Post by imbentagain on Mar 2, 2006 21:37:54 GMT -5
Oregon Dept. of Forestry disseminated the following news release today.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NW Media Distribution
March 1, 2006 Larry Sprouse, (503) 325-5451
06-12
Forestry Department Sets Meeting March 14 to Seek
Public Comments on Recreation Zoning Near Astoria
The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will hold a public meeting Tuesday, March 14, in Astoria to receive public comments on the possibility of establishing motorized recreation zones in the Astoria Basin. ODF staff will present several proposals for these forests southeast of the city limits.
The meeting begins at 5 p.m. in the basement meeting room of the American Legion Hall, with an opportunity to discuss issues related to recreation activity zoning and use within the Astoria Basin of the Clatsop State Forest with ODF Astoria District staff. The American Legion Hall is at 1132 Exchange St., just south of the old Safeway store.
At 6 p.m., ODF staff will present draft proposals for zoning lands for either motorized or non-motorized recreational use.
In motorized zones, off-highway recreational vehicles – such as motorcycles, all terrain vehicles, and 4-wheel drive trucks – may be permitted on designated trails or areas. In non-motorized zones, all motorized vehicles are restricted to surfaced roads, and trails are designated for hiking, horseback riding, or bicycle uses only.
ODF expects to complete the zoning for the 4,400-acre Astoria Basin by the summer of 2006.
Residents of neighborhoods which border the state forest are encouraged to attend this meeting, as well as other members of the public. Those neighborhoods include the John Day, Fernhill, Emerald Heights, Williamsport, and Walluski areas, as well as residents of east Astoria.
A Recreation Advisory Committee made up of members of the public, each representing a particular form of forest recreation, has been working for the past four months on a plan for the Astoria Basin. Members of this committee will be present at the public meeting.
Contact Larry Sprouse, Bryan Nielsen, or Tom Scoggins at (503) 325-5451 for further information. The meeting hall has accommodations for disabled persons.
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