Metro and Tualatin River stakeholders are studying two Metro natural areas to determine the best place for a new light watercraft (canoe, kayak, etc.) launch site. An entry point on the river will offer new recreational opportunities, increase public access to the Tualatin River and promote public awareness of water quality issues and wildlife habitat protection.
The Tualatin River is an outstanding natural resource that meanders for more than 35 miles through rural Washington and Clackamas counties. The project furthers Metro’s vision for a world-class paddling experience in close proximity to the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge and several Metro natural areas. Though funding is not available to build and maintain a new launch facility, once a preferred site is identified, a proposal for partnering opportunities and grant funding will be developed to help with construction and long-term maintenance.
Learn more about the project and give feedback on the potential sites at a community open house from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at the Clean Water Services Administration Building Complex, 2550 Southwest Hillsboro Highway south of Hillsboro. Input from the public will help the advisory committee and Metro staff select a preferred launch site to move forward for potential funding opportunities.
The idea of a water trail along the Tualatin River was first envisioned in Metro’s 1992 Greenspaces Master Plan. Since then, Metro has purchased nearly 400 acres in the Tualatin River Greenway through the 1995 and 2006 natural areas bond measures.