Clackamas County cooperates on Mount Talbert management; Forest Grove plans new trail
As Metro councilors collaborate on a regional movement to create a world-class network of parks, trails and natural areas known as The Intertwine, they also signed off on two partnerships designed to make that vision a reality.
In late April, the Metro Council agreed to team up with North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District on the management of Mount Talbert Nature Park.
The 193-acre butte is jointly owned by the county parks district and Metro, which invested funding from the region's 1995 natural areas bond measure. With money from a follow-up bond measure approved by voters in 2006, Metro developed trails, parking, restrooms and picnic shelters. Mount Talbert opened as a nature park in October 2007.
Under a new intergovernmental agreement, the parks district will handle daily management, maintenance and operations at Mount Talbert. Metro will cooperate on all volunteer and education programs and restoration activities, including weed control, fire management, completion of a north loop trail and development of a natural resource management plan.
This partnership will preserve and enhance the natural features and character of Mount Talbert, Metro Councilor Carlotta Collette said as she urged fellow councilors' support.
"What we are agreeing on today is that we will continue to operate and manage and take care of this gorgeous space for the future of our region, collectively between Metro and North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District," said Collette, whose District 2 territory includes Mount Talbert.
Two weeks later, the Metro Council agreed to let the City of Forest Grove build a trail through a Metro natural area on the west side of the region.
Metro signed off on the city's pedestrian and cycling trail in 2008, but plans changed during the design process. To accommodate the most appropriate site for a bridge crossing Gales Creek, the trail will now traverse about a quarter mile of Metro property - more than three times the distance originally planned. Metro's natural area will also house a portion of the bridge.
Metro staff participated in construction meetings and reviewed design plans. The scientist responsible for restoration on the property says the plan will not degrade natural resources nor hinder restoration work.
It makes sense to offer safe, convenient access to nature, said Metro Councilor Kathryn Harrington, who represents the western suburbs in District 4.
"This is a partnership with the City of Forest Grove and shows how collaboration can help enhance The Intertwine, the region's network of parks, trails and natural areas," she said.