Fort Stevens Master Plan

I have recently received a copy of the master plan for development of
Fort Stevens State Park. Comments are being asked for in writing or
at the public meeting 01/27/2000. Those interested in protecting the
ecological integrity of the park, sensitive shorebird habitats and
nature access should read this plan and submit comments.

I have several concerns about the plan. It is clearly biased toward
a few narrow user groups. There is only one name on the task force
list known for environmental advocacy.

Part of the plan calls for converting the bike trail from Battery
Russell past Swash Lake into a two lane roadway terminating in a
parking lot at the west side of the historical area boundary, then
building a new bike path to parallel this road. My uninformed
presumption is that the caretakers of the historical area do not what
to put new parking inside the historical area foot print. They are
choosing the protection of old building foundations over habitat.
Increased traffic flow past Swash Lake will degrade wildlife habitats
and relatively quiet undisturbed walking access to wildlife viewing.

The plan also calls for "improved" trail access to Trestle Bay. On the
face of it this seems good for viewing access, but the park staff
is already over burdened managing illegal vehicle access,
unrestrained dogs and vandalism at current access level. Trestle Bay
is a fairly important shorebird stop over and new access points
managed at current diligence levels will do more harm then good.

The plan does not incorporate any of the shorebird comprehensive plan
from the feds. In fact it mentions only Bald Eagles, Snowy Plovers and
Red-legged Frogs specifically.

I encourage everyone to obtain a copy of the plan. See if it meets
their needs as users of Fort Stevens and participate in the public
commentary.

The document is available at:

Oregon Parks and Rec
Salem Headquarters Office
1115 Commercial St NE
Salem OR 97301-1002

Fort Stevens State Park
Park Offices
Ridge Rd
Hammond OR 97121

--
Mike Patterson Alas, to wear the mantle of Galileo,
Astoria, OR it is not enough to be persecuted
celata at pacifier.com by an unkind establishment,
you must also be right.
---Robert Park
http://www.pacifier.com/~mpatters/bird/bird.html