Comments on: River Alliance unites diverse interests

By: Chris P

Chris P — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 03:02:39 +0000

I am in agreement that the corridor needs to be cleaned up. This should include money from the BLM aquired through thinning projects that will increase fores health and support camping opportunities in a controlled manner (read: campground away from the river with camp hosts). The bigger picture that the BLM is addressing through the proposed timber sales in the area is fuel reduction. This area is way overdue for a fire, and whats coming is a stand replacment event.
There is no way the ODF, who provides fire protection for BLM lands in western Oregon is going to risk life and limb to save somehing that is being politicized to stop resonable efforts to protect the area by “enviromentalist” groups. These groups like to hear their own vioce and hold up reasonable action until something goes wrong, then blame the powers to be that they did nothing.

Last and not least I hope that there are no city of Molalla Funds being spent on this effort that could be better spent on fixing issues within the city

Jim, I am taking you to task as a city counselor to make sure the city’s resources are being spent within the city

By: Jim Needham

Jim Needham — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 04:42:45 +0000

I’ve heard many concerns expressed regarding public safety in the Molalla River Recreational Area. I’ve also spoken with a multitude of people who have made numerous trips to this area, to hunt or fish, or just enjoy the fabulously beautiful country we call home without any incident which caused them concern for their safety! I would be one of those who have made many trips to the area without incident. This is by no means an effort to invalidate the safety concerns of anyone. However, does that mean that the dangers of visiting the scenic Molalla River Recreational Area are greater than elsewhere?

I’ve heard many concerns expressed regarding public safety in the Molalla area. Frankly, I’ve heard of many more incidents in which public safety was compromised in the Molalla area than elsewhere. It’s an unfortunate fact of life that there will probably always be members of the public who make behavioral choices without regard for the rights and safety of others. I know that public safety is of paramount concern to the City of Molalla, the Molalla Police Department, the Clackamas County Police Department, and the State Police Department. I also know that these law enforcement agencies are collaborating with the City of Molalla, the BLM, Clackamas County, and all of the members of the Molalla River Alliance to improve public safety and enhance recreational facilities in the Molalla River Recreational Area.

I am confident that these efforts, which include cooperative efforts between the Molalla City Council, the Clackamas Board of Commissioners, and Congresswoman Darlene Hooley to create a Federal Molalla River Wild and Scenic River area, will be successful in enhancing environment and safety concerns in our beautiful Molalla River Recreational Area and provide an incomparable opportunity for local and regional residents to enjoy an exceptional natural resource in our own back yard – a fabulous resource to enjoy in a time when fuel costs are well over $4.00 per gallon!

By: Beth B.

Beth B. — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:31:23 +0000

We have on occasion taken short hikes up the Molalla River Corridor, but we know to take the old Cherokee and leave nothing in it. That way if the windows are broken out by the time we get back, it’s not a huge loss. The Corridor is a scary place right now. No way would I camp there overnight, and I don’t think that leaving vehicles at trailheads is safe in any way.
Can the alliance make a difference? I don’t know the answer to that question.