On December 19th, 2019, thanks to a generous anonymous donor and other supporters and partners, McKenzie River Trust was able to purchase 47 acres of forestland set aside for conservation next to Blue River Park.
This property is important for conservation in the community. The banks of the river preserves conifer forests and offers recreation and scenic views. An old logging road makes a trail along Blue River that will remain public. McKenzie River Trust is partnering with Blue River Parks District to steward the land and keep access open for the community and tourists to enjoy.
MRT Executive Director Joe Moll says “It’s connected to Blue River itself so it’s part of that watershed and it’s got some really interesting trees, it’s got a small trail that goes through it. It gets a little bit of use. But it mostly builds on the footprint of community conservation that has been going on there for a couple decades now.”
In the 1980s, Fred and Dorothy Behm donated the property to McKenzie School District. It was initially intended for timber harvesting, but the terrain and lack of resources made it difficult to manage for timber. Now, MRT took a hands-on approach to purchase the land to manage it directly with the help of Blue River Parks District.
“We are fortunate to have generous supporters who are willing to help us acquire this key parcel, with benefits to the students of McKenzie School and the larger community,” says Moll.
Moll says proceeds from the $197 thousand sale will fund scholarships for McKenzie River Community School.
Sources: KLCC & McKenzie River Trust