Feb. 1, 2000

AGREEMENT SETS IN MOTION EFFORTS TO PROTECT 1,180 ACRES OF SANDY RIVER HABITAT

A long sought-after agreement to save a crucial stretch of the Sandy River from a proposed aggregate mining operation was signed today between the River Conservancy, a nonprofit, organization, and the owners of the historic Koch Ranch on Minsinger Bottom, Richard and Janie Dodge. This agreement will set in motion placing the 1,180-acre ranch along the Sandy River into public ownership under the stewardship of the Bureau of Land Management.

Senator Rick Metsger, who has been actively involved in bringing the parties together to encourage a positive outcome for the Sandy River Basin and the citizens of Clackamas County, said, "The River Conservancy and Richard and Janie Dodge should be commended for their commitment to preserving the ranch, responding to community concerns and establishing the upper reach of the proposed Middle Sandy Preserve."

This widely supported agreement will accomplish the following:

Preservation of the ranch, removing the threat of any aggregate mining on the Minsinger Bottom.

Protection of 1.5 miles of Sandy River frontage, three small tributary streams and 1,180 acres of habitat.

Restoration of important spawning habitat for endangered salmon and critical elk winter range.

"I truly believe that this is the best possible outcome for all parties involved. I am very pleased that we have been able to reach this agreement," Richard Dodge said.

The Dodge Ranch (formerly the Koch Ranch) sits on the historic Minsinger Bottom, along the north bank of the Sandy River between the towns of Alder Creek and Brightwood. Functioning cattle and timber operation boasts spawning habitat for endangered salmon and critical elk winter-range.

Large-scale gravel mining has been proposed on the ranch, and the owners are scheduled to complete a land-use process Wednesday, Feb. 2 in Clackamas County. The owners PAPA application to mine a glacial deposit on the ranch prompted efforts by state and federal officials to place the land in public ownership for future generations.

Both the BLM and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife have identified this area as crucial habitat. According to Sue Doroff, Northwest Director of the River Conservancy, "The BLM has been instrumental in highlighting the area’s importance, and we appreciate their vision and leadership for conservation on the Middle Sandy River. Our congressional delegation will play a key role in completing the process. We welcome their interest and support in the project."

The River Conservancy is working with Portland General Electric, the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service to establish a Middle Sandy and Little Sandy River Preserve. These preserves will become refuges for fish and wildlife and a public resource for hikers, floaters, anglers and viewers of salmon and wildlife. Acquisition and long-term protection of the Dodge ranch is the first step in achieving this vision.

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