on this analysis, SCORP states that the most significant growth in recreation in our region (1987-2002) has been as follows: Table 5 ? Most Significant Participation Growth Activities in Region 1 SCORP Table 4.7 30 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Based on the Demand and Need Analysis, Region 1 is said to have current peak use exceeding supply in golf, hiking trails and fishing from a dock or pier (SCORP, p. J-9). This demand exceeding supply is projected to continue for the same activities in 2007. LWCF Priorities Statewide SCORP issues were identified (SCORP p. J-5): ? Major rehabilitation of existing outdoor facilities ? Recreational trails/trail connectivity ? Land acquisition ? Ball fields ? Water-based recreational resources and facilities SCORP has set the top three Region 1 priorities for LWCF funds (Appendix E ? Funding Priorities): ? Funding for additional camping facilities ? Funding for new and rehabilitated river access facilities ? Funding for additional recreation trails (non-motorized) Projects that address these regional and statewide issues will be given additional priority points in LWCF funding requests. [Note: Later in the report, it will be shown that the Task Force recommendations address all three of the regional issues and all but one of the state issues (i.e., ball fields).] Other SCORP Guidelines Disability information 598 of the 3,741 households surveyed by phone had a household member with a disability. SCORP provides valuable information regarding the type of disability and the type of accommodation that would be helpful. These results and respondents? suggestions are listed in Appendix F. ROLE OF THE COUNTY? CURRENT ROLE: Counties acquire and develop parks serving citizens of an area larger than a single municipality but less than statewide. Counties provide a substantial amount of the public sector boating access, and RV and camping related facilities around the state. ?Most county programs would fall in the mid-range of the recreation opportunity spectrum providing developed and semi- developed outdoor recreation opportunities for people in the urban/rural interface. Counties provide a significant amount of the facilities for access to natural resource orientated activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, picnicking, motorized and non-motorized boating, water-skiing, swimming, ATV riding, bicycling, nature study and interpretation. HOW ROLE MAY CHANGE IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS: ?more urban areas there will be pressure from community and environmental groups to acquire more open space, especially along the urban fringe. This fringe area, more often than not, falls under the jurisdiction of the counties. ?The county's role of providing solely traditional forms of parks will need to evolve. Some counties are already evolving to meet this new role. Benton, Lane and Marion Counties are currently making an effort in this direction. (Source: SCORP. See Appendix G) Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 31 Role of County Park and Recreation Departments SCORP carefully delineates the roles of the various public providers of recreation. It describes its current role and how the role may change by 2007 due to a variety of pressures. The county role is described in Appendix G. > Demand for Trails Today and Projected Trails are an important component of any recreational plan. They are the physical manifestation of the ?connectivity? we envision for our parks and adjacent areas. The demand for trails in Clatsop County and the state is intense and worthy of special attention. One need only look at the miles of user-created trails, often crossing ownership boundaries, to recognize that the public is serious about blazing new trails and taking ownership of its trails. (See sidebar on pages 32-33 for recent trail developments and Appendix H for local area trail maps.) In its publication (Creating Connections: The Oregon Recreational Trails How-To Manual, May 2004), the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) reviews some of the many benefits of trails and greenways (see sidebar). The state?s ?How-To Manual? divides its discussion between land trails, both motorized and non-motorized, and water trails. Demand and utilization data for each category of trail are addressed below along with critical state and regional trail issues. Non-Motorized Land Trails According to the recent county Task Force survey, over 40% of respondents listed hiking/walking as their favorite form of recreation. This corresponds well with 2002 SCORP results that showed ?running/walking for exercise? and ?walking for pleasure? ranked number one and two in the statewide user days survey, far ahead of their nearest competitor, ?birdwatching? (SCORP Table 3-3, pp. 3-7 through 3-9). Benefits of Trails and Greenways RECREATIONAL VALUE AND HEALTH BENEFITS There is a significant health and fitness benefit as most recreational activities on trails involve exercise. This health benefit accrues to the individual and, in the form of reduced health-care costs, to society as well. TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT AND SAFETY BENEFITS Trails encourage pedestrian and bicycle commuting, thus reducing traffic and congestion on roads, and reducing fuel consumption and its associated pollution. Designated trails strive to define a designated space for human-powered commuters. ECONOMIC BENEFITS Trails attract tourists that bring a direct economic benefit to local businesses. EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS Trail corridors can become outdoor classrooms where children can observe and learn about their natural and cultural environment. ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS By preserving critical open space that provides natural buffer zones that protect streams, rivers and lakes, trails and greenways can play an important role in improving water quality. PRESERVING OUR HISTORY AND CULTURE Trails have the power to connect us to our heritage by preserving historic places and providing access to them. They can give people a sense of place and draw people to historic and cultural sites. 32 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Also according to the state survey, day hiking in our region has experienced an 80.6% increase in user occasions between 1987 and 2002. Horseback riding has increased 39.3% in our region; approximately 6.2% of the population participates in this recreational activity. As cited on page 31, SCORP 2003-2007 gives one of its top three Region 1 funding priorities to additional non-motorized recreation trails. SCORP (p. 5-4) cites the need for: ? Additional recreation trails near populated areas. This includes acquisition of land or easements for trails and trail connections. ? Off-road bicycle trails in the Coast Range and along the coast, and opportunities for equestrian use. ? Longer trails for multiple-night backpacking trips. In addition, OPRD has also identified the following top statewide non- motorized trail issues: A. Need for trail connectivity within the region providing access from urban to rural trails, connections between public facilities, parks and open space and connections from state and regional trails to community trails. B. Need for additional non-motorized trails (for all user types) ? especially in close proximity to where people live. C. Need for additional funding for non-motorized trail acquisition and development. Potential strategies include allocating a certain portion of state lottery funds; acquisitions of fee title, easements and land exchanges; and ways to allow users to pay for trail facilities and services. (Oregon Trails 2005-2014: Non-Motorized Trails, OPRD, February 2005) It is important to recognize that OPRD staff use compliance with the above issues and priorities when evaluating grant applications. Blazing New Trails To meet user demand, there has been a significant increase in trail creation in Clatsop County. Table 13 lists the county?s major recognized trails. Noteworthy trail developments over the past few years include the following: Warrenton Trails Association. This non-profit organization has been working on a 25- mile loop trail connecting important historical and cultural sites in the Warrenton area (Appendix H ? Map). Most of the proposed route is accessible, but not well signed or advertised. Astoria Urban Trail Project. The city recently received a grant to map all of the trails within the Astoria area and has identified many miles of shared-use trails that cross multiple ownerships, including the county and ODF. The Astoria Parks Department has gained state recognition for the 1.5-mile Cathedral Tree Trail, the 0.25-mile Column Trail, the 1.5-mile James Street Trail, the 0.5-mile Middle School Trail and the 1-mile Shively Park Trail. Continued ? Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 33 Motorized Land Trails The recent Task Force survey elicited one response regarding motorized trail activity. According to SCORP 2002 survey data, Region 1 had a slight (3.7%) increase in four-wheel driving since 1988, and a 22% increase in ATV (all-terrain vehicle) riding. When user occasions for these two activities are combined, they almost equal user occasions for day hiking. One can conclude that this recreational activity was under-represented in our local survey; however, it should be noted that our region includes Tillamook County, which has a very large off-road driving constituency on ODF trails. In OPRD?s Oregon Trails 2005-2014: Motorized Trails Plan, three major statewide issues are identified: A. Need for new trails/managed riding areas, including: ? Additional public and privately owned OHV (off- highway vehicle) recreational areas. ? Greater emphasis on developing OHV riding opportunities on private and local government land. ? Additional OHV opportunities in reasonably close proximity to communities and urban areas ? Increased diversity of OHV opportunities. B. Need for regional interagency coordination/cooperation in trail planning and management, including: ? Development of a regional approach to motorized trail planning. ? Standardized statewide OHV management practices. C. Need for user education/training (regulatory and safety information) as a means of reducing the number of personal injury accidents involving recreational OHV use. [Note: These goals and objectives are developed in greater detail on pages 47-54 in the above-mentioned publication.] Blazing New Trails, Continued Astoria Riverwalk/River Trail. This 3.5-mile shared-use trail next to the rails on the Astoria waterfront has proven extremely popular with visitors and residents alike. Oregon Department of Forestry, Astoria District. ODF is also actively engaged in identifying the many user- created trials that have been created in the Astoria basin, and deciding which should be designated as ?authorized.? They have also created a horse camp and riding trail in the eastern part of the county. Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks. Several new trails have been created including the 6.5-mile Fort to Sea Trail, the 2.5-mile Clatsop Loop Trail at Ecola State Park, and the 1.5-mile Netul River Trail along the Lewis and Clark River at Fort Clatsop. The Gateway to Discovery. A trail through a 10-acre coastal forest in Seaside, along with a natural history center, showcases the region?s natural, cultural and historic resources. County Parks Department. The 1.5-mile Cullaby Lake Interpretive Trail along a coastal wetlands was dedicated in July 2005. An equestrian group has unofficially adopted the DeLaura Beach site. Several miles of trails have been created that are shared with bicyclists and hikers. [Note: Other improvements in trails on county park and recreational lands will be discussed later in this report.] 34 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Water Trails The publication, Oregon Trails 2005-2014: Water Trails Plan (OPRD, February 2005), provides this description of water trails: Water trails (like other recreational trails) are corridors between specific locations on a lake, river or ocean. Water trails are primarily designed for small watercraft such as canoes, sea and whitewater kayaks, rafts and drift boats. Necessary water trail facilities include a safe place for the public to put in, parking, restrooms, a safe place to take out, and in some cases day-use sites and overnight campsites. Water trails ?. emphasize low-impact use and encourage stewardship of the resource. This same report noted the growing interest in water trails throughout the state. According to SCORP, power boating has remained at a relatively static level between 1987 and 2002, whereas, non- motorized boating activities have increased 138% during the same period. The previous Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan listed 19 public and quasi-public boat ramps on the Columbia, Necanicum, Nehalem and other sites (p. 22). The tables on pages 47 and 48 identify boat ramps and water access points in the county. The SCORP report also established the following Region 1 funding priority: Funding priority for new river access facilities and rehabilitation of existing river access facilities ? There is a lack of developed river access facilities for angling, swimming, kayaking and canoeing. In addition, there is a need for rehabilitation of existing river access facilities. (SCORP, 5-4) Benefits of Water Trails A water trail can help people become acquainted with their river heritage. People along the river can discover a whole new perspective of both their community and the aquatic environment. A water trail system with identified launch and landing sites, resting places, maps and safety information can help people traveling on the river find the best places to paddle based on their experience and available time. An identified trail can help protect natural and cultural resources from degradation by dispersing use and limiting access to sensitive areas. Trail information can provide guidelines for low-impact use. Trail maps and guidebooks can direct paddlers to local communities for camping facilities, grocery stores, B&Bs and other amenities, helping enhance local economies. A sense of stewardship can be nurtured through public education and coordinated volunteer activities such as cleanups and water quality monitoring. An officially recognized water trail can be eligible for regional and national resources and funding. Source: Lower Columbia Water Trail brochure, Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership (Appendix H) Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 35 Oregon Trails 2005-2014: Water Trails Plan lists the following statewide water trail issues: A. Need to address conflicts between non-motorized boaters and waterfront property owners. B. Need for public access to waterways. C. Need for adequate and consistent information resources including signs, maps, level of difficulty and water level information, and available paddling information. D. Need for safety-related information, user education and outreach. E. Need for a dedicated funding source for water trail development. F. Need for information describing the social and economic benefits of water trails (pp. 10-11). Oregon Trails 2005-2014 Water Trails Plan (p. 37) lists the top water trail issues in our region: 1 Need for more public access to waterways. 2 Need for a designated funding source for non- motorized watercraft facility development. 3 Need to clearly address the navigability issue and clearly define to users where they can and cannot exit their watercraft. 36 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan This page intentionally left blank Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 37 4 > RECREATIONAL PROVIDERS: OVERVIEW OF RESOURCES AND SUPPLY Lands managed or available for recreation comprise nearly 80% of Clatsop County?s total land base, representing a broad spectrum of recreational providers and wide range of uses. > Diverse Recreational Lands The ownership and management of recreational resources in Clatsop County involve a large number of public and private parties, including governmental agencies, businesses, non- profit groups and individuals. The range of providers of land managed for recreation in Clatsop County is shown in Table 6. Examples demonstrate the diversity of recreational facilities, such as picnic areas, trails, campgrounds, boat ramps and fishing sites, golf courses and natural areas. This is, however, only part of the recreational picture in the county. In addition, there are hundreds of thousands of additional acres open to the public for recreation as shown in Table 7. These include wildlife refuges, county sites not officially recognized as parks, multi-resource state timberland and privately owned commercial timberland. In total, other land open to the public for recreation constitutes 421,672 acres of the total 539,520 within the county, which represents nearly 80% of the county?s land base. 38 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan PROVIDER TYPE OF RECREATION RESOURCE EXAMPLES The Public Public Lands Sunset Lake Park Federal U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service National Historical Park Lewis & Clark National Historical Park State of Oregon Oregon Parks and Recreation Department* Oregon Department of Forestry** Ocean Beach Access Highway Wayside Day-use Park Destination Campground Historic Site Fishing/Boat Access Destination Campground Primitive Campground Equestrian Camp Trail Del Rey Beach Bradley Viewpoint Ecola Ft. Stevens Park Ft. Stevens Reserve Spruce Run Gnat Creek Northrup Creek Bloom Lake Cities Active Sports Fields Swimming Pools Outdoor Courts Day-use Picnic Boat Ramp/Marine Park Multi-use Recreation Area Warrenton ? Softball Astoria ? Aquatic Center Cannon Beach ? Tennis Hammond ? Basin Seaside Quatat Park Astoria - Tapiola County Passive Natural Site Fishing/Boating Access Day-use Picnic Nehalem Park John Day Boat Ramp Cullaby Lake Park School Districts Active Sports Fields Gymnasiums Playgrounds Warren Field-Astoria Knappa High School Astoria Middle School Parks Districts Public Swimming Pools Organized Rec Programs Sunset Pool-Seaside Misc Activities Private Golf Courses RV Campgrounds Gearhart Golf Course Circle Creek Campground *See Table 9 for complete listing of recreational sites in Clatsop County **See Table 10 for complete listing of recreational sites in Clatsop County Note: In January 2006, the Port of Astoria announced plans for a seven acre public park on the west side of Pier 3. Table 6 ? Land Managed for Recreation: Examples by Provider Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 39 AVAILABLE LAND / OWNER NO. OF ACRES Federal Land U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Lewis & Clark National Wildlife Refuge Julia Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge Haystack Rock, Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge 34,000 6,873 NA State Land* Oregon Department of Forestry Astoria District** Forest Grove District Tillamook District Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area Big Creek (north of Hwy 30) Nehalem River (one mile north of Spruce Run Park) *These holdings are described on pages 46-48. **See Appendix I for map and recreation rules. 134,351 8,592 2,562 962 14 35 County Lands*** DeLaura Beach Knappa Dock Claremont Parcel Twilight Eagle Sanctuary Williamsport Properties ***These holdings are described in Chapter 7. 370 <1 2 15 ~ 180 Private Land Commercially-Owned Timberland Weyerhaeuser**** Longview Fibre Hampton Affiliates ****See Appendix J for map and rules. 160,000+ 43,912 30,000 TOTAL ACRES: ~421,869 Table 7 ? Other Land in Clatsop County Open to the Public for Recreation 40 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan The SCORP 2003-2007 Report gives a general review of outdoor recreation resources and facilities by major suppliers. Data from Region 1 were used to extract provider data for Clatsop County, as shown below: Table 8 ? Supply of Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities By Major Suppliers in Clatsop County - 2001 Data extracted from SCORP Table G.1 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 41 Providers other than the county are described briefly below and specific inventory information is presented in a series of tables on pages 45-51. County parks and recreational lands are discussed in Chapter 7. > Public Lands Certain properties or resources are considered to be owned by ?the public.? Examples are the waters of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean or a dedicated public park area within a residential area. The public is deemed to have the right to freely access such properties. > Federal Lands Unlike the state as a whole, there is virtually no federal timberland in Clatsop County. Federal holdings include the following national park and wildlife refuge lands: ? The National Park Service operates Lewis & Clark National Historical Park. This is America?s newest national park (as of 2005) and incorporates units in both Oregon and Washington including Fort Clatsop, the Corps of Discovery?s winter quarters in 1805-06. ? The U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife owns and manages the 38,000-acre Lewis & Clark National Wildlife Refuge and 6,873 acres of Julia Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge established for the conservation of the Columbian white-tailed deer. > State of Oregon State land offers an assortment of recreational opportunities throughout Clatsop County: The Fort-to-Sea Trail A 50-year vision becomes a reality Dedicated on Nov. 14, 2005, the Fort-to-Sea Trail was the dream of the same group of dedicated community volunteers who constructed the replica of Fort Clatsop in 1954 and 1955. They had yet another idea: to build a trail connecting the fort to the sea. The concept would be to recreate the experience that Lewis & Clark encountered as they traveled between the temporary fort and the Pacific Ocean (Appendix H ? Map). The challenges were daunting given the terrain and cost. The actual building of the trail did not start until 2004, when an extraordinary alliance of generous Oregon companies ? along with federal, state and local agencies ? was able to make the project happen. The $10 million needed to build the trail included $5 million for acquiring a 920- acre addition to Fort Clatsop and a 249-acre state park. Monies included federal and state grants, private donations and donations in-kind from citizens, groups and agencies offering labor, materials and engineering expertise. Scott Stonum, the chief of resource management at Lewis & Clark National Historical Park and member of the Recreational Lands Master Plan Task Force, commented on the completion of the project: ?I was anticipating more of a struggle getting it done,? he said. ?We had an unfunded project that was pretty monumental. But the community involvement and community spirit has been an incredible, wonderful surprise.? 42 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan ? The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department operates sites managed specifically for recreational purposes, including campsites, day use areas, beach access, waysides and forest preserves (Table 9). ? The Oregon Department of Forestry owns and manages a diverse group of recreation facilities in the Astoria District of Clatsop State Forest (Table 10). ODF has designated recreational activity zones across the Clatsop State Forest as shown in Appendix I. ? The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife manages over 1,000 acres of wildlife habitat in Clatsop County, including the 962-acre Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area. > Cities The incorporated municipalities in Clatsop County provide recreational sites and activity programs. The city of Astoria through its parks and recreation department has an extensive inventory of park sites and offers a wide range of recreational programs. Although other municipalities do not have sole- purpose parks and recreation departments, all own public park properties and provide recreational opportunities to their residents, people living in adjoining unincorporated areas and visitors to Clatsop County. > Clatsop County Clatsop County?s parks system consists of 13 parks totaling 574 acres of land and six recreation sites totaling 443 acres of land. Six of the parks and recreation land sites include public boat ramps. County park properties offer active recreational opportunities including camping, day use and passive natural sites. See Chapter 7 for specific details. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 43 > Public School Districts The local school districts in Clatsop County provide certain recreational facilities to the public. School facilities such as gymnasiums and ball fields are often made available for general public use during after-school hours and the summer months (Table 15, page 50). > Park and Recreation District The Sunset Empire Park and Recreation District with facilities located in Seaside includes all properties within Seaside School District #10 except the incorporated cities of Gearhart and Cannon Beach. It is a tax-levying recreation district serving an area roughly between Cullaby Lake on the north, Tolovana Park on the south, and Hamlet on the east. It has an annual operating budget of approximately $2 million, with roughly half of this amount coming from its tax base. The district?s indoor pool and therapy pool are open to the public on a year-round basis. Aquatic offerings include instruction, fitness, recreation, competition and special event programs. A variety of non-aquatic recreation and leisure- time activity programs include competitive team sport leagues, children?s and teen activities, arts and crafts and performing arts. The district?s varied recreational offerings are enjoyed by a large number of county residents; estimated participant uses are about 100,000 per year. > Private Providers Private sector recreational providers include: ? Non-profit organizations such as youth soccer and baseball groups. ? Private commercial operators, such as golf courses, RV parks and campgrounds. 44 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan > Industrial Forest Lands By total acres, private industrial forest lands provide the largest land base for recreation in Clatsop County. Private resource land managers allow limited public recreational access to their lands for activities such as hunting, hiking, fishing, biking and horseback riding. (See Appendix J for Weyerhaeuser Company recreational map and rules.) > Recreation Inventories During the master plan update, the recreational inventories for various facilities and recreational providers in Clatsop County were generated. Tables for the following are given on pages 45 through 51: ? Oregon Parks and Recreation Department ? Clatsop State Forest Recreation Facilities ? Public Water Access: Rivers and Streams ? Public Water Access: Boat Ramps ? Designated Area Trails ? Golf Courses ? School District Facilities ? Other Tennis Courts ? RV and Camping Facilities Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 45 SITE & LOCATION PICNIC BEACH ACCESS CAMPING BIKE/HIKE/ TRAILS COMMENTS Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site US 101, 3 mi. south of Cannon Beach; 25 acres X X Restrooms, parking lot Bradley State Scenic Viewpoint, US 30, 22 mi. east of Astoria; 18 acres X Columbia River viewpoint, restroom, parking lot Del Rey Beach State Recreation Site, US 101, 2 mi. north of Gearhart; 18 acres X Vehicle beach access and parking lot Ecola State Park, off US 101, 2 mi. north of Cannon Beach X X X X Ocean viewpoints, hike-in camp at Indian Creek. Elmer Feldenheimer Forest Fort Stevens State Park, Ridge Road, Warrenton; 3762 acres X X X X Historic museum, Coffenbury Lake Hug Point State Recreation Site, US 101, 3 mi. south of Cannon Beach; 42 acres X X Restrooms, parking lot Oswald West State Park, US 101, 10 mi. south of Cannon Beach 2,474 total acres, 281 acres in Clatsop X X X X 36 primitive campsites, developed portion in Tillamook County Saddle Mountain State Natural Area, off US 26, 10 mi. east of Seaside 2,921 acres X X X 9 primitive campsites, 2 1/2 mi. hiking trail to summit viewpoints Sunset Beach, Sunset Beach Road; 157 total acres X X Part of the Lewis and Clark Nat. & State Hist. Parks, restroom, parking lot, trails Sunset Highway Forest Wayside, US 26; South county line; 1,084 total acres, 530 in Clatsop County X Restroom, Steam Donkey Interpretive Trail Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site, US 101, 1 mi. south of Cannon Beach; 3 acres X X Restrooms, parking lot For additional information, see OPRD website at: http://egov.oregon.gov/OPRD/ Table 9 ? Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Lands in Clatsop County 46 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan SITE LOCATION COMMENTS FEES Gnat Creek Campground Just east of Knappa (milepost 78 on US 30) on the Gnat Creek Forest Road Primitive campground on Gnat Creek with six walk-in campsites; several salmon and steelhead runs throughout the year. $5 for walk-in tent sites; $2 for each extra vehicle Henry Rierson Spruce Run Campground Five miles south of Elsie (milepost 20 on US 26) on the Lower Nehalem Road Amenities include 32 vehicle sites, five walk- in sites, restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables and fire pits; garbage service and firewood sales in summer. $10 for vehicle sites; $2 for each extra vehicle; $5 for walk- in tent sites. Northrup Creek Horse Camp Lowland meadows of Northrup Creek north of Hwy 202 Eight horse camp sites with truck and horse trailer parking, tent sites and horse corrals; vaulted restrooms, manure bins, day use area, trails and well also available. $10 for vehicle and equestrian sites; $2 for each extra vehicle Lost Lake Just east of Henry Rierson Spruce Run Campground, accessible by trail Only developed facility at lake is a primitive boat launching area; information kiosk available. Lake is periodically stocked with trout by ODFW. None 4 dispersed camping sites Lower Nehalem River Sites include gravel parking areas, tent sites, picnic tables and fire rings. None Bloom Lake Trail Bloom Lake Trail On US 26 about milepost 25 Trail offers easy to moderate hiking, leading from an information kiosk at the trailhead for 1.25 miles to Bloom Lake. None Soapstone Lake Trail Between mileposts 4 and 5 on Hwy 53 in Hamlet, about 0.5 mile down the road to trailhead. Two-mile trail offers moderate hiking opportunities with several bridges, sets of steps, a stream crossing and an elevated walk along the trail. None Archery range Just east of Hwy 202 between Astoria and Olney Unique archery range wandering along a forested trail with various targets to shoot at. None Demonstration forest ODF office in Astoria on Hwy 202 Seven-acre self-guided demonstration forest with interpretive exhibits explaining benefits of forest management; school field trips encouraged. None All facilities open year-round. For more information, call or visit Astoria District Office, 92219 Hwy 202. Phone: (503) 325-5451 or see ODF website at: http://egov.oregon.gov/ODF/ Table 10 ? Clatsop State Forest Recreation Facilities Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 47 WATERWAY SITE FRONTAGE OWNERSHIP Big Creek Big Creek County Park 1500 LF Clatsop County Big Creek Frontage North of US 30 1500 LF ODFW Big Creek Frontage near mouth 1200 LF ODFW access lease Columbia River South Jetty & River Beach 2 miles State Parks Columbia River Wauna River Beach Georgia Pacific Columbia River Westport River Beach Columbia River Clatsop Spit Columbia River Jetty Sands Columbia River Knappa Dock Clatsop County Columbia River Blind Slough North Coast Land Conservancy Gnat Creek Frontage below hatchery 1500 LF ODFW access lease Gnat Creek Below hatchery 3 miles ODF open land policy Gnat Creek Above hatchery all lands ODF open land policy Klaskanine, N. Fork Sigfridson County Park 4000 LF Clatsop County Klaskanine, N. Fork Frontage above hatchery 600 LF ODF open land policy Klaskanine, N. Fork Nehalem County Park 300 LF Clatsop County Lewis & Clark River Frontage above 400 line Weyerhaeuser Lewis & Clark River Lewis and Clark NHP 1.5 miles Necanicum River Klootchy Creek County Park 3000 LF Clatsop County Necanicum River Frontage above Black Bridge 1950 LF ODFW ownership Necanicum River Beerman Creek 1830 LF Nehalem River Charney Site (below Elsie) 7000 LF ODFW ownership Nehalem River Spruce Run Park ODF Campground Nehalem River varied large stretches ODF open land policy Nehalem River, N. Fork Foss site below county parcel 1520 ODFW access easement Nehalem River, N. Fork Frontage below hatchery 1500 LF ODFW ownership Youngs River Youngs River Falls City of Astoria Youngs River Frontage above Falls 9 miles Weyerhaeuser *Partial list of public access points, additional private and public access points exist throughout the county Table 11 ? Public Water Access: Rivers and Streams* 48 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan LOCATION OWNERSHIP MAINTENANCE COLUMBIA RIVER Hammond Basin Town of Hammond Town of Hammond Warrenton Basin (Skipanon River) City of Warrenton City of Warrenton Astoria Yacht Club (Youngs River) City of Astoria City of Astoria East End Basin Port of Astoria Port of Astoria John Day River Clatsop County Clatsop County Aldrich Point Private Clatsop County Westport Slough Georgia Pacific Clatsop County East End Pier Port of Astoria - NECANICUM RIVER Quatat Park City of Seaside City of Seaside Franklin Street City of Seaside City of Seaside Beerman Creek ODFW ODFW Howard Johnson Rock Private Private Klootchy Creek Park Clatsop County Clatsop County NEAWANNA CREEK Broadway Park Seaside Seaside NEHALEM RIVER Pope/Meeker Road ODFW ODFW OTHER SITES Klaskanine River Gindroz/Nygaard Private Cullaby Lake Clatsop County Clatsop County Sunset Lake Public Neighborhood Group Coffenbury Lake State Parks State Parks Creep & Crawl Lake State Parks State Parks Skipanon River 2nd Street City of Warrenton City of Warrenton Lewis & Clark River Boat Ramp Clatsop County Clatsop County Lewis & Clark River Netul Landing National Park Service National Park Service Mill Pond Seaside Seaside Lost Lake ODF ODF *Partial list, additional private and public access points may exist throughout the county Table 12 ? Public Water Access: Boat Ramps* Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 49 TRAIL NAME TYPE LENGTH OWNERSHIP/DEVELOPER Fort to Sea National Historic 6.5 Lewis & Clark National/State Park Netul River National Historic 1.5 Lewis & Clark National Park Clatsop Loop National Historic 2.5 Lewis & Clark National/State Park Gnat Creek Hiking 1.5 Oregon Department of Forestry Northrup Creek Horse Camp/Trail Shared-use 5 Oregon Department of Forestry Soapstone Lake Shared-use 2 Oregon Department of Forestry Bloom Creek Shared-use 1.3 Oregon Department of Forestry Steam Donkey Shared-use 0.8 Oregon Department of Forestry Fort Stevens Shared-use 9 Oregon State Parks Tillamook Hiking 4.5 Oregon State Parks Saddle Mountain Hiking 2.5 Oregon State Parks Cullaby Lake Wetland Trail Shared-use 1.5 Clatsop County DeLaura Beach Shared-use ~10 Clatsop County Urban Trails Shared-use ~50 City of Astoria River Walk Rail with Trail 3.9 City of Astoria Middle School Hiking - City of Astoria Warrenton Waterfront Shared-use 4 Warrenton Trails Association Airport Dike Trail Shared-use 2 Warrenton Trails Association Oregon Coast Trail Hiking 25 Oregon Coast Trail Gateway to Discovery Hiking - City of Seaside Table 13 ? Designated Area Trails Table 14 ? Golf Courses Site Telephone # Location Type # Holes Length Astoria Golf & Country Club 503-861-2211 Off US 101, 5 mi. S. of Warrenton Private 18 Holes 6,488 yd Highlands Golf Course 503-738-5248 Off US 101, Del Rey Beach Road (N. of Gearhart UGB) Public 9 Holes 1,740 yd Gearhart Golf Links 503-738-3538 Off US 101, Gearhart Public 18 Holes 6,218 yd Seaside Golf Club 503-738-5261 US 101, Avenue U in Seaside Public 9 Holes 2,610 yd Alberston Golf Range 503-717-0623 33575 Toyas Ln, Seaside Public Range N/A Lewis & Clark Country Golf 503-338-3386 92319 Youngs River Road, Astoria Public 9 Holes 2,738 Youngs Bay Driving Range 503-325-2220 92621 Wireless Road, Astoria Public Range N/A 50 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan SCHOOL DISTRICT GYMS BASEBALL FOOTBALL TRACK OTHER Astoria #1C Astoria High School 2 2 1 1 1 Astoria Middle School 2 2 1 1 1 Astor Elementary 2 2 1 2 Tennis 1 Gray Elementary 1 Lewis & Clark Elementary 1 1 Warrenton #30 Warrenton High School 1 1 1 Warrenton Grade School 1 1 1 Seaside #10 Seaside High School 1 1 1 1 1 Tennis Broadway Middle School 2 1 1 1 Tennis Seaside Elementary School 1 Gearhart Elementary School 1 1 Cannon Beach Elementary 1 Jewell #8 High/Grade Schools 1 1 2 1 1 Tennis 2 Knappa Columbia County #5J Knappa High School 1 1 (Soft) 1 1 Hilda Lahti School 1 1 1 Owned City of Astoria 2 Under construction at time of publication CITY LOCATION COURTS MAINTENANCE Astoria Niagara Park 2 City Warrenton City Park 4 City Gearhart City Park 2 City Gearhart Highlands 2 Private Cannon Beach City Park 2 City Table 15 ? School District Facilities Table 16 ? Other Tennis Courts Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 51 Clatsop County RV Parks & Campgrounds Phone E-mail/Website RV (hookup) Tent Cabin/ Yurt Notes Lower Columbia River Astoria/Seaside KOA 1100 NW Ridge Rd 503-861-2606 astoriakoa@aol.com www.astoriakoa.com 311(222) 26 54+ 2 lodges Mini golf, indoor pool and hot tub, volleyball. Clatsop County Fairgrounds Walluski Loop, hwy 202 2 mi east of Astoria 503 325-4600 110(110) 0 0 Showers, 109 acres Fort Stevens State Park Ridge Road, Warrenton 503-861-1671 800-452 5687 800-551-6949 www.oregonstateparks.org/park_179. php 479(177) 19 15 3762 acres Gnat Creek Campground Just east of Knappa (milepost 78 on US 30) on the Gnat Creek Forest Road 0/0 6 0 Primitive campground on Gnat Creek with six walk-in campsites; several salmon and steelhead runs throughout the year. Hammond Marina RV Park 320 Lake St., Hammond 503-861-0547 50(50) 0 0 Laundry, shower, cable TV Kampers West Good Sampark 1140 NW Warrenton Dr. 503-861-1814 800-880-5267 info@kamperswest.com www.kamperswest.com 160(160) 0 3 2 club rooms, fish cleaning, crab cooking. Klatskanine River RV Park 88590 Hwy. 202, 11 miles east of Astoria 503-325-8595 KlatskanineRiverRVPark@msn.com 15(15) 10 0 On the river, 11 miles east of Astoria, bath room and showers. Sunset Lake Resort & RV Park 33242 Sunset Beach Lane 503-861-1760 sunsetlake@sunsetlake.faithweb.com www.sunsetlake.faithweb.com 22(2) 6 0 Store, bath and laundry Interior Henry Rierson Spruce Run Campground Five miles south of Elsie (milepost 20 on US 26) on the Lower Nehalem Road 32(0) 5 Amenities include 32 vehicle sites, five walk-in sites, restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables and fire pits; garbage service and firewood sales in summer. Northrup Creek Horse Camp Milepost 35 on Hwy 202, 4 miles west of Birkenfeld. 0/0 0 8* *8 horse camp sites with truck and horse trailer parking, tent sites and horse corrals; vaulted restrooms, manure bins, day use area, trails and well also available. Cannon Beach Ecola State Park Off US 101, 2 mi. north of Cannon Beach 800-452 5687 800-551-6949 www.oregonstateparks.org 0 0 3 Hike in RV Resort at Cannon Beach 345 Elk Creek Road 503-436-2231 800-847-2231 info@cbrvresort.com www.cbrvresort.com 100(100) 0 0 Cable TV, indoor Pool, spa, playground, basketball, convenience store, shuttle Oswald West State Park US 101, 10 mi. south of Cannon Beach 800 452 5687 800 551-6949 www.oregonstateparks.org/park_195. php 0 30 0 Hike in, 2,474 acres Sea Ranch RV Park & Stables 415 Fir St. 503-436-2815 searanch@seasurf.net www.searanchrv.com www.campingfriends.com/searanchrv park 38(14) 41 7 Restrooms, May to Sept beach horse rides. Children and animal friendly. Wright's For Camping 503-436-2347 wrights@seasurf.net www.wrightsforcamping.com 7(0) 19 0 Showers laundry, wooded area. Seaside Bud's Campground & Grocery 4412 Hwy 101 503-738-6855 800-730?6855 26(26) 10 0 Restrooms, showers, laundry, groceries Circle Creek RV Park & Campground 85658 Highway 101 503-738-6070 circlecreek101@hotmail.com 44(44) 28 0 Restrooms, showers, laundry, Necanicum river fishing. Forest Lakes Resort 85203 Hwy 101 503-738-0100 Pine Cove Motel & Trailer Court 2481 Highway 101 N 503-738-5243 25(25) 6 0 12 motel rooms Saddle Mountain State Natural Area, off US 26, 10 mi. east of Seaside 800-452-5687 800-551-6949 www.oregonstateparks.org/park_197. php 0 10 0 Drive in, 2,921 acres Thousand Trails/Leisure Time Resorts 1703 12th Ave. ? east of 101 503-738-0626 www.1000trails.com 219(219) 25+ 26 trailers, 6 cabins Private, membership required. Indoor pool, tennis, sauna, laundry, RC-cars, basketball. Truckes Necanicum River RV Park 1921 S Hwy. 101 503-738-8863 15(0) 0 0 Convenience store and gas Venice RV Park 1032 24 Ave, 1.25 miles N Seaside hwy 101 503-738-8851 www.shopseaside.com/vrv 30(30) 6 0 Cable TV, laundry, showers Table 17 ? Camping and RV Facilities in Clatsop County 52 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan This page intentionally left blank Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 53 5 > PARK SYSTEM GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND ACTION STRATEGIES Five goals were identified along with objectives and actions needed to support our vision of a vital, prosperous parks and recreation system that contributes to the quality of life in Clatsop County. > Planning Goals Oregon Statewide Planning Goal 8 requires local governments to inventory recreation needs based on adequate research and analysis of public wants and desires and to inventory available recreation opportunities. Extensive time and energy were dedicated to the development of planning goals and subsequent objectives and action strategies for Clatsop County parks and recreational lands. The intent of these goals has been reviewed during the public involvement process and has been narrowed down to five broad planning goals. The goals listed in this section apply to the general implementation and management of the county park system and are directed toward the vision of the mission statement. Goal 1 ? Parks Management Goal 2 ? Funding and Operation Goal 3 ? Community Health and Social and Economic Benefits Goal 4 ? Environmental Stewardship Goal 5 ? Regional Recreational Connections > Objectives and Action Strategies The strategic actions in this section identify the steps necessary to achieve the various goals and objectives outlined. Also shown are the individuals or groups with lead responsibility for carrying out each objective or action and the time frame in which it is to be accomplished. Master Plan Task Force Vision Statement: ?By 2015, Clatsop County will be a contributor to a county- wide recreational system of parks and trails that are well known, maintained and supported. This recreational system will add significantly to the area?s growing reputation as a good, healthy place to live, work and visit.? 54 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Table 18 ? Goals, Objectives and Action Strategies Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 55 56 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 57 58 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 59 6 > DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS Park classification systems have been used successfully elsewhere in the country to manage park resources, market to the public, and plan for future development. A system based on existing park inventories is proposed in this report, along with recommendations for park and facility standards. > Park Classifications Recognizing the diversity of the resources and variety of uses within the county parks, we recommend a park classification system. The classifications will serve as a guide to the ongoing management and use of the existing parks and open space lands, and the future development of new ones. Each park will be assigned a classification based on its dominant feature, recognizing that parks may share some of the characteristics of other park categories. The following park and recreational lands classifications are proposed: ? Shared-use Parks ? Special Use Area ? Natural Areas In addition, park and recreational lands that meet certain criteria may be assigned a special designation overlay. The following overlays are proposed: ? Gateway Designation ? Leased Park Designation Recommendation: Park Designation Process: Consider lease, trade or sale of park lands that have been identified as not fitting the overall mission of the Parks Master Plan in order to fund other aspects of the park system. Perform periodic reviews to evaluate whether the individual parks designation is still valid. ?I am from the local area and have not heard of some sites: need more signage and communication to public.? Survey respondent, Hammond August 2005 60 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan > Shared-use Parks Definition Sites that provide a range of park, recreation and open space opportunities. Role and Function Meet a variety of community-based, shared-use park and recreational needs. Facilities Examples of facilities deemed necessary to fulfill the recreational needs of the particular park: boat docks, built restroom facilities, water systems, covered picnic areas, playgrounds, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, baseball fields, barbecue pits, trails, parking, fee boxes, camp hosts, fishing docks, signage, etc. Management Focus ? Maintain all facilities and grounds in attractive, clean, safe and working order. ? Identify park management zones: active areas, passive areas and natural environment areas. ? Install an interpretive signage and educational program that will highlight the wonderful natural features of the area. ? Develop trails, viewing areas and other waterfront and wetland-related amenities, subject to environmental considerations (e.g., boat launch, fishing pier, viewing platforms or beach access). ? Collect fees where feasible. ?Unfortunately there is a lack of unvandalized toilet facilities.? Survey respondent August 2005 ?All the parks need to be more publicized. Nobody knows about all these parks. Put out more information about the parks and put big signs on them!? Survey respondent August 2005 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 61 > Special Use Area Definition Parks and recreation facilities oriented toward a single use or purpose. Role and Function Serve specific users and activities, including residents and visitors. Examples include boat ramps, docks, camping facilities, etc. Facilities All facilities support the primary use. Management Focus ? Maintain all facilities and grounds in good, safe and working order. ? Identify park management zones: active areas, passive areas and natural environment areas. ? Establish an interpretive signage and educational program that can highlight the wonderful natural features of the area. ? Facilitate public access and views to natural features. ? Establish fee collection where feasible. > Natural Areas (Low-Impact Recreation) Definition The primary purpose of these sites is to conserve the natural environment while allowing for low-impact, nature-based recreational activities. Role and Function Self-directed, resource-oriented outdoor recreation that complements the unique and natural features of each site without harming the environment. Natural areas are typically less developed and managed to preserve natural processes. ?Dog parks! We have well behaved springers that love to run.? Survey respondent Astoria August 2005 62 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Facilities Low-impact facilities including trails, trailheads, modest comfort facilities (restrooms), informal parking areas, information/interpretive kiosks, and directional/way finding signage. Management Focus ? Protect important natural and cultural heritage features. ? Manage and enhance environmental resources; examples include forest land, fisheries and other wildlife. ? Identify appropriate use of areas and trail routes. ? Encourage shared-use trails wherever possible and appropriate to serve the greatest number of users; separate trail uses where necessary if conflict is unavoidable. ? Install an interpretive signage and educational program that will highlight the unique natural and historic features throughout these parks; examples include bird watching, nature enjoyment and trails use. ? Establish a ?Carry-in / Carry-out? trash policy within these scenic and natural park settings. ?We have lived here all our lives and I have never seen any information out on county parks.? Survey respondent, Youngs River area August 2005 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 63 > Gateway Designation Definition Gateway parks are likely points of first contact with the larger park system. Role and Function Serve as a gateway to the parks system with information about other parks that visitors might like to see. Facilities Kiosks, information centers, fee payment systems. Management Focus Maintain the information booths, fee collection. > Leased Park Designation Definition Parks that are leased to a third party that manages the park for a specific purpose. Role and Function Provide a needed, popular or historic public service. Facilities As needed by the leasing entity and consistent with the lease agreement, but consistent with returning the land to its underlying designated use at the conclusion of the lease. Management Focus Ensure that the terms of the lease are followed. 64 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Table 19 ? Park & Recreational Lands Classification Matrix Parks A. Shared- Use B. Special Use C. Natural (Low Impact Rec) D. Gateway E. Leased Parks Aldrich Point u Big Creek u Carnahan u Cullaby Lake u u* David Douglas u Lee Wooden u John Day u u* Klootchy Creek u u* North Fork Nehalem Park (Hwy 53) u Nehalem Park (Red Bluff) u Sigfridson u Smith Lake u Westport u u* Recreational Areas A. Shared- use B. Special Use C. Natural (Low Impact Rec) D. Gateway E. Leased Parks Camp Cullaby (BSA) u u DeLaura Beach u Lewis & Clark u Camp Kiwanilong u u Twilight Eagle u Lower Co. Soccer u u *Proposed designations Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 65 Use/Zone Park Master Plan Zone (Section 3.900) Open Space, Parks, and Recreation Zone (Section 3.580) Recreation Management Zone (Section 3.594) Purpose The purpose of this zone is to provide for the long term protection, management and enjoyment of natural, cultural, scenic, open space and recreational resources within publicly-owned or managed parks. The OPR zone is intended to provide for the conservation of open space; the protection and development of areas uniquely suited for outdoor recreation and the protection of designated scenic, natural and cultural resource areas. This zone is intended to be applied to existing public and private parks particularly those that contain significant natural values. These areas are intended to accommodate the type of recreational development that insures the maintenance of the site's natural values. Applicability This zone will be applied only to public parks which have master plans adopted by Clatsop County pursuant to OAR 660 Division 34 Development & Use Park uses and facilities that are consistent with a park master plan adopted pursuant to OAR 660 Division 34, and with applicable development standards, are allowed through the review procedures? Farm use. Forest use. Wildlife refuge or management area. Public regional park or recreation area excluding campgrounds. Historical or archaeological site/area. Golf courses except in areas identified as Coastal Shorelands. R.V. Park subject to Section S3.550-S3.552 except in the Clatsop Plains Planning Area. Other watersheds. Public or private neighborhood park or playground. Golf driving range. Municipally owned watersheds. Accessory development customarily provided in conjunction with the above developments. Property line adjustment. Low intensity recreation. General maintenance and operation of existing recreation facilities. Recreational improvements and additions necessary to serve the same visitor capacity served by the existing facilities, provided that off-site impacts are not disturbed. Property line adjustments. Low intensity recreation. > Zoning Existing zoning does not fully account for current uses or future plans for county parks. Based review by the Task Force, county parks and recreational lands are inconsistently zoned. In the opinion of the Task Force, the RM (Recreation Management) zone is the closest match. We recommend defining all county parks and recreational lands as county-owned land zoned RM. The parks master plan (or specific, individual park master plans) would become the document controlling use or conditional uses. The parks classification document described in this chapter provides an effective guideline for current use and future plans. Table 20 ? County Zoning Relevant to Parks and Recreation Lands Recommendation: We recommend defining all county parks and recreational lands as county-owned land zoned RM. 66 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan This page intentionally left blank Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 67 7 > COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATIONAL LANDS On-site inventories conducted by Task Force members reveal a number of opportunities for better utilizing county-owned park properties. The data can serve as a benchmark for future planning. > Parks and Recreational Lands Clatsop County benefits from an array of natural resources and habitats. Lands within the county range from coastal shorelines and wetlands to freshwater streams and estuaries; from lowland meadows and dunes to the forested mountains of the Coast Range. These diverse environments can be experienced in the county?s park system. This chapter provides inventory information and site-specific recommendations for parks and other recreational sites owned and managed by Clatsop County. Potential recreational sites and camping facilities are addressed later in the chapter Table 21 lists Clatsop County?s 13 designated parks and six recreational sites and their size. This is followed by Figure 2 on which their locations are identified. 68 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Table 21 ? Parks and Recreation Lands County Parks Acres Aldrich Point Boat Ramp 4 Big Creek Park 36 Carnahan Park 31 Cullaby Lake Park 165 David Douglas Park 64 Lee Wooden/Fishhawk Falls Park. 47 John Day Park/Boat Ramp 58 Klootchy Creek Park 25 Nehalem Park (Red Bluff) 49 North Fork Nehalem Park 3 Sigfridson Park 64 Smith Lake Park 3 Westport Boat Ramp 27 Total Acreage 577 Recreation Lands Acres Camp Cullaby (Camp Royce-Finel) 62 Camp Kiwanilong 191 DeLaura Beach 164 Lewis and Clark Boat Ramp 3 Lower Columbia Youth Soccer Assoc. 4 Twilight Eagle Sanctuary 15 Total Acreage 443 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 69 Figure 2 ? Park and Recreational Lands Map 70 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Opportunities and Constraints Analysis: We recommend that further habitat analysis and a thorough opportunities and constraints study accompany future planning and development of county parklands. AquaticRiparianWetland Shrub Forest MeadowSensitive Habitat/Development Pressures County Parks Aldrich Point Boat Ramp X X X X Columbia River shoreline, isolated Big Creek Park X X X X X X Big Creek shoreline, bank erosion and wetlands Carnahan Park X X X X X Cullaby Lake shoreline Cullaby Lake Park X X X X X Adjacent development and wetlands David Douglas Park X Old growth trees, high habitat value Lee Wooden/Fishhawk Falls Pk. X X X X X X Falls are unique landscape feature, diverse site John Day Park/Boat Ramp X X X Diverse wetlands Klootchy Creek Park X X X X X Unique tree stand, Nacanicum shoreline Nehalem Park (Red Bluff) X Old growth trees, high habitat value North Fork Nehalem Park X X X Nehalem River shoreline Sigfridson Park X X X X X X Open meadows, Klaskanine River shoreline Smith Lake Park X X X Lake frontage Westport Boat Ramp X X X X X Slough and riparian habitat AquaticRiparianWetland Shrub Forest MeadowSensitive Habitat/Development Pressures Recreation Lands Camp Cullaby (Camp Royce-Finel) X X X X X Wetlands and mature forested areas Camp Kiwanilong X X X X X X Diverse dune habitat, wetlands, and lakes DeLaura Beach X X X Coastal site with rare deflation plain wetlands Lewis and Clark Boat Ramp X X X Lewis & Clark River shoreline Twilight Eagle Sanctuary X X X X Columbia River shoreline, isolated Lower Columbia Youth Soccer X X X > Habitat Summary Earlier planning efforts by the county have yielded an overview of general habitat classifications that are common to the park and recreation lands. Table 22 summarizes the types of habitat areas that are typical of each of the park and recreation land sites and provides an overview of the sensitive habitat areas, unusual species and development pressures. Table 22 ? Habitat Summary Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 71 Recommendation: Park inventory data collected during the process of producing this report shall be: 1. preserved in a database 2. updated regularly, and 3. available to the public on the county?s Web site. D a y U s e F e e R e q u i r e d P a v e d P a r k i n g A r e a P r i m i t i v e P a r k i n g A r e a R e s t r o o m s ( F l u s h ) V a u l t T o i l e t / C h e m i c a l T o i l e t C a m p s i t e s R e s e r v a b l e P i c n i c S h e l t e r s B B Q / C o o k i n g F a c i l i t i e s B o a t L a u n c h F a c i l i t i e s F i s h i n g / T r a n s i t D o c k S w i m m i n g A r e a F i s h i n g A r e a W a l k i n g / H i k i n g E q u e s t r i a n T r a i l s P l a y g r o u n d P i c n i c T a b l e s B a s e b a l l / S o f t b a l l / S o c c e r V o l l e y b a l l C o u r t s O p e n P l a y A r e a N a t u r a l A r e a / W e t l a n d s I n t e r p r e t i v e / E d u c a t i o n S i g n a g e H i s t o r i c S t r u c t u r e s County Parks Aldrich Point Boat Ramp X X X X X X Big Creek Park X X X X X Carnahan Park X X X X X X X X X Cullaby Lake Park X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X David Douglas Park X Lee Wooden/Fishhawk Falls Pk. X X X John Day Park/Boat Ramp X X X X X X X X Klootchy Creek Park X X Nehalem Park (Red Bluff) X North Fork Nehalem Park X X X X Sigfridson Park X X X X Smith Lake Park X Westport Boat Ramp X X X X X X X Recreation Lands Camp Cullaby (Camp Royce-Finel) X X X X X X Camp Kiwanilong X X X X X X X X DeLaura Beach X X X X Lewis and Clark Boat Ramp X X X X X Lower Columbia Youth Soccer X X Twilight Eagle Sanctuary X X X > Designated County Parks Clatsop County?s 13 designated parks are described in detail on pages 72-103. Considerable effort was taken by Task Force members to collect and verify these data; they represent an important repository of historic, legal, management and marketing data. Many issues arose during the process of collecting park data. These are described in the ?Management Opportunities & Challenges? and ?Recommendations & Comments? section for each park. Chapter 5 contains Goals, Objectives and Action Strategies that relate to county parks. Current park rules and regulations are listed in Appendix O. An overview of current facilities is shown below. Table 23? Facility Inventory by Site 72 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan ALDRICH POINT BOAT RAMP Location: End of Aldrich Point Road, 5.4 miles north of Hwy. 30 between milepost 79-80, Brownsmead area Map: 9N 7W Section 26 ? #104, #100 Size: 3.73 acres Ownership Status: County Land-use zone: Aquatic Natural (AN) Classification: Special Use History: n/a Acquisition by County: n/a Description/Natural Features: The Aldrich Point Boat Ramp is located at the end of Aldrich Point Road in the Brownsmead area in eastern Clatsop County. This narrow, one lane improved boat ramp and transit dock offers access to the Columbia River at river mile 29. It provides access to the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Refuge that is located north of the boat ramp. This site is popular throughout the year and provides excellent water access opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, boating, waterfowl hunting and Columbia River fishing. Cultural/Historical Significance: n/a Geological Significance: Aldrich Point is the northernmost point in the State of Oregon. This facility is located on the broad floodplain along the south shore of the Columbia River. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 73 Recreation Utilization: The primary users year-round are fishermen and waterfowl hunters launching watercraft to access the Columbia River and Refuge. During the warmer summer months, use by non- motorized boaters increases. Non-boating uses are limited due to poor beach access and primitive facilities. Facility Inventory: ? Single lane boat launch ? Transit dock ? Informal gravel parking area ? Chemical toilet Development History: ? (2004) Installation of new rock fill along the edges of boat ramp and in between the existing cement boat ramp blocks for cost: of $10,500. ? (1999) Removal of deteriorated boarding floats/docks. ? (1999) $5,000 approved by BCC for construction by locals of new boarding floats: no activity to date. Management Opportunities/Challenges: ? Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) provides $3,000 annually for limited maintenance and operations of this site. ? At this time, county maintenance and operations costs are limited to staff time only. ? Current property boundary issues prevent the county from pursuing OSMB improvement grants. ? OSMB grants and other funding sources could be utilized to provide continued public access to this section of the Columbia River for boaters, bird watchers, nature enthusiasts, fishermen and hunters. ALDRICH POINT RAMP Recommendations & Comments: Operations and Maintenance ? Resolve the property boundary issue to allow for improvement of this site. ? Secure OSMB (Oregon State Marine Board) grants for park improvements. ? Establish a day-use fee and collection system for this site. Capital Improvements ? Consider park improvements, including: ? Improved parking facility ? Enhanced boat launch and dock facilities ? Vault toilet 74 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan BIG CREEK COUNTY PARK Location: Big Creek Lane off of Hillcrest Loop, ? mile south of Hwy. 30 at milepost 82, Knappa area Map: 8N 7W Section 19 ? #25 Size: 36 acres, including 1,500 linear feet Big Creek Ownership Status: County Land-use zone: Recreational Management (RM) Classification: Shared-use History: n/a Acquisition by County: The property was acquired from the Knappa Development Company on April 4, 1969 for the sum of $17,000. Description/Natural Features: This county park site, which adjoins Big Creek, provides an attractive, secluded, natural setting for stream fishing and day-use activities. The vegetation communities on-site are diverse and include riparian areas along Big Creek, open field and flat forested areas, wetlands and forested foothills. The vegetation found within the boundaries of the park is typical of native plant communities found in Clatsop County. This park provides direct access to Big Creek salmon, steelhead and trout fisheries. Cultural/Historical Significance: n/a Geological Significance: Big Creek is a coastal foothills stream that flows from the west slope of Nicolai Mountain in a northerly direction for a distance of about ten miles to the confluence with the Columbia River. Upstream mining activities during the 1990s caused the stream channel of Big Creak to re-route. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 75 Recreation Utilization: Use of the site is relatively light and includes fishing, open space and picnicking. The existing baseball field is used periodically. Facility Inventory: ? Single baseball field, backstop, benches and concession stand located north of the entrance road. It is currently being partially maintained by local residents, and is used as a practice field. ? Primitive walking paths throughout site and along banks of creek. ? A graveled cul-de-sac turnaround area and informal parking area at terminus of entrance road. Vehicle barriers have been installed to define parking area. ? Vehicular access provided over a county-maintained, paved 16-foot wide entrance road that connects to Hillcrest Loop. Development History: ? (1991) Master plan completed. ? (1986) Youth baseball field constructed by County Parks in partnership with local community group. Recreation facility formerly managed by community group via cooperative agreement. ? Log vehicle barricades have been recently added at perimeter of parking area. BIG CREEK PARK Recommendations & Comments: Operations and Maintenance ? Limit improvements within riparian corridor and respond to stream bank erosion through bioengineering or armoring to prevent loss of riparian habitat and fishing access. ? Review long-term value of baseball field and consider removal to accommodate new park amenities. ? Establish a management plan to provide minimum level of maintenance, sanitation and security. ? Consider temporary picnic tables and chemical toilet facilities during summer months to accommodate usage. ? Review the costs and revenue benefits of developing primitive overnight camping at this site. Continued? 76 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Management Opportunities/Challenges: ? Vegetation management including controlling invasive species and restoration of riparian habitat. ? Stream bank erosion from park user activities. ? Underutilized forested flat area between stream bed and bluff could accommodate additional recreation and site amenities. ? Large flat meadow area currently occupied by baseball field could accommodate additional recreation and site amenities. ? Acquisition of adjacent river frontage could expand public fishing access. ? Underdeveloped and underutilized trails. ? Site and water access is currently not ADA accessible. ? Likely presence of on-site wetlands. ? Various park improvements have been considered, but have been postponed due to limited budgets. ?continued BIG CREEK PARK Recommendations & Comments: Capital Improvements ? Consider park improvements, including: ? Day-use fee station ? Permanent vehicle barriers and/or improved parking area ? Picnic tables and shelters ? Paved and soft surface trails ? Vault toilet facilities and utilities ? Site furnishings including benches and trash receptacles ? Playgrounds ? Enhanced ADA accessibility including parking, fishing platforms, etc. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 77 CARNAHAN COUNTY PARK Location: Cullaby Lake Lane, ? mile east of Hwy. 101 between milepost 13-14, south of Warrenton Map: 7N 10W Section 15 ? #500 Size: 31.4 acres Ownership Status: County Land-use zone: Open Space Parks and Rec (OPR) Classification: Shared-use History: The acreage for Carnahan Park was donated by the heirs of the Carnahan estate for the purpose of open space and recreation. Acquisition by County: Donated to Clatsop County in 1938. Description/Natural Features: This is an established day-use waterfront county park site located on the north end of Cullaby Lake. 1,600 linear feet of lake shoreline, forested uplands and open meadows dominate this low intensity park site. Geological Significance: Cullaby Creek feeds Cullaby Lake and outlets into the Skipanon River and eventually the Columbia River at Warrenton. See Cullaby Lake inventory. Cultural/Historical Significance: Carnahan County Park was established in 1939 by Nell Carnahan to ?promote the public welfare of the citizens of Clatsop County, and as a memorial to the Carnahan family.? The Carnahan family was prominent among the early settlers to Clatsop Plains. 78 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Recreation Utilization: Public boat launch access area to Cullaby Lake (speed restricted area for boats), passive lake sports and fishing boats. Facility Inventory: ? Small gravel boat ramp for non-motorized and small power boats ? Fishing and water access from wooden dock with four fixed benches ? Steep primitive trails into wooded uplands, including a path crossing private land connecting to Boy Scouts of America leased camp ? Informal wildlife and waterfowl viewing ? Six wooden picnic tables ? Trash receptacles ? Informal parking areas and gated access roads ? Seasonal fee collection facility ? Seasonal chemical toilet Development History: ? (1995) Wood dock was rebuilt. ? (1988) Master plan completed. ? Boy Scouts of America and County partnered on the development of a potable water system. Management Opportunities/Challenges: ? The ODFW has identified this site as an excellent area for the development of ADA accessible fishing facilities. ? Ongoing maintenance of wood docks. ? Water quality, invasive aquatic plant growth and shoreline erosion issues associated with natural and manmade impacts. CARNAHAN PARK Recommendations & Comments: Operations and Maintenance ? County recommends that State monitor water quality and implement aquatic plant removal as needed. ? Monitor docks and repair or replace to maintain safe park access. ? Maintain existing day- use facilities as outlined in the park master plan. Capital Improvements ? Consider park improvements, including: ? Expanded trail system ? Interpretive signage at key locations ? Off-leash pet area, with water access ? Enhanced ADA accessible amenities including parking, pathways and fishing docks ? Enhanced boat ramp facilities to broaden appeal to boaters ? Vault toilet Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 79 CULLABY LAKE COUNTY PARK Location: End of Hawkins Road off of Cullaby Lake Lane, ? mile east of Hwy. 101 between milepost 13-14, south of Warrenton Map: 7N 10W Section 15 ? 2400, Section 22 -#300, #400, #500, #600, #601, #4100, #4111, #2800, #2001 Size: 165 acres Ownership Status: County Land-use zone: Recreation Management (RM) Lake and Wetlands (LW) Classification: Shared-use, Gateway History: Around the late 1800s or 1900, a ditch was created between Cullaby Lake and the old Skipanon Creek for the purpose of logging transport and wetland drainage. In addition to logging, cranberry bogs on the west side of the lake were productive for residents in the 1900s. Around 1960, a Soil and Water Conservation project resulted in a water control structure at Cullaby Lake's north outflow, which created the Cullaby Lake recreation area, with a parking lot, picnic areas, restrooms, boat ramps and a boat basin. In 1966 the annual Astoria Regatta was held on Cullaby Lake, and in March of 1968 the Board of County Commissioners designated the 165-acre site as the ?Cullaby Lake County Park and Recreation Area.? Acquisition by County: Cullaby Lake County Park was created from several parcels acquired by the county due to delinquent property taxes. The lake?s waterfront has been used for recreation for many years, but was officially designated a county park in 1968. 80 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Description/Natural Features: Cullaby Lake County Park is a popular day-use waterfront park with natural and developed recreation facilities. Features include access to the 219-acre Cullaby Lake with 4,400 linear feet of shoreline, beaches, natural areas and community park amenities dominate this high intensity park site. Cultural/Historical Significance: The Clatsop people had summer camps at Cullaby Lake, and Lewis and Clark reference this site in their writings. As many as 50 cedar dugout canoes, whose purpose may have been ceremonial burial by the native Clatsop people, were exposed when lake levels were artificially lowered. Cullaby was the name of a son and grandson of a sailor who washed ashore near Tillamook after a shipwreck. The sailor and his wife moved north to live with the Clatsop people making the lake their home for part of each year. The son was mentioned in the diaries of Lewis and Clark and is the origin of the lake?s name. The grandson was living by the lake when settlers began arriving in the area. The historic Lindgren Cabin, an example of early pioneer home construction, was moved from its original site near Soapstone Lake to Cullaby Lake County Park. This building is owned by the Finnish American Cultural Society and is opened periodically for tours. Geological Significance: Between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago, the eastern side of Cullaby Lake was the ocean shore, as evidenced by the unearthing of non-native species of logs buried in the area that had been washed ashore by the ocean that many years ago. The gradual development of sand dunes on what is now the western side of Cullaby Lake was the precursor to bogs, estuarine sloughs, streams and lakes. Cullaby Creek feeds Cullaby Lake and outlets into the Skipanon River and eventually the Columbia River at Warrenton. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 81 Recreation Utilization: Public boat launches, docks, swimming beaches, fishing areas, and diverse recreation and park amenities. This park is the only developed public lake waterskiing and power boating facility in the county. Facility Inventory: ? Two concrete motorized and non-motorized boat launch ramp facilities ? Two docks for transient moorage and fishing access ? Paved automobile and trailer parking areas ? Play equipment located at north picnic area ? Three horseshoe pits ? Two swim beaches (one at north picnic area, one at south picnic area) ? Sandy bottom; mowed grassy bank; roped designated swim area; no lifeguard provided by county ? Bank access fishing areas ? Two volleyball courts ? North picnic area: picnic shelter, one large covered grill, four pedestal grills and 29 picnic tables. ? South picnic area: picnic shelter, five pedestal grills and 19 picnic tables ? Restrooms: one accessible restroom at north picnic area and boat launch, one restroom at south picnic area ? Drinking fountains: two in north picnic area, one in south picnic area ? Trash receptacles: 10 at north picnic area, six at south picnic area ? Primitive and developed trails with signage and wetlands viewing platform ? Historic Lindgren Cabin ? Park caretaker and maintenance facility ? Fee collection site 82 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Development History: ? (2005) Wetlands Trail development ? (2001) North parking lot paved for cost of $81,520. ? (2000-2001) Construction of beach shoreline project. ? (2000) Grant reconstructed boat launch for cost of $86,220. ? (2000) Re-roof of playground picnic shelter. ? (2000) Re-roof of Lindgren Cabin facilities. ? (1999-2000) Campground Feasibility Study grant ($19,000) by OSPRD, Phase II declined by county. ? (1997-1998) Grant construction of new restroom for cost of $151,000. ? (1997-1998) Campground Feasibility Study grant ($25,000) by OSPRD, Phase I. ? (1995) Agreement increased law enforcement presence between OSMB and County. ? (1988) Master plan completed. ? Replacement of play structure planned, awaiting grant approval. ? Mooring dock near north parking lot was installed in the 1960s. Management Opportunities/Challenges: ? Water quality, invasive aquatic plant growth and shoreline erosion issues associated with natural and manmade actions could impact recreation experience. ? Extensive large mature trees and on-site wetlands need mapping. ? Management of invasive plant species. ? Insect management: consider bat boxes, swallow boxes. ? Potential opportunities for recreation activities on existing paved areas. ? Play equipment located at north picnic area needs to be upgraded for safety and access. ? Multiple trails throughout site provide walking opportunities and need mapping. ? Central location and access to Highway 101. CULLABY LAKE PARK Recommendations & Comments: Operations and Maintenance ? County recommends that State monitor water quality and implement aquatic plant removal as needed. ? Map existing trail system and develop walking maps for park. ? Maintain existing day- use facilities as outlined in the park master plan. ? Update park master plan. ? Explore state supported campground concept as a revenue generating development. Capital Improvements ? Consider park improvements, including: ? Enhanced ADA amenities including playground and fishing areas ? Expanded trail system ? ?Gateway? improvements including camping, special event space, etc. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 83 DAVID DOUGLAS COUNTY PARK Location: Located between milepost 13-14 on Hwy 26, Saddle Mountain area of US 26. Map: 5N 8W Section 21 ? #2200 Size: 64.4 acres Ownership Status: County Land-use zone: Recreation Management (RM) Classification: Natural Area History: Site was designated as park land in 1936 by County Board of Commissioners for public benefit and preservation for future generations. Acquisition by County: Property was held by the county through delinquent tax sales. The Northwest Discount Corporation deeded the property to the county for the sum of $50. Description/Natural Features: This is a forest tract which has not been developed for any active recreational uses. Access to much of the site is difficult due to topography, brush and downed trees. This is an authentic old-growth forest site. The property contains a variety of large trees including: ? Western hemlock 180-200 years old ? Douglas fir 400-500 years old ? Western red cedar 400-500 years old ? Pacific silver or Grand Fir 200+ years old A dense understory of western hemlock, about 30 years old, covers much of the site. Other species represented include Sitka spruce, red alder, red elderberry, salal, salmonberry and Oregon grape. Invasive species, such as Scotch broom, English holly and evergreen blackberries, are also present on site. 84 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan A wide variety of fungus species are present including impressive conks growing on snags and downed trees. A variety of birds are present, including pileated woodpeckers. There is evidence of deer, elk and beaver. Small ponds are used by newts and other amphibians. Cultural/Historical Significance: This site has been minimally impacted by humans. It offers a glimpse of what much of Clatsop County may have looked like prior to the ?tree farming? era. Geological Significance: Elevation ranges from 1150 feet to 1400 feet. There are several springs and small creeks which feed into the Little North Fork of the Nehalem River. There are small beaver dams at the southeast corner of the property. Recreation Utilization: Undeveloped Facility Inventory: ? Undeveloped ? Location signs on both sides of Highway 26 ? Weyerhaeuser timber access road lies at the southeast corner of this parcel. This road does not give good access to most of this property, however. Across the ravine northwest of the Weyerhaeuser road is an old roadbed extending to a clearing about 400 feet from the highway. This is blocked by numerous small downed trees. This would require widening and other improvements were it to be put into use. Development History: Undeveloped Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 85 Management Opportunities/Challenges: ? Access to this parcel may be a challenge to development of this property. There is limited parking on wide portions of highway shoulder. ? Opportunities for hiking trail development throughout site to showcase significant trees. Because of steep topography, providing ADA accessibility would be challenging. ? Interpretive signage could link Klootchy, David Douglas and Nehalem Parks. Signage could cover nature, history and economics of our forest environment. ? Site is bisected by Highway 26 and on-grade road crossings are not feasible due to speed of traffic. ? Development of a safe and secure parking area and access at this location will be challenging. Opportunities for a parking lot along the highway are limited by slope, site distances and numerous springs in the area. Limited shoulder parking is available. ODOT right-of-way extends a significant distance from the roadway. ? Visibility and acceleration and deceleration lanes lacking. ? Highway noise is fairly loud on most of this property. DAVID DOUGLAS PARK Recommendations & Comments: Operations and Maintenance ? Complete a more thorough biological inventory, including mapping of significant trees. ? Explore with ODOT feasibility of developing parking facilities and vehicle access for this site. Capital Improvements ? Consider limited park improvements, including: ? Primitive trails ? Parking and access utilizing old roadbed 86 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan JOHN DAY COUNTY PARK Location: Located on Hwy. 30 between milepost 93-94, 4 miles east of Astoria Map: 8N 9W Section 13 ? #800, #1500, #1600, #1700, #1800 Size: 58 acres Ownership Status: County Land-use zone: Recreation Management (RM) Aquatic Natural (AN) Classification: Special Use, Gateway History: This park is near the site where the Lewis and Clark expedition camped overnight on November 26, 1805, while in route to their winter camp and Fort Clatsop. This site was declared a County Park and Recreation Area in 1962 and since that time multiple improvements have been made to the site, including a two lane concrete boat ramp, paved parking and a restroom facility. This is a heavily used site, with plans to expand the parking area being currently considered. Acquisition by County: This popular boat ramp site was formed from various properties gained by the county through tax foreclosures during the years 1928 through 1940. Each of the five properties that comprise the John Day Boat Ramp Facility was acquired through tax foreclosure. Tax lot 800 (54.0 acres) was acquired in 1936, Tax lot 1500 (1.4 acres) was acquired in 1932, Tax lot 1600 (0.80 acres) was acquired in 1936, Tax lot 1700 (0.40 acres) was acquired in 1928, and Tax lot 1800 (1.4 acres) was acquired in 1940. Description/Natural Features: The John Day County Park is a 58-acre site with river frontage providing access to the John Day River and the lower Columbia River for general boating, fishing and hunting. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 87 The John Day Boat Ramp is adjacent to the Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge with frontage on the John Day River. The undeveloped portion of this site consists of large diverse freshwater wetlands with varied plant species. Cultural/Historical Significance: The John Day River was named after John Day, a hunter and voyager who was an employee of The Northern Fur Company in 1812. He crossed the plains along with his employer Mr. Crook and the first voyagers. He was a favorite among his peers and all who met him. Day left Fort Astoria in June of 1812 with a small party to carry dispatches to New York. He became seriously ill a couple of days into their journey and his companions commissioned Indians to return him to Fort Astoria, where he died shortly thereafter. Two rivers in the state are named after him: the John Day River in eastern Oregon, which starts in the Blue Mountains and empties into the Columbia 40 miles above The Dalles, and the John Day River in Clatsop County, near Astoria. Geological Significance: n/a Recreation Utilization: This is an established, heavily used boat ramp that provides access to the John Day River and the lower Columbia River for general boating, fishing and hunting. The existing parking lot is filled to near-capacity during periods of peak summer use. 88 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Facility Inventory: ? A two-lane concrete plank boat ramp with transient docks giving access to the John Day River and the Columbia River ? Paved parking for 58 vehicles with trailers and six additional 15-minute, single-vehicle parking spaces near the restroom structure ? Restroom with two flush restrooms and drinking fountain ? Fee collection site ? One garbage receptacle ? One picnic table Development History: ? (2002) Fish sculpture installed near entryway ? (1996) Grant: funded launch slip dredging of 4,123 CY for a cost of $58,500 ? (1996) Landscape upgrade project completed at entryway ? (1995) Grant: Reconstructed boat launch facilities and added fee collection site ? (1988) Boat ramp improvements and bathrooms ? (1979) Dredging and bank protection improvements ? (1962) Park designation: John Day Park and Recreational Area Management Opportunities/Challenges: ? Parking is at capacity and vehicles are parking on US 30. ? The highway approach onto US 30 has limited site/distance visibility due to road grades and curves. Safety could be improved with the addition of an eastbound left-turn refuge and a westbound shoulder acceleration lane. The county may propose these changes to ODOT. JOHN DAY COUNTY PARK Recommendations & Comments: Operations and Maintenance ? The Oregon State Marine Board is currently planning to expand parking at this heavily used boat ramp facility and construction will be completed by next year (2006). ? Review the costs and revenue benefits of developing self- contained overnight camping at this site. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 89 Klootchy Creek County Park Location: Located north of Hwy. 26 at milepost two Map: T5N, R10W, Section 14, #50 Size: 25 total acres Ownership Status: County owned Land-use zone: Recreation Management (RM) Classification: Shared-use, Gateway History: Klootchy Creek Park has been in existence since the 1940s when it was under private ownership. Crown Zellerbach Corporation developed the park as a campground and picnic area to take advantage of the ?Big Spruce Tree? and access to the Necanicum River for a boat launch site and for fishing. Campsites, restroom facilities, water and garbage receptacles were available for visitors. When Crown Zellerbach was sold to a foreign investor in 1986, the new company became Cavenham Forest Industries. Klootchy Creek Park soon became surplus property and Cavenham sold the land to the county. Acquisition by County: Clatsop County purchased four parcels of land, known as Klootchy Creek Park, and totaling 25 acres, from Cavenham Forest Industries on August 12, 1988. Purchase price was $36,700. At the time of purchase, the park had 19 campsites, nine picnic tables, 13 fireplaces and four outdoor toilets. This became TL 501. To enhance the size of the park, Clatsop County purchased 16.33 acres from the Carl W. Salser Trust on July 8, 1996 for $80,000. This is TL 400 in Section 11 and TL 1700 in Section 14. It is unclear if a Resolution and Order has been given to this property by the Board to declare this as a county park. 90 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Description/Natural Features: The park area is composed of a remnant coastal temperate rainforest. The largest Sitka spruce tree in Oregon and the U.S., as registered by American Forests? National Register of Big Trees, is located in the park: ? Species: Picea Sitchensis ? Circumference: 56? ? Height: 206? ? Crown Spread: 93? ? Age: 750+ years In 1997, the Heritage Tree Committee, Oregon Travel Council, dedicated this tree as the state?s first Tree Site. Cultural/Historical Significance: The largest Sitka spruce tree in Oregon. Geological Significance: The park area is located along the Necanicum River flood plain and does partially flood in the winter during periods of very high tides and heavy storms. Recreation Utilization: This is a popular day-use facility located north of Highway 26. The main attraction at this site is the Big Spruce Tree, trails and the observation platform. Picnicking is available. There are approximately 3,000 linear feet of river frontage along the Necanicum River for fishing. There is a small boat launch site for non-motorized boats. Facility Inventory: ? Observation platform ? Garbage receptacle ? Four chemical toilets ? Rock and log barricades to restrict vehicle parking ? A 75? long concrete and steel stringer bridge over the Necanicum River from Highway 26 to the park ? A five-foot fence line along the east side of the park, between County and Weyerhaeuser Company property ? Two picnic tables Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 91 Development History: ? (1997) $55,000 grant offered from ODFW and USFWS for $100,000 to construct a flush restroom. Was originally approved by the county, but was declined by the subsequent board. ? (1995) construction of an ADA compatible observation deck around the Big Spruce to protect the ground and roots at the base of the tree. The cost was $52,500. ? (1991) Master plan completed. Management Opportunities/Challenges: ? Potential Clatsop County Welcome/Visitors Center or a ?gateway park? concept. ? Seasonal interpretive/information personnel, or camp host. ? Road surface in the park is crushed rock, and needs periodic maintenance. ? Weyerhaeuser has a permanent easement for road access from Hwy. 26 through the park to reach their Necanicum mainline hauling road east of the park. This mainline road is the eastern boundary of the park. ? There is a Weyerhaeuser maintained gate on the east side of the parking lot to control public vehicle access onto company property. ? The condition of the Big Spruce Tree and other over- mature western hemlock and red alder trees needs to be assessed for safety reasons. Danger trees and snags need to be removed when deemed necessary. ? Invasive plant species, e.g., Japanese knotweed, have been spotted along the Necanicum River bank within the park?s boundary. KLOOTCHY CREEK PARK Recommendations & Comments: Operations and Maintenance ? Continue the Adopt-A-Park program. In November 2001, and most recently in 2005, Weyerhaeuser Company has entered into an agreement with Clatsop County as part of this program. Weyerhaeuser has done park clean-ups, trail maintenance and fence brushing, and has cooperated with the county in road maintenance projects through the parking lot. ? Monitor health of Big Tree and manage invasive plant materials. ? Designate the 16.33 acres from the Salser purchase to park status and develop the 16.33 acres of the Salser purchase with nature trails, primitive campsites and fishing access down to the river. ? Consider transition to a State Wayside. ? Consider designating entry road and bridge as ?County? road to bring into road maintenance jurisdiction. Capital Improvements ? Consider park improvements, including: ? Fee collection system ? Expanded trail system with interpretive signage ? Improved boat ramp facility ? Improved restroom facilities ? Car and tent camping 92 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan LEE WOODEN/ FISHHAWK FALLS PARK Location: Located on Hwy. 202 at milepost 25, 5 miles west of Jewell Map: 6N 7W Section 32 ? #100, #200, #300 Size: 47.15 acres Ownership Status: County Land-use zone: Open Space Parks and Rec. (OPR) Classification: Natural Area History: n/a Acquisition by County: This property was acquired by the county in 1962 through property tax foreclosure. It was named after Lee Wooden, a homesteader from the Jewell area. Description/Natural Features: A rural day use park that features a maintained trail from a parking area near Fishhawk Creek to the base of Fishhawk Falls, and approximately 2000 feet of frontage on Fishhawk Creek. An abandoned stone road in the southeast corner leads to a natural meadow area. A stone quarry, located on the southwest section of the property, is currently used by the County Road Department. Lee Wooden Park is truly one of the hidden jewels in the county park system. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 93 Cultural/Historical Significance: Area residents have used the meadow area in the past for weddings and Boy Scout campouts. Geological Significance: The stacked basalt columns of a dike exposed at Fishhawk Falls is identical to Columbia River basalt further east. This basalt flow, like those at Otter Rock and Hug Point, ranks among the longest on earth, i.e., 300 miles from eastern Oregon and Washington. Recreation Utilization: The falls are the main attraction for day visitors. There has been some unauthorized primitive camping. Facility Inventory: ? Two picnic tables ? Primitive trail with bridge ? Informal parking area Development History: ? Cantilever bridge installed along low point on footpath ? late 90s. ? Footpath from parking area to base of falls ? early 90s. ? Gravel road off Hwy. 202 (NE corner) is not maintained and is partially overgrown, as is the meadow area. Management Opportunities/Challenges: ? Current design and location of parking area is resulting in stream bank erosion. ? Determine the ?life expectancy? of the stone quarry, i.e., how much more rock can be extracted before the integrity of the hill visible from the falls is compromised. ? Determine compatibility of surface mining (quarry activities) with current OPR land use zone. LEE WOODEN/ FISHHAWK FALLS PARK Recommendations & Comments: Operations and Maintenance ? Explore Jewell School?s interest in ?adopting? Lee Wooden Park for scientific learning and community service. ? Build volunteer network to manage restoration and construction of trails and restoration of degraded areas, including deactivated road and parking areas. ? Discourage negative activities by engaging local youth, increasing overall public awareness of park, and encouraging stewardship. ? Review costs and revenue benefits of utilizing special use permits for group events, picnics and overnight camping. Capital Improvements ? Consider limited park improvements, including: ? Reopened access road at the east end of the park and deactivated and restored (to a natural state) west road and current parking area. ? Expanded trail system and viewing platform ? Install vehicle entry gates at park entry road and close park to public during nighttime hours. 94 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan NEHALEM COUNTY PARK (RED BLUFF) Location: Red Bluff Road off of Hwy. 26, between milepost 20-21, Elsie area Map: 5N 7W Section 32 - #300 Size: 49.27 acres Ownership Status: County Land-use zone: Recreation Management (RM) Classification: Forest Area History: Site was designated as park land in 1937 by County Board of Commissioners for public benefit and preservation for future generations. Acquisition by County: Property was held by the county through delinquent tax sales. Description/Natural Features: The tract is mostly an even-aged stand of 175 to 250-year-old Douglas fir trees. Many specimens are four to five feet in diameter and approximately 190 feet tall. Density is not uniform. There are younger Douglas fir, red cedar, western hemlock and spruce of mixed ages, and snags are present. The understory consists of red alder, big leaf maple, vine maple, cascara, salmonberry, thimbleberry, huckleberry, elderberry, wild rose, ferns and Indian plum. The presence of devil's club in several locations indicates springs or wet areas. Numerous shade-tolerating wildflowers such as trilliums are present. A complete botanic inventory has not been completed. The site is near but not contiguous to the South Fork of the Nehalem River. The site is relatively flat with some drop-off on the eastern side. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 95 Cultural/Historical Significance: There are no known archaeological sites on this property, but attention should be paid to the possibility during any trail building. This is one of the most significant, intact stands of Douglas fir in the county. Geological Significance: The site is near but not contiguous to the South Fork of the Nehalem River. The site is relatively flat with some drop-off on the eastern side. Recreation Utilization: None Facility Inventory: ? Undeveloped ? U.S. Highway 26 runs through the bottom third of this parcel. ? Elsie Cemetery Road runs along the southern edge of the parcel. ? Red Bluff County Road runs diagonally through the northern portion of the parcel. Development History: Undeveloped Management Opportunities/Challenges: ? Off-road vehicle users have built a trail around the Weyerhaeuser gate to gain access to their property. ? An adjoining property owner has cut trees from county property. This is not a visually attractive property to have next to a county park. ? Some invasive species such as Scotch broom and evergreen blackberries are present, especially along the south side of the property. ? Since this is a populated area a very long distance from a garbage transfer station, illegal dumping is a risk for any development. ? There are two very wide spots on Red Bluff County Road which could accommodate parking. NEHALEM COUNTY PARK (RED BLUFF) Recommendations & Comments: Operations and Maintenance ? Local residents should be consulted on what, if any improvements are to be made to this parcel and to seek local volunteers to help with maintenance. ? The property is flat enough that handicapped access should be feasible. ? Access onto Highway 26 is hazardous because of poor visibility. Trails crossing the highway are not feasible. ? Complete a more thorough biological inventory of this site. Capital Improvements ? Consider limited park improvements, including: ? Primitive park areas and interpretive trails in the south part of the property ? Primitive trails ? Explore with ODOT the feasibility of developing parking facilities and vehicle access for this site. 96 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan NORTH FORK NEHALEM COUNTY PARK Location: Located between milepost 7-8 on Hwy. 53, next to the North Fork Fish Hatchery Map: 4N 9W Section 22 ? #1100 Size: 2.8 acres Ownership Status: County Land-use zone: Open Space Parks and Rec. (OPR) Classification: Natural Area History: n/a Acquisition by County: n/a Description/Natural Features: This is an undeveloped, isolated property that includes 300 linear feet of stream access and is adjacent to the state fish hatchery. There is fishing access on the north boundary of the North Fork Nehalem River. Cultural/Historical Significance: n/a Geological Significance: Located along the North Fork Nehalem River Recreation Utilization: This site provides bank fishing access for steelhead and trout fishermen. Facility Inventory: ? Informal parking for approximately 12 vehicles ? Paved fishing access path leads to river ? Mature Douglas fir and spruce with lush vegetative understory Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 97 Development History: Undeveloped Management Opportunities/Challenges: ? The site is not suitable for boat launch due to downstream weirs and obstacles. ? Public parking at site for stream access. ? Potential day-use facility with dispersed picnic sites and connecting trail with fishing access, interpretive site with associated instructional signage for picnicking. NORTH FORK NEHALEM COUNTY PARK Recommendations & Comments: Operations and Maintenance ? Due to its location adjoining state lands, the county should pursue a partnership arrangement with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, including sale or trade of land, or development of limited day-use facilities. 98 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan SIGFRIDSON COUNTY PARK Location: Located on Hwy 202 at milepost 11, Olney Area Map: 7N 8W Section 18 ? #3100 Size: 64.43 Acres Ownership Status: County Land-use zone: Open Space Parks and Rec (OPR) Classification: Natural Area History: In 1969, the community based ?Save Klaskanine? group began seeking financial donations to purchase an option on 72 acres of land known as the Sigfridson Farm. The ?Save Klaskanine? group recognized the rare opportunity to purchase nearly 3,000 linear feet of river frontage to maintain public access and high quality fishing opportunities for county residents and visitors. By the middle of 1969, the group had raised nearly $300 of the $700 cost for the option, and the county and the Game Commission were solicited for financial assistance. By the end of the year, Clatsop County purchased the property for park purposes. A science class at Star of the Sea School in Astoria has adopted this park (see Appendix P). In the mid-1980s, the county leased 5.7 acres of the park, including the residence and farm buildings. A subsequent land sale of the leased parcel reduced the park from its original 72 acres to its current 64 acres Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 99 Acquisition by County: According to county record, the property was purchased in December 1969 as park land by the county for $45,000. Description/Natural Features: This county property provides stream bank access to fishermen along a stretch of the North Fork Klaskanine River downstream from the state fish hatchery. Cultural/Historical Significance: n/a Geological Significance: n/a Recreation Utilization: This is a heavily used public fishing area during the winter steelhead season and also used by summer trout fishermen. This park is just downstream from an active fish hatchery and is known locally for fantastic fishing. The site receives light usage as a day-use picnic area during the summer months. Facility Inventory: ? Informal parking area ? Primitive trails Development History: Undeveloped Management Opportunities/Challenges: ? Day-use facilities could be upgraded to increase summer recreational use. ? Invasive vegetation exists on site. ? Primitive trails and erosion. ? Southern section of site may have value for sale or tree harvest. ? Portions of the park land, including a large open meadow, are inaccessible because of no river crossing. SIGFRIDSON COUNTY PARK Recommendations & Comments: Operations and Maintenance ? Maintain park property for public fishing access and day-use area. ? Prepare master plan for site. ? Address knotweed and other invasive vegetation in partnership with the local watershed council. ? Review the costs and revenue benefits of developing primitive overnight camping at this site, including low impact tent camping south of the river. Capital Improvements ? Consider park improvements, including: ? Pedestrian/mainten- ance bridge to access property south of river. ? Expanded foot trail system, including spurs to river edge. ? Improved entry and regulation signage. ? Day-use facilities, including parking and vault toilet. 100 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan SMITH LAKE COUNTY PARK Location: Smith Lake/Ridge Road, west of Warrenton Map: 8N 10W Section 33 ? #1300, #1400, #1600 Size: 2.56 acres Ownership Status: County Land-use zone: 1400 & 1600: Lakes and Wetlands (LW) 1300: Single Family Residential (SFR-1) All three parcels are subject to BDO zoning overlay (Beaches and Dunes Overlay) Classification: Natural Area History: Designated as a county park June 14, 1995. Acquisition by County: Lots 1300 (1.18 acres) and 1400 (1.24 acres) were acquired by the county in a tax foreclosure on 8/7/36. Lot 1600 (.14 acres) was acquired in a tax foreclosure on 4/23/80. Description/Natural Features: Waterfront parcel providing potential public access to densely vegetated Smith Lake and unique Sitka spruce wetlands. Cultural/Historical Significance: n/a Geological Significance: Lake located within the dunes west of Warrenton with unique Sitka spruce wetlands. Recreation Utilization: Undeveloped Facility Inventory: Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 101 Undeveloped Development History: Undeveloped Management Opportunities/Challenges: ? Public access to Smith Lake and Sitka spruce wetlands ? Lake is nearly non-navigable due to dense aquatic vegetation ? Dune management and onsite wetlands ? Potential interpretive site ? Potential non-motorized watercraft launch site SMITH LAKE COUNTY PARK Recommendations & Comments: Operations and Maintenance ? Prepare master plan for site. Capital Improvements ? Consider limited park improvements, including: ? Nature trail ? Interpretive signage ? Boardwalks and wetland observation areas 102 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan WESTPORT BOAT RAMP Location: Westport Ferry Road, ? mile north of Hwy. 30, between milepost 70-71 on Hwy. 30, Westport area Map: 8N 6W Section 36 ? #408 Size: 27 acres Ownership Status: Leased Land-use zone: Lakes and Wetlands (LW) Heavy Industrial (HI) Classification: Special Use History: This site was developed as a large mill site in 1910 and operated until its closing in 1956 due to the low supply of large logs. The mill then burned down in 1957. The site was left and slowly has overgrown with plant life to its present state. Wood storage areas, docks and railroad loading areas were planked and some of the piers that supported the dock are still visible in the north section of property along the slough and Plympton creek. Acquisition by County: The county obtained an easement in 1972 to operate the existing boat dock/ramp and parking lot to provide public access to the Columbia River. The county is currently working on a land donation agreement with Georgia-Pacific for the donation of this 27-acre site. There are concerns with contaminated soil around the old mill site as noted from site surveys completed by a hired contractor for the county. This land donation is on hold until these issues have been addressed. Site is currently leased. Description/Natural Features: This 27-acre site located in the town of Westport on the eastern edge of the county provides access to the Westport Slough that is a tributary of the Columbia River. The site Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 103 consists of a two-lane improved boat ramp, graveled parking lot, and one chemical toilet. This site provides access to the Columbia River for boaters, fishermen and hunters. The site is located on the eastern end of the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Refuge. It is primarily a wooded property next to the slough that offers access to the river as well as a place for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Plympton Creek is a small creek that runs through the western edge of the property and provides an excellent fall Chinook fishery to the local population and visitors to the area. Cultural/Historical Significance: Site of Westport Mill from 1910-1957. Geological Significance: n/a Recreation Utilization: Site is currently used for access by boaters, non-motorized boaters, fishermen and hunters to the Columbia River. Limited fishing occurs on Plympton Creek as it runs through the western edge of the site. Facility Inventory: ? Two-lane boat ramp to Westport Slough ? Gravel parking lot ? Chemical toilet ? Stream bank access to Plympton Creek Development History: ? (February 2004) Improvements to the boat ramp by installation of more base rock on the boat ramp for cost of $11,985. Management Opportunities/Challenges: ? Property acquisition issues with Georgia-Pacific Company. ? Site remediation and clean-up. ? Potential ?gateway park? status for Clatsop County. WESTPORT BOAT RAMP Recommendations & Comments: Operations and Maintenance ? Complete land acquisition. ? Complete remediation and clean-up agreement with Georgia-Pacific Company. ? Complete site master plan. ? Review the costs and revenue benefits of overnight camping at this site. Capital Improvements ? Consider park improvements, including: ? Day-use fee site ? Improved ramp and transient docks ? Improved parking areas ? Vault toilets ? ADA fishing access and platforms ? Expanded nature trails 104 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan > County-Owned Recreation Sites Pages 105-110 provide a detailed description of the county?s six recreational sites, their location and size. Two of these sites ? Camp Cullaby and Camp Kiwanilong ? are leased by the county to organizations that provide camping experiences for youth; a third site is leased to the Lower Columbia Youth Soccer Association. The fourth, the Twilight Eagle Sanctuary, is on county-owned land, but is managed by the Oregon Bald Eagle Foundation. The other two sites, DeLaura Beach and the Lewis and Clark boat ramp, are well known and heavily used recreational sites that have not been given official park status. The DeLaura site, covering 164 acres of land along the ocean, has important historical, recreational and ecological values. The North Coast Chapter of Oregon Equestrian Trails, a statewide service organization, has adopted the DeLaura Beach property. Its members provide ongoing trail maintenance and garbage removal on the property. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 105 CAMP CULLABY (CAMP ROYCE-FINEL) Location: Across from Carnahan Lake Park, Cullaby Lake Lane, ? mile east of Hwy. 101 between milepost 13-14, south of Warrenton Map: 7N 10W Section 15 ? #101, #100 Size: 61.60 Ownership Status: Leased to Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Land-use zone: Open Space Parks and Rec (OPR) Classification: Leased Description/Natural Features: Semi-primitive overnight camp located on Cullaby Lake across from Carnahan County Park. BSA refer to this site as Camp Royce-Finel. Recreation Utilization: Leased for private seasonal use. Development History: ? Primitive site development to accommodate limited uses. ? BSA and County partnered on the development of a potable water system. Management Opportunities/Challenges: ? No county-approved master plan or management plan for future uses. ? Ten-year lease signed with Boy Scouts of America in September 2002 for a cost of $1 per year. CAMP CULLABY Recommendations & Comments: Operations and Maintenance ? Review lease terms with BSA at expiration of existing lease. ? Develop long term lease with BSA or prepare master plan for site upon expiration of lease. 106 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan CAMP KIWANILONG Location: West of Ridge Road, north of DeLaura Beach Road, Warrenton area Map: 8N 10W Section 20 - #1710 Size: 190.57 acres Ownership Status: Leased to Camp K Board Land-use zone: Recreation Management (RM) Classification: Share-use, Leased Description/Natural Features: Day-use and overnight camping, cabins and meeting facilities, leased to non-profit management. The camp is located in coastal dunes east of DeLaura Beach and includes several small lakes. Cultural/Historical Significance: Contains tree arboretum where the U.S. Soil Conservation Service conducted dune stabilization testing. The Camp Board signed a 99-year lease with the county in January 2004. The Camp Board is to present a plan for improvements, maintenance and programming of the camp to the county every five years. In addition, the Camp is to provide an annual report. See Appendix Q for article about camp?s 70th anniversary. Recreation Utilization: Camping facility for large groups and is heavily used during summer. Facility Inventory: ? Camping and Cabins ? Lodge facilities Management Opportunities/Challenges: ? No county-approved master plan or management plan for future uses. ? Review trail connection opportunities with DeLaura Beach and Fort Stevens. CAMP KIWANILONG Recommendations & Comments: Operations and Maintenance ? RLPAC be asked to review the Camp?s annual and 5-year reports. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 107 DELAURA BEACH Location End of DeLaura Beach Road, 2 miles west of Hwy. 101, southwest of Warrenton Map 8N 10W Section 30 ? #300 Size 164.48 acres Ownership Status: County-owned recreation lands site Land-use zone: Recreation Management (RM) Classification: Natural Area History: In 1935, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) planted beach pine, Scotch broom and European beach grass and installed fences to stop the movement of sand which was encroaching on lakes and pastures. The development of the Warrenton Dune Soil and Water Conservation District in 1941 continued the CCC efforts. The stabilization of the dunes significantly altered the landscape and made possible the development of Fort Stevens State Park. Acquisition by County: Beginning in 1932, a variety of land purchases and trades occurred, resulting in the acquisition of DeLaura Beach. Description/Natural Features: This 164-acre county-owned recreation land provides ocean access and dune recreation opportunities for pedestrians, equestrians and bicycles. This landscape consists of sand, beach grasses, wetlands, pioneer plant species and pine and spruce forests. Geological Significance: Relatively young landscape is created by the Columbia River south jetty and dune stabilization efforts. This area includes an active sand fore dune running parallel to the Pacific Ocean, an interdunal valley that is seasonally flooded, an inland stabilized sand dune, and localized wetlands and forests. 108 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Cultural/Historical Significance: In 1882, a British ship ? the ?Cairnsmore? ? beached on the Clatsop Spit. The ship lies on county-owned land and is buried under the sand. The ship was visible as late as 1914 before being completely covered by moving sand dunes. The construction of the south jetty at the mouth of the Columbia River caused the shoreline to move several hundred yards west. The area where the Cairnsmore beached is now a forest of shore pine and spruce. In 1942, an artillery shell fired from a Japanese submarine landed near DeLaura Beach Road. A monument was erected at this location. Recreation Utilization: Currently, any recreational use taking place in the DeLaura Beach area is dispersed and not managed. There are no facilities or developments. DeLaura Beach Road does provide access to the beach; however, the beach is only accessible by high clearance vehicles. Current recreational uses include hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, mushroom picking, paintball and beach activities. Fort Stevens State Park is the main supplier of designated recreational opportunities in the coastal dune land and shore pine settings. While these areas will continue to supply designated recreational facilities, there is a lack of free or low cost primitive recreational areas near the coast. Facility Inventory: ? Undeveloped ? Extensive primitive and equestrian trail system connects with trails in Fort Stevens State Park and Camp Kiwanilong. Development History: ? (1995) Master plan completed. ? (1991) Road improvements to reroute road and improve surface. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 109 Management Opportunities/Challenges: ? Large undeveloped ocean front dune landscape. ? High quantities of wetlands. ? This area receives extensive use of the trail system by local horseback riders and many from out of the area. For the past nine years the local Oregon Equestrian Trails Chapter has held a Poker Ride that brings approximately 300 riders and horses to use these trails. ? Most of these trails are maintained by local equestrians who also spend many hours every year cleaning up garbage in the area. ? Adjacent to Fort Stevens, Camp Rilea and Camp Kiwanilong. ? Nuisance activities including dumping and vandalism. ? High impact vehicular activities damaging fragile dunes and wetlands. DELAURA BEACH Recommendations & Comments: Operations and Maintenance ? Update master plan. ? Clarify boundaries of this site. ? Designate site as a ?county park.? Capital Improvements ? Consider limited park improvements, including: ? Developed horse trailer parking facilities at the south end of Burma Road. 110 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan LEWIS & CLARK RIVER BOAT RAMP Recommendations & Comments: Operations and Maintenance ? Acquire or secure use of uplands between road and submersible lands. Capital Improvements ? Potential OSMB grant LEWIS & CLARK RIVER BOAT RAMP Location: South of Netel Bridge, between Logan Road and Lewis & Clark River. Map: 7N 10W Section 12 - #900 Size: 2.8 acres Ownership Status: State License to operate a boat ramp on submersible lands of the Lewis and Clark River. Land-use Zone: Zoned AC-2 Classification: Special Use Acquisition by County: Per a 1996 Oregon Department of State Lands license, the county has permission to operate a boat ramp on the submersible lands of the Lewis and Clark River. Description/Natural Features: Public boat ramp on the Lewis and Clark River. Facility Inventory: ? Boat launch ramp ? Primitive parking area Development History: ? (1997) Boat launch ramp constructed Management Opportunities/Challenges: ? The current license is for a boat ramp only. ? The county does not have a written deed or other document giving it an interest in the uplands between the road and the submersible land. ? Improvements to the uplands will require acquisition, easement or long-term lease from the land owners. ? Potential OSMB grant site Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 111 TWILIGHT CREEK EAGLE SANCTUARY Location: On Highway 30 east of Astoria between milepost 87-88. Turn North onto Burnside Loop Road and go .5 miles to viewing platform Map: 8N 8W Section 20 ? 2000 Size: 15.3 acres Ownership Status: County Land-use zone: Recreational management, Aquatic Natural Classification: Special Use History: The purpose of the Twilight Eagle Sanctuary was to protect the area from eminent logging and future development. This effort was to provide habitat for use by the Twilight Creek eagles, including use by other wintering eagles and eagles from the Mary?s Creek roost. Acquisition by County: Land was purchased in 1990 from Cavenham Forest Industries for the purpose of the Twilight Eagle Sanctuary. The funding was from the North Coast Land Conservancy and the Oregon Eagle Foundation through fundraising events and grants. Description/Natural Features: This site has a viewing platform located along Burnside Loop Road that views Twilight Creek Eagle Sanctuary. The viewpoint is located east of the actual sanctuary where you can view tidal marshes, open water and islands, and view hundreds of plant and animal species and thousands of waterfowl in the winter. The Twilight Eagle Sanctuary consists of 15.3 acres of upland forested area with wetland edges. 112 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Twilight Creek Eagle Sanctuary Recommendations & Comments: Operations and Maintenance ? Establish a management plan to provide minimum level of maintenance, sanitation and security. Capital Improvements ? Consider park improvements, including: ? Permanent vehicle barriers and/or improved parking area. ? Updating of the interpretive signs. ? Enhanced ADA accessibility including parking and platform. Recreation Utilization: Bird watchers and sightseers use this site to observe the bald eagles and many other species of birds, wildlife and the beauty of the lower Columbia River estuary. Facility Inventory: This site consists of one viewing platform with interpretive signs located along Burnside Loop Road east of the 15.3 acres. Development History: The viewing platform was constructed in 1990. Management Opportunities/Challenges: ? Ongoing maintenance around viewing platform. LOWER COLUMBIA YOUTH SOCCER FIELDS Location: East of DeLaura Beach and Camp Kiwanilong, 2 miles west of Hwy. 101, southwest of Warrenton Map: 8N 10W Section 20 Size: 3.8 acres Ownership Status: Leased to Lower Columbia Youth Soccer Association Land-use Zone: R-10 Classification: Special Use, Leased Summary: The Lower Columbia Youth Soccer Association signed a 10- year lease with the county on October 1, 2003. The lease requires an annual report regarding the use of the property the previous year. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 113 > Other County-Owned Actual or Potential Recreational Sites The Task Force collaborated with the county?s property management specialist to determine if other county-owned land is currently being used for recreation or has the potential to be designated and developed for this purpose. Sites in this category are shown below and on the next two pages with their management recommendation. Following are the parcels identified that provide water access and the disposition recommended by the Task Force: Table 24? Undeveloped County-Owned Water Access Sites SITE RECOMMENDATION Knappa dock Develop a plan for improvement; designate as a county park. Walluski River boat access Develop as a non-motorized boat site; designate as a county park. Rodney Road parcels on the Skipanon River Natural wetlands deserving of protection. Explore feasibility of a small floating dock at the Perkins Road bridge, about 0.5 miles down the road. Tansy Creek parcel Need to clarify ownership of this vacated road and determine future development to occur on adjacent property before disposition is decided. Fort Stevens parcel The state may have interest in buying or trading this 72.3-acre parcel of county land on the ocean within Fort Stevens. Skipanon Peninsula Hold for future development or wetland mitigation project See Appendix T for additional information relating to each county-owned actual or potential recreation sites. 114 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan The following three sites have trails that are either currently being used for recreation by Clatsop County residents, or have potential for this use: ? Claremont Road: This site, next to ODF?s Claremont parcel should be retained an interpretive/educational site. [Note: ODF?s Claremont parcel is part of the G & N Land Exchange ? currently held up because of an appeal in State Court.] ? North of County Public Works: Approach Astoria Middle School about renewing agreement for nature trails. Depending on the future location of Public Works, site may have significantly increased value in the future. ? Williamsport Road Parcels: See below. See Appendix U for additional information regarding these parcels. Williamsport Road parcels This complex set of Williamsport Road parcels owned by Clatsop County, near the Astoria Column and Williamsport Road, requires careful consideration. The Task Force has divided them into the following groups: ? Groups #1 and #2 total 187 acres. They are located on both sides of Williamsport Road and include parcels east of the Astoria Column and north of the city?s high- pressure water reservoir. These properties are laced with user-created trails (Appendix H-6) that wind through a mature forest. ? Group #3 parcels total eight acres. They are located below the waste disposal and recycle center on both sides of Williamsport Road. The area west of Williamsport Road has recently had some residential development. The area east of the road is very low and swampy. > Williamsport Road ? Groups #1 and #2 Recommendation: Negotiate a sale to City Parks or a conservancy group that would have deed restrictions to protect these areas for future generations. Any funds or proceeds should be designated to the Park and Land Acquisition and Maintenance Fund. Williamsport Road ? Group #3 Recommendation: The area west of Williamsport Road should be evaluated for other use. Group #3 east of the road should be evaluated for sale. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 115 > Camping Facilities Car camping with a tent and RV/trailer camping are popular activities, ranked 10th and 15th in our local survey. Moreover, tent camping ranked sixth and RV/trailer camping 12th when survey participants were asked the specific activities they are interested in and want to know more about. Overnight camping facilities are a primary requirement. At this time, the only camping facilities on county-owned land are the two leased youth camps; these are Camp Kiwanilong and Camp Cullaby. The county managed the Spruce Run Campground under a lease agreement until 2002. This facility is now managed by ODF as Henry Rierson Spruce Run Campground. Clatsop County Parks may allow overnight self- contained RV/trailer camping at John Day Park in 2006. The Task Force has identified the potential for camping at other county parks in the following priority order: ? Westport* ? Cullaby Lake ? Big Creek ? Klootchy Creek ? Sigfridson ? Lee Wooden/Fishhawk Falls *The county is negotiating the acquisition. These projects should be developed by Clatsop County Parks in collaboration with the RLPAC. The sequence and priority of developing camping facilities will depend on multiple factors including projected demand, availability of grant funds, staffing required and net impact on the Clatsop County Parks operating budget. Without question, the work involved in planning, seeking grants, designing, estimating revenue and expenses for these facilities ? as well as operating and maintaining them ? will require additional personnel. The > Recommendation: Clatsop County Parks and RLPAC begin to develop a plan for adding camping facilities at each of the listed county parks. ?I love to tent camp, but sometimes certain parks are too crowded, or they do not have enough open area.? Survey respondent Astoria August, 2005 ?I would like to know more about tent camping in less- populated areas. Sometimes the amount of people is overwhelming. I definitely would camp more at your parks if I knew more secluded areas.? Survey respondent Astoria August, 2005 116 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan intention is to create facilities that generate revenue and address unmet public needs. Tillamook and Columbia counties have made a significant investment in camping facilities. Their fee structures are shown on charts in Appendix K (see sidebar for fees at a glance). > Land and Water Trails Proposals The Task Force recommends that the county, through the creation of a Regional Recreation Council, support the following efforts within its own sites as well as throughout the county: ? Improve and link existing trails. ? Create uniform user guidelines and consistent signage. ? Expand existing or create new trails. ? Develop and maintain a database of approved trails. The primary means of developing these plans and proposals among landowners will be through the Regional Recreation Council (See Goal 5). We recommend that the county specifically support the need to: ? Connect trails in the Clatsop State Forest with those in the Tillamook State Forest. ? Use the public right-of-way along the railroad tracks to extend Astoria?s Riverwalk both east and west. ? Connect Cullaby/Carnahan Parks to the Fort-to-Sea Trail. ? Connect the County Fairground/ODF District Office area with trials in the Astoria basin. ? Establish a water trail from Klootchy Creek Park to Seaside. ? Identify and improve both motorized and non- motorized boat launch sites. ? Support development of the Lower Columbia Water Trail (Appendix H-3). Adjacent county park 2005 camping fees at a glance ? Columbia County Day use: $2 per motor vehicle Campsite with hookups: $18 per night Campsite without hookups: $14 per night Bicyclist/hiker overnight: $5 per night Tillamook County Day use: $2 per motor vehicle Designated campsite: $10-$20 per night RV hookup site: $20-$25 per night Hiker/biker campsite: $5 per night Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 117 8 > PARK SYSTEM FINANCIAL ANALYSIS Beginning with a brief financial history of Clatsop County Parks, this analysis of the current situation reviews funding mechanisms and programs that are now in use or available, and recommended ways to achieve stable funding and more efficient management. > Park System Management and Financial History In 1992, when the last Recreational Lands Master Plan was written and approved, the county did not have a parks department. As described on page 30 of the 1992 plan: Rather, the County Road Department oversees the county?s recreational land properties and expenditure of park funds. Road Department personnel and equipment are utilized to perform basic maintenance tasks. In the past five years, about $80,000 annually has been appropriated in the county?s general fund for park purposes. (1992 Plan) At that time, the plan called for the establishment of a county parks system as soon as practical ?in order to more effectively manage its recreation land properties and existing improved sites.? The plan also sought: ? A stable source of funding; and ? Administrative staffing support for the management of county parks. A parks supervisor was hired in 1994 who reported to the Director of Public Works. A second full-time position, a parks ranger, was added in fiscal year 1996. During the summer months, a few temporary personnel were employed to collect fees and assist with other duties. 118 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan There were major improvements in the county parks during the 1990s due largely to the efforts of the staff and their success in obtaining $500,000 of grants. These grants, together with varying percentages of matching funds by the county, resulted in more than a half-dozen capital improvements. While much work remains, there is no question that these and other recent efforts have made a real difference in the quality of the recreational experiences enjoyed by the county?s residents and visitors. Beginning in fiscal year 1998, the financial history of the county parks operation can only be described as ?difficult? for several reasons: ? In 1997-98, under financial pressure, the Board of Commissioners decided to eliminate the parks? operational account and transfer these expenses to the parks? acquisition account. (At that time, the account had a balance of $263,000.) This action had the effect of eliminating all general fund support for parks and, eventually, led to the virtual elimination of any balance in the acquisition account. ? In 1998, the Recreational Lands Planning Advisory Committee was asked to prepare a report outlining the cost of closing the parks. ? In March 1999, the Parks Budget Summary Sheet submitted for the 1999-2000 fiscal year contained the following statement: This budget allows us to maintain the operation of parks for one additional summer season, but after that the parks will effectively be out of operating money and we will start the process to close the parks. ? During the late 1990s, Parks was discouraged from applying for any new grants. This put a halt to any significant capital improvements. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 119 ? In the spring of 2000, the Board of Commissioners approved $64,000 from the general fund to keep the parks open. Because of the financial pressures, a concerted effort was made during the late 1990s to make the parks more self- supporting by initiating or increasing park fees. In 2001 the annual revenue generated by Parks was $92,000, or almost 50% of its expense budget of $186,500. However, when the management of Spruce Run Park was shifted to the Astoria District of ODF in 2002, the revenue from park fees dropped significantly. During the past few years, Parks has reported to the Director of Central Services. Staffing consists of a full-time parks foreman and temporary summer help. The Park Lands and Acquisition Fund had an infusion of approximately $700,000 in 2004 with the sale of Sunset Beach to State Parks. This fund is being used to provide matching funds for grants, some capital expenses and a proportion of operating expenses. > Current Budget Resources This section discusses various funding mechanisms and programs that are available or currently in use to support park and recreation services and facilities. The section discusses: 1) programs and resources currently used by the county; 2) selected grant programs; and 3) other potential resources. The parks budget for 2005-2006 is $154,500. Dedicated parks staffing consists of a full-time parks foreman, two full-time seasonal employees (April 1 thru September 30) and one half- time seasonal employee (April 1 thru September 30). In addition, a part of the parks budget is utilized to support a portion of two full-time positions within the Central Services department. In the 2005-2006 budget, $5,000 was allocated for a shared staff assistant and $8,100 was allocated for the department director. This additional funding supports a portion of these two permanent county employees to cover services relating to parks operations. 120 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Funding for the operations, development and maintenance of county parks comes from six revenue and assistance sources. In addition, volunteers/partnerships and offender work crews help maintain the parks. This funding is applied throughout the system and may fluctuate between budget cycles due to variable revenues from user fees, grants and state assistance programs. Current budget resources include the following: Table 25 ? Current Budget Resources General Fund The general fund provides budget support for a variety of community programs and services. The general fund derives revenue from property taxes, timber revenue and other sources, and is susceptible to shortfalls that may require budget reductions. The county has adopted implementing policies and a ?resource reduction strategy? to help guide use of the fund. To accommodate the potential need for expenditure reductions, county budget policies emphasize conserving General Fund discretionary revenues to fund high priority programs (e.g., Public Safety and Justice). To the extent additional discretionary resources are available, high-priority service areas will be slated for growth and lower priority areas will receive constant or decreasing discretionary support. User Fees User fees are charges placed on facilities and programs to help defray the cost of operation, maintenance and other services. Clatsop County has implemented a system of user fees that includes day-use fees (Cullaby Lake, Carnahan and John Day Boat Launch), annual passes, facility reservations (Cullaby Lake Shelter) and special events permits. The Board of County Commissioners has final authority to place or modify the fee program. Park & Land Acquisition & Maintenance Fund This county-based fund provides dedicated monies for the development and operation of park and recreation sites. The county established the fund in 2003-04, using the proceeds from the sale of the Sunset Beach property to State Parks for the Lewis and Clark Trail from Fort Clatsop to the Pacific Ocean. This fund is intended for capital projects; however, in recent years a portion of the account has been used to supplement the general operating budget. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 121 Table 25? Current Budget Resources, continued County Parks Assistance Program (OPRD) This program provides funds to Oregon counties, including Clatsop, for the acquisition, development, maintenance, care and use of county park and recreation areas. Funds are derived from RV registration fees. The program distributes funds annually to counties based on three factors: number of campsites managed by the county (50% of available revenue); number of RV registrations in the county (20%); and county population (30%). Maintenance Assistance Program (OMB) This Oregon Marine Board (OMB) program provides funds to counties and other eligible jurisdictions for the maintenance of improved public marine facilities. The program is intended to supplement, not replace, existing local funds. Funds may be used for ?routine and ordinary maintenance? of boating facilities including but not limited to boat ramps, docks, parking areas and restrooms, and may be used for garbage and litter pick up, grounds keeping and minor repairs of eligible facilities. Grants Counties are eligible for a variety of public- and private-sector grants that support acquisition, development, rehabilitation, maintenance and management of park and recreation grounds, facilities and services. Generally, these programs provide funds on a matching basis, and include terms and conditions for receiving and utilizing funds that are unique to each program. The next section of this chapter summarizes selected programs. An addendum provides expanded information about program purpose, eligible and ineligible costs, funding capacity, evaluation criteria and related elements. Partnerships and Volunteers Currently, the county?s Adopt-A-Park program provides opportunities for volunteers. Groups have ?adopted? Klootchy Creek and Sigfridson Parks (see ?Star of the Sea? article in Appendix P). The primary services involve litter pick-up and trail maintenance, and groups visit sites about four times a year. Historically, groups such as the Boy Scouts have also provided similar services on an individual-event basis. Currently, the Parks Department coordinates the Adopt-A-Park program and provides necessary supervision. In addition, Clatsop County employs a volunteer coordinator who helps organize volunteer efforts. Volunteers are asked to complete application forms and must be at least 16 years old. The coordinator will interview interested persons to help identify areas of interest and to provide the best work experience for the volunteer. Generally, volunteer programs supplement ongoing, maintenance and operation activities or focus on specific improvement projects. 122 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Table 25 ? Current Budget Resources, continued Offender Work Crews The use of work release and corrections work crews can provide an important resource for park maintenance services. Currently, the Parks Department uses adult work crews several times a year for tree removal, and also used the crews for the trail improvement project at Cullaby Lake. The Parks Department also uses juvenile work crews for various maintenance activities; current levels of service equate to 45 days of work from the crew. A foreman is provided to assist with supervision and transportation. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 123 > Grant Funding Opportunities Analysis of park system financing includes a review of available grant funding opportunities. Clatsop County is eligible for a variety of acquisition, development, restoration and rehabilitation grants administered by state and federal programs. Separate work sheets have been prepared for many programs to provide additional detail about program purpose, eligible and ineligible costs, funding capacity, use restrictions, and project evaluation criteria. These work sheets and detailed grant summaries can be found in Appendix M. A summary list of granting agencies and available grant programs follows: Table 26 ? Available Grant Programs Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department ATV Grant Program County Opportunity Grants Land & Water Conservation Fund Local Government Grants Recreational Trails Program Oregon Marine Board Facility Grant Program Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Restoration and Enhancement Program Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development 306A Program Oregon Department of Transportation Transportation Enhancement Program National Fish and Wildlife Foundation General Matching Grants Columbia River Estuarine Coastal Fund Five-Star Restoration Matching Grants Oregon Governor?s Fund for the Environment 124 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Table 26 ? Available Grant Programs, continued Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board General Grant Program Small Grant Program North American Wetlands Conservation Act Standard Grants Program Small Grants Program Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership (LCREP) Habitat Restoration Program Clatsop County has successfully demonstrated its ability to utilize grants to develop and rehabilitate park and recreation facilities. Throughout the public involvement process, the use of grants was viewed favorably among community participants. County staff should carefully consider grant requirements and the associated maintenance implications when evaluating potential grant funded projects. We recommend the increased use of grants from state, federal, and private sources. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 125 > Other Mechanisms and Resources In addition to current county general fund and grant resources, other potential public and private funding mechanisms are available. These resources range from increased partnerships and donations to the creation of voter approved taxing districts and dedicated revenue streams. Potential mechanisms and resources reviewed during this master plan process include: Table 27 ? Other Mechanisms and Resources Private Nonprofit Land Trusts Land Conservancies Districts Park and Recreation Districts County Service Districts Voter-approved Bonds and Taxes General Obligation Bonds Revenue Bonds Local Option Taxes Development Fees Systems Development Charges (SDC) Other Opportunities ODOT Highway Fund Partnerships and Volunteers Private Grants, Donations and Gifts During the planning process, other potential funding mechanisms and resources were also evaluated. These sources are detailed in Appendix R. Community comments noted during public workshops and park surveys indicate low support for additional county property taxes. Comments from elected officials and Task Force members highlighted the difficulty in proposing new property tax measures at this time. Recommendation: Of the mechanisms listed in Table 27, we recommend that the greatest attention be given to the following for stable, long-term, supplemental funding: ? Development fees. ? Increased use of partnerships and volunteers. ? A restricted fund or foundation. 126 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan > Financing Summary and Recommendations During much of the past decade, the parks department has been successful in obtaining grants for park improvements, including the necessary matching funds from the county. Providing stable funding support for the park department?s operating budget continues to be an ongoing challenge. Without a major increase in the county?s revenue stream, it is assumed that the level of support for the parks department from the general fund will not rise significantly above current levels. The parks department continues to operate within its current resources as it seeks greater efficiency in its operations and searches for new funding mechanisms. The challenge in the coming decade will be to achieve the ambitious goals outlined in this report, including making park?s operations increasingly self-sustaining, while working within these financial realities. We recommend that the county pursue a multi-faceted approach, including: 1. Leverage available funds by continuing to aggressively pursue grants for capital improvements. 2. Seek all means to maximize parks? revenue. ? Review user fees annually to ensure a level that is reasonable but does not undercut private facilities and consider a graduated fee schedule for county/non-county residents. ? Determine if State County Park Assistance Program funding could be increased by recognition of the camping facilities at Camp Kiwanilong and Camp Cullaby. ? Assign to parks the revenue the county receives from ODF for their camping facilities. 3. Find ways to creatively reward and encourage efficiencies in the parks? structure and operation. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 127 4. Expand user fee and revenue from the state by adding new camping facilities. ? The net operational impact should be carefully considered when proposing new facilities. ? If feasible, those facilities that increase revenue will be proposed before those that are revenue neutral or require general fund support. 5. Increase the Parks Acquisition and Maintenance Account through the sale of parcels in the Williamsport Road area and the parcels in Fort Stevens. 6. Seek a group of interested and committed citizens willing to establish a ?Friends of Parks? nonprofit foundation to accept tax-deductible donations. 7. Consider other mechanisms and resources to sustain long term park financing needs while maximizing efficiency of existing resources. These new mechanisms and resources include: ? Consider establishing a systems development charge (SDC) for new construction within the unincorporated county to provide funding for park capital improvements. ? Develop methods for utilizing the ODOT county highway fund for park and trail improvements. ? Utilize volunteers and partnerships whenever possible to develop and maintain the park system. It is recognized that, unless stable funding is achieved, the current operation of the parks department will most likely result in a ?spending down? of the Park Land Acquisition & Maintenance Fund. Without consistent funding, it will be difficult to realize the goals outlined in this report. 128 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan > Park System Management and Recommendations As elements of the master plan are implemented, park administration and maintenance staff will have increased responsibilities. The workload and job duties of staff, especially the parks foreman, should be monitored and recognized with appropriate compensation as the program moves forward. Another critical element during the next ten years will be additional secretarial/administrative support. It will also be impossible to achieve the goals outlined in this report without the backing and assistance of parks administration. Ideally, administrative support during this expansion phase should include personnel with prior experience in building and improving a parks operation. We recommend the county consider organizational changes and periodic management evaluation, including: ? Reorganize the parks section within the county?s public works department to gain greater efficiency in the utilization of personnel, equipment and materials. ? Review staffing needs as expanded park operations are considered and measure associated costs when determining project feasibility. ? Request that the RLPAC prepare an annual report summarizing the progress made toward meeting goals, objectives and actions strategies outlined in the master plan. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 129 9 > PARK SYSTEM SUMMARY RECOMMENDATIONS AND CAPITAL PROJECTS LIST Clatsop County?s diverse recreational holdings are among our most valuable assets. Following is a summary of our recommendations for meeting park and recreation needs of county residents and visitors, followed by procedural recommendations. > Introduction The all-volunteer Recreational Lands Master Plan Task Force invested many hours in collecting data, developing recommendations and preparing this report. The relevant recommendations, based on goals, policies and priorities identified during the inventory and planning process, have been extracted from the main body of this report and are listed on the following pages. Recommendations for individual parks and recreation lands are contained on pages 72-112. The action plan will help guide the county and its partners as they make the necessary long-term planning and financial decisions regarding county parks and recreational lands. This plan will also allow the public to better understand their park system, take a sense of ownership in it, and support the type of improvements that are being proposed in the plan. Ultimately, it will help us realize our vision for a park system that is a vital and publicly recognized contributor to a vibrant, growing economy and healthy, active citizenry. 130 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Four recurring themes were identified during this planning process: ? Improve the parks ? Connect with the community ? Link the recreational resources ? Fund the parks In this chapter, the objectives and actions that the Task Force would like to see addressed for each of these themes are summarized in the pages that follow. Those that the Task Force would like to see accomplished during the next three years are listed first in priority number order. These that follow are the ones that the Task Force believes can be accomplished over the next ten years. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 131 Improve the parks 1. Focus immediately on signage, appearance and maintenance. ? Establish consistent, high-quality and recognizable identity for Clatsop County parks and recreational lands, including uniform park entry and rules signage. ? Display information about the entire park system at each developed county park. ? Establish county-wide development, building and maintenance standards. 2. Establish the exact boundaries and ownership of all county parks, recreational lands and other lands available for recreation, with special attention to Aldrich Point, Westport, DeLaura Beach and the Lewis and Clark boat ramp. 3. Provide more restroom facilities. 4. Recommend that parks management develop a strategic plan for implementing new camping facilities at Big Creek, Cullaby Lake, Klootchy Creek, Lee Wooden/Fishhawk Falls, Sigfridson and Westport. 5. Designate DeLaura Beach as a county ?Park? and direct Clatsop County Parks and RLPAC to develop a plan to protect onsite natural resources and develop limited park facilities. Other recommendations: Planning ? Strive to locate parks close to population centers. ? Create a policy for the acquisition, development and disposal of parks and recreational lands that addresses long-term county needs. ? Rezone all park lands to the RM (Recreation Management) zone. 132 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Management ? Reorganize the parks section within the county?s public works department to gain greater efficiency in the utilization of personnel, equipment and materials. ? Provide park facilities that are safe and accessible for their designated uses. ? Consider implementing ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility standards within existing facilities, e.g., new handicapped-accessible fishing platforms at existing park sites. ? Increase the number of maintained trails in each park. ? Increase the number of designated fishing locations. ? Identify and improve both motorized and non- motorized boat launch sites. ? Designate the Lewis & Clark boat ramp as a county ?Park? based on a sale, lease, donation or easement agreement being reached with the current owner of the site. Environmental ? Complete a system-wide Natural Resources Inventory to be used to protect and enhance the environment. ? Practice environmentally responsible park management. ? Provide staff training on issues of resource management and protection. ? Implement a noxious weed control program. ? Develop and implement a ?green purchasing? program for park maintenance and operations. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 133 Connect with the community 1. Use various media, such as newsletters, interpretive panels and the county?s Web site, to highlight the parks? natural and cultural resources. ? Create a parks brochure detailing all parks facilities. 2. Expand use of volunteers and partnership to aid in maintenance, construction and enjoyment of the parks. Example: ? Expand the Adopt-A-Park program, encouraging area schools, businesses and other community organizations to participate. 3. Preserve the park inventory data collected during the process of producing this report and regularly update. 4. Sponsor public events that highlight the county?s unique natural and cultural features. Other recommendations: Marketing ? Develop a marketing plan, including cross-marketing opportunities with other recreational providers, to highlight the county?s scenic, recreational and cultural qualities as an important part of a desirable, healthy lifestyle. ? Identify opportunities to collaborate on recreational maps and other visitor information. Special Use ? Consider special-use areas, including off-leash dog parks. 134 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Link the recreational resources 1. Establish a permanent Regional Recreation Council of local, county, state, federal and private recreation providers in Clatsop County to improve and integrate regional park and trail developments. ? Fund a 1 /4-time position for six months to staff the council. ? (See Appendix N for the proposed council charter, including major goals, composition of membership, staffing, etc.) 2. Strive to increase connectivity between parks and adjacent recreation areas. Examples: ? Connect the trails being developed in the Clatsop State Forest with those in the Tillamook State Forest. ? Use the public right-of-way along the railroad tracks to extend Astoria?s Riverwalk both east and west. ? Connect Cullaby/Carnahan Parks to the Fort-to-Sea Trail. ? Connect the County Fairground/ODF District Office area with the trials in the Astoria basin. ? Establish a water trail from Klootchy Creek Park to Seaside. 3. Incorporate inventories of all park and recreation facilities, including parks, sport fields, trails, recreational lands, historic sites and other relevant data, into the county?s geographical information system (GIS). 4. Create a Land and Water Trails Plan. ? Identify and investigate opportunities to secure public access to rivers, streams and lakes, as well as significant trails and natural or historic sites. ? Identify and improve both motorized and non- motorized boat launch sites. ? Support Lower Columbia Water Trail development. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 135 Other recommendation: Security ? Coordinate with other law enforcement and security personnel to share patrolling of county parks as appropriate. Fund the Parks 1. Increase the Parks Acquisition and Maintenance Account through the sale of parcels in the Williamsport Road area and the parcels in Fort Stevens. 2. Determine if State County Park Assistance Program funding can be increased by recognition of the camping facilities at Camp Kiwanilong and Camp Cullaby. 3. Consider establishing a systems development charge (SDC) for new residential construction within the county to provide funding for park capital improvements. 4. Expand user fee and revenue from the state by adding new camping facilities. 5. Fund other parks? capital improvement projects (see page 137-139). 6. Investigate the establishment of a ?Friends of the Parks? foundation to increase fundraising. 7. Assign to parks a portion of the revenue the county retains from ODF for its camping facilities. Other recommendations: Efficiency ? Maximize use of volunteers, partnerships, offender work crews and inter-jurisdictional efforts. ? Reward and encourage efficiencies in the parks? structure and operation. 136 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan ? Review staffing needs as expanded park operations are considered and measure associated costs when determining project feasibility. Leveraging Funds ? Continue to aggressively pursue grants from state, federal and private sources. ? Leverage appropriate revenue generating potential of the county parks, including a graduated fee schedule for county/non-county residents. ? Develop methods for utilizing the ODOT county highway fund for park and trail improvements. > Procedural Recommendations Achieving the Task Force?s vision for the county?s park and recreational lands will require the coordinated planning and effort of many people. To increase the likelihood of success, we recommend the following procedural recommendations: 1. The county?s administrative staff shall prepare an implementation strategy of the recommendations in this report for consideration and approval by the Board of Commissioners. 2. Within a year after this Master Plan is approved, RLPAC shall propose changes to the county?s Goal 8 Comprehensive Plan that bring the Goal 8 document in sync with the Master Plan. 3. Each year, RLPAC shall prepare a report that summarizes the progress in meeting the recommendations in the approved Master Plan. Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 137 > Capital Project List This section includes the preliminary capital project lists based upon priorities and timeframe for completion. This list also identifies possible funding sources and estimated capital costs. It is anticipated that this list will be reviewed annually and updated to respond to: ? New funding opportunities ? Changed management and operations capacity ? Completed or modified projects ? New partnerships and volunteer opportunities ? Changing priorities and trends We recommend that the Westport projects be given highest priority if constraints can be resolved regarding property ownership. The following order of priority is established by the Task Force for other projects: ? Cullaby Lake Park ? DeLaura Beach ? Big Creek Park ? Klootchy Creek ? Sigfridson Park ? Lee Wooden Park It should be noted that other maintenance needs as they arise must be prioritized and may override projected capital projects. 138 Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan Project: Priority Time Frame 2005 Cost: Potential Grant Match Cost to County Aldrich Point Park entry and rules signs High Short term $1,200 Unknown $1,200 Boat ramp/dock improvements Med Mid term $150,000 80% State Marine Board $30,000 Vault toilet (single stall) Med Mid term $15,000 80% State Marine Board $3,000 Total for Aldrich $166,200 $34,200 Big Creek Park Park entry and rules signs High Short term $1,200 Unknown $1,200 Day-use fee station (manual) Med Mid term $2,500 Unknown $2,500 Paved entry road and ADA parking area Med Mid term $20,000 50% State Parks $10,000 Picnic shelter (24-foot) Med Mid term $20,000 50% State Parks $10,000 Site furnishings Med Mid term $5,000 50% State Parks $2,500 Playground Med Mid term $10,000 50% State Parks $5,000 ADA fishing enhancements Med Mid term $7,500 Volunteer/Partnership $3,750 Vault Toilet (two stall) Med Mid term $28,000 50% State Parks $14,000 Campground with host site and two stall vault toilet Med Mid term $150,000 50% State Parks $75,000 Total for Big Creek $244,200 $123,950 Carnahan Park Dock replacement (three 20' docks and brow) Med Mid term $55,000 80% State Marine Board $11,000 Expanded trail system Low Long term $5,000 Volunteer/Partnership $1,500 Off-leash dog area (signage, dog waste station and water) Med Mid term $5,000 Volunteer/Partnership $2,500 Interpretive signage Low Long term $5,000 Unknown $5,000 ADA fishing enhancements Med Mid term $7,500 Volunteer/Partnership $3,750 Vault toilet (single stall) Med Mid term $15,000 80% State Marine Board $3,000 Boat ramp upgrade and paving of parking lot Med Mid term $100,000 80% State Marine Board $20,000 Total for Carnahan $192,500 $46,750 Cullaby Lake Park Replacement of Boarding Dock behind north restrooms High Short term $55,000 80% State Marine Board $11,000 Replacement of roof on South Picnic Shelter (metal roofing) Med Short term $13,000 Unknown $13,000 Replacement of roof on North Picnic Shelter (metal roofing) Med Mid term $13,000 Unknown $13,000 ADA fishing enhancements Med Mid term $7,500 Volunteer/Partnership $3,750 Campground with host site and two stall vault toilet Med Mid term $150,000 50% State Parks $75,000 Replacement of restrooms at south end of the park Low Long term $180,000 50% State Parks $90,000 Total for Cullaby Lake: $418,500 $205,750 David Douglas Park Park entry and rules signs Low Long term $1,200 Unknown $1,200 Primitive trails Low Long term $7,500 Volunteer/Partnership $3,750 Parking area (primitive) utilizing old roadbed Low Long term $15,000 Unknown $15,000 Total for David Douglas $23,700 $19,950 John Day County Park Replacement of roof on restrooms (metal roof) Med Short term $1,300 Unknown $1,300 Installation of park Host site Med Mid term $15,000 Unknown $15,000 Total for John Day $16,300 $16,300 Subtotal $1,061,400 Subtotal $446,900 Time Frame: Short Term (1-3 years) Mid Term (4-7 years) Long Term (8-10+ years) Note: Costs do not include design and engineering services, permit fees or other soft costs Table 28 ? Capital and Maintenance Improvement Plan Clatsop County Recreational Lands Master Plan 139 Project: Priority Time Frame 2005 Cost: Potential Grant Match Cost to County Klootchy Creek Park entry and rules signs High Short term $1,200 Unknown $1,200 Day-use fee station (automatic) Med Mid term $20,000 Unknown $20,000 Expanded trail system Med Mid term $10,000 Volunteer/Partnership $5,000 Campground with host site and two stall vault toilet Med Mid term $150,000 50% State Parks $75,000 Boat ramp/dock improvements Low Long term $75,000 80% State Marine Board $15,000 Deck surface replacement (Trex decking, materials only) Med Short term $25,000 Unknown $25,000 Installation of Vault Toilet (two stall) Med Mid term $28,000 50% State Parks $14,000 Total Klootchy Creek $309,200 $155,200 Lee Wooden Park Park entry and rules signs High Short term $1,200 Unknown $1,200 Install primitive trails Med Mid term $7,500 Volunteer/Partnership $3,750 Install new access road, parking lot & gate, day use area Med Mid term $20,000 50% State Parks $10,000 Total for Lee Wooden $28,700 $14,950 Nehalem County Park (Red Bluff) Park entry and rules signs High Short term $1,200 Unknown $1,200 Primitive trails Med Mid term $7,500 Volunteer/Partnership $3,750 Parking area (primitive) Low Long term $20,000 50% State Parks $10,000 Total for Nehalem County Park $28,700 $14,950 Sigfridson Park entry and rules signs High Short term $1,200 Unknown $1,200 Primitive trails Med Mid term $10,000 Volunteer/Partnership $5,000 Pedestrian/Maintenance bridge Low Long term $100,000 50% State Parks $50,000 Site furnishings Med Mid term $5,000 50% State Parks $2,500 Day-use fee station (manual) Med Mid term $2,500 Unknown $2,500 Parking area Med Mid term $30,000 50% State Parks $15,000 Install single vault toilet Med Mid term $15,000 50% State Parks $7,500 Total for Sigfridson $163,700 $83,700 Smith Lake Park entry and rules signs Low Mid term $1,200 Unknown $1,200 Primitive trails Low Long term $5,000 Volunteer/Partnership $2,500 Boardwalks, interpretive signage and wetland observation Low Long term $20,000 Volunteer/Partnership $10,000 Total for Smith Lake $26,200 $13,700 Westport Park entry and rules signs High Short term $1,200 Unknown $1,200 Day-use fee station (automatic) High Short term $20,000 Unknown $20,000 Primitive trails Med Mid term $10,000 Volunteer/Partnership $5,000 ADA fishing enhancements Med Mid term $7,500 Volunteer/Partnership $3,750 Parking lot and boat launch upgrade High Short term $230,000 80% State Marine Board $46,000 Restroom installation (flush type) High Short term $110,000 80% State Marine Board $22,000 Installation of a RV/Trailer campground High Short term $500,000 50% State Parks $250,000 Total for Westport $878,700 $347,950 Delaura Beach (Recreational Lands Site) Park entry and rules signs High Short term $1,200 Unknown $1,200 Install new access road and trailer parking lot Med Mid term $80,000 50% State Parks $40,000 Total for Deluara Beach $81,200 $41,200 Total Capital Total Costs Costs $2,577,800 with Grant Match $1,118,550 Time Frame: Short Term (1-3 years) Mid Term (4-7 years) Long Term (8-10+ years) Note: Costs do not include design and engineering services, permit fees or other soft costs Table 28 ? Capital and Maintenance Improvement Plan, continued