Mount Talbert Nature Park is gaining 23 acres and one important trail segment, with an addition purchased last week by Metro's voter-approved 2006 natural areas bond measure.
The new property sits directly north of the existing 193-acre park, near Interstate 205 and Southeast Sunnyside Road in Clackamas County. The purchase not only expands Mount Talbert, but also closes a gap in the park's north loop trail.
"This addition makes a great nature park even better," said Metro Council President David Bragdon. "Now Mount Talbert has more trails that can be enjoyed by residents of nearby neighborhoods, and the entire region."
Mount Talbert is the largest in a series of extinct volcanoes and lava domes in northern Clackamas County, which provide important wildlife habitat and panoramic views.
Metro purchased land on top of the butte and its west-facing slopes with a previous natural areas bond measure, with a 25 percent contribution from the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District. Funds from the current bond paid to develop Mount Talbert Nature Park, which opened in 2007 with more than four miles of hiking trails, parking, restrooms and a picnic shelter.
The 23-acre addition, acquired last week for $504,500, includes more than one-third mile along Mount Scott Creek, which supports cutthroat trout, coho salmon and steelhead trout. About 6 acres of the property is a riparian forest.
"In an urban area like this, it's so important to protect wildlife habitat - and citizens' ability to get out and experience nature close to home," said Metro Councilor Carlotta Collette, whose District 2 territory includes the park.
This acquisition continues Metro's partnership with the North Clackamas parks district, which is a joint owner of the park and handles day-to-day management. Metro cooperates on all volunteer and education programs and restoration activities, including weed control, fire management and development of a natural resource management plan.
The area surrounding Mount Talbert is one of 27 focal points of Metro's natural areas bond measure, which was approved by voters in 2006. The program funds land acquisition and capital improvements that protect water quality and fish and wildlife habitat, enhance trails and wildlife corridors, and provide greater connections to nature in urban areas throughout the Portland metropolitan area.