Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski visited our John Day River project in October as the state moves forward with plans for the grand opening of Cottonwood Canyon State Park by 2013.
“This new park will highlight one of Oregon’s treasures – the John Day River,” Governor Ted Kulongoski said. “In touring the beauty of this land, the river, streams and the wildlife I know this will become a unique recreational resource place for all Oregonians and our visitors to enjoy today and for generations.”

Western Rivers Conservancy purchased the 8,114-acre ranch, together with its 8,000-acre BLM grazing lease, in 2008. Our goal was to protect this significant stretch of the John Day River, one of the great, free-flowing salmon and steelhead rivers of the West.

Western Rivers Conservancy has conveyed the first 2,400 acres to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), which will acquire the remainder of the property in the next biennium that begins in July 2011.

While holding the lands, WRC has undertaken an aggressive restoration program to address invasive species and recover sensitive steelhead habitat.

Meanwhile, the OPRD is soliciting public input to shape the park’s master plan. Proposals include keeping select historic structures and barns to serve as reminders of the ranch’s history. Camping areas and trails are slated, while the vast majority of the sagebrush steppe landscape will remain open and natural.

“We’re receiving tremendous positive feedback to help us create a premier recreation experience that also protects the treasured ruggedness of this place,” said Mark Davison, Oregon Parks and Recreation planner.

When Cottonwood Canyon State Park opens, it will serve as a place where runs of wild salmon and steelhead can thrive, and where hikers, anglers, hunters and visitors can experience the spectacular canyon.

Visit cottonwoodcanyon.wordpress.com for more information and to submit comments for the planning process.

Above: Governor Kulongoski visits the future Cottonwood Canyon State Park, pictured here with Western Rivers Conservancy's Executive Vice President, Sue Doroff.