GREEN RIBBON COMMITTEE

August 28, 2001

North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District, Milwaukie Center

Notes of Meeting

Chair Hitchcock opened the meeting at 5:40 PM. Guests introduced themselves.

Chair Hitchcock began the meeting with a request to the committee to keep the long-range picture in mind, while focusing on the immediate charge to narrow the 30 eligible sites down to 8 or 10. Even the 30 sites are part of a larger mosaic, that could become a model for the country.

Review of Regional Trails and Greenways System

Heather Nelson Kent reviewed the Regional Trails and Greenways map and history, from which some of the eligible trails are drawn. The map was adopted in 1992, along with the Greenspaces Master Plan. The Greenspaces Technical Advisory Committee (GTAC) is now considering nominations for additions to the map. Chair Hitchcock emphasized the value of regional trails in linking local trails and resources to the regional green network. In response to a question, Ms. Kent said that regional greenways may or may not contain trails, at the discretion of local jurisdiction's assessment of a trail’s acceptance by neighborhoods and neighbors.

Staff clarified that the sites being considered by the committee were selected from a larger set of Metro owned parks, trails and open space sites. This was a staff process, with guidance from the Presiding and Executive Officers.

Review of Sites

Regional Parks Department Staff reviewed each of the 30 sites, aided by hand-outs and slide projection. This level of review was somewhat general and meant to orient committee members to the sites and local and regional context. The next meeting will engage committee members in a more detailed analysis of each site, assisted by detailed site maps. Committee members asked detailed questions, some of which were answered and some of which will be taken up next week. Of particular interest is to what use(s) each site is expected to accommodate, e.g. hiking, picnic, water related, and to what level.

Some confusion arose with respect to the trail sites. Trails are quite complex in that they cross multiple jurisdictions, involve many property owners and neighbors, and are in variable stages of ownership and completion. At issue is to what extent will Metro be able to assist in trail development, without further property or right of way acquisition, which is beyond the contemplated scope of the committee’s work.

Site Visits

A tour of four sites was proposed for Saturday, September 8. The proposed sites are: Mt. Talbert, Clear Creek, Wilsonville Tract and Munger Farm. A subcommittee will be formed by the chair to find ways to visit as many other sites as possible. A self-guided tour will be prepared so that committee members can visit on their own. The chair asked staff to prepare a plan and maps for the next meeting.

Public Comment

A citizen spoke on behalf of chief Snider of the Chinook tribe, who had concerns for cultural aspects of the Mt. Talbert site.

Dick Jones spoke in support of the Portland Traction trail, based on community support, historical significance and linkage to the regional system of trails via the Springwater Corridor.

Next Meeting: 5:30 to 7:30 PM

   Tuesday, September 4, 2001

   Tualatin Hills Nature Park Interpretive Center

   15665 SW Millikan Way

   Beaverton