Figure 45
The Willamette River in South Corvallis
the city. People are
rational and civic minded. It's still clean and safe. Also, I'm a Beavers fan."
"When I first moved to
town in 1972, Corvallis was 40,000; it's 50,000 now. This is steady growth. OSU
is an attraction - the athletics, lectureships. The performing arts are very good
for a land grant school. Retirement is increasing."
Corvallis
greatly expanded in the 1980s and 1990s. Currently, growth is occurring to the
north, south, and west, but mostly to the south, where the largest amount of
vacant land is.
A
recent City survey revealed that, in 1995, 47% of the people thought the city
was growing too fast, while only 29% feel that way today (City Survey 2001, http://www.ci.corvallis.or.us/cmo/casre01.html).
Some
residents said that Corvallis developed the way it did because of the presence
of Oregon State University (OSU). According to some, OSU had such political
control over the city and county that it dictated the kind of development that
occurred. In particular, there were to be no "dinner bucket" industries.
Industrial uses were not favored and residential, while quality of life
considerations, and university-related businesses were preferred.
Today,
retirement is driving settlement. Housing prices are so high that people with
moderate incomes are not able to afford to buy homes in the community. The high
quality of life is attracting retired people, reportedly Californians, who
stimulate higher prices but can also afford them too.
Neighborhood
Areas
Corvallis
is a tidy town of well-kept homes and yards. Sometimes neighbors pressure
others to maintain their yards. For instance, one woman in northwest Corvallis
did not cut her grass for a few weeks last spring. Several neighbors commented
among themselves and finally someone told the woman that if she did not mow her
lawn the neighbors would lodge a formal complaint with the landlord. The woman
has kept her lawn mowed since that time.
The
downtown neighborhood of Corvallis (Area 9, Figure 44) is faring better than
many other downtowns. What is impressive about downtown Corvallis is that it
still works. It is active, with busy pedestrian, bicycle and auto traffic. It
is easily accessible for bikes and cars and parking is free.
Lower
downtown has evidence of struggling businesses - a few vacated buildings, some
rundown areas, and so on. Some businesses have been there for years - a furniture
store and three large auto service centers are still quite active. A few artist
galleries, sporting goods, book stores, eateries and other businesses appear
healthy. Through obligation bonds, the City is creating a bike path and access
to the river from lower downtown. The project had strong opposition before
being approved, but already nearby businesses are improving their appearances
and new stores are coming in. The residential areas of downtown are the least
maintained, with more ethnic diversity, and are characterized by ranch style
homes.
The
Highland neighborhood (Area 5, Figure 44) has many two-story upscale homes.
Most of the homes have elaborate landscaping and fences or shrubs to mark
property lines. Very few campers or motor homes were observed. The neighborhood
is set apart from others by busy streets and dead end roads. The eastern part
of this neighborhood is dominated by apartments and duplexes and showed greater
ethnic diversity. Students and working families live here.
The
mid-town area (Area 6) was described as half students and half retired people.
These ranch-style homes appear to have been built in the 1950s. Few fences or
shrubs separate homes and there is much less landscaping. The Circle
Neighborhood (Area 2) is similar to Highland but with fewer students and more
retired people.
The
area known as South Corvallis (Area 10) is south of Highways 20 and 24 along
Highway 99W and includes the areas of Crystal Lake Drive, Alexander Avenue and
Park Avenue. The Willamette River on its east side and Highway 99 circumscribe
it effectively and help create a neighborhood feel. Although it has a seedy
reputation, it is a beautiful area of older, modest homes with well-established
vegetation. Some industrial sites dot the area, primarily along the river - tire
shop, mechanic shop, and the large operation of Evanite Fiber Corporation.
Willamette Park and the Corvallis Water Treatment Plant are within the
neighborhood and new larger, two-story homes are being built along its south
border.
Adair
Village, in the north area of the CRU, has about 600 people. At one time, the
area was a well-known World War II military camp, being the 2nd
largest city in Oregon in its time. Its presence was a primary settlement
attraction after the war, when servicemen chose to return to Oregon because
they liked it or because they had married an Oregonian. Residential development
is occurring at a steady rate, with fairly high-end homes, because land and
housing prices are cheaper compared to Corvallis. It has no commercial services
to date and is considered a suburb of Corvallis.
Publics
The publics that
are prevalent in Corvallis include university-related professionals, students,
and support staff whose presence is widespread throughout the community. A
thriving commercial and retail segment is important, as is a high tech economic
sector. Surrounding agricultural and timber workers still use Corvallis as a
service center. A large segment of the population is employed in the trade and
service sector and in blue-collar jobs. Corvallis also has a large, active,
outdoor and environmentally-oriented community that makes its presence known
through events and political activities.
Networks
See Section Two.
Work Routines
From its
inception, Corvallis was focused on education and OSU employment still is the
number one source of jobs. High technology ranks number two because of the
presence of Hewlett-Packard. The third largest segment of the economy is health
services. The Good Samaritan Hospital serves a regional population and one
official said that half of their employees live in town.
The City
Administration reported its largest employers, as of June, 2000 as the
following:
Oregon State
University, education: 8473
Hewlett-Packard,
computer peripherals: 5800
Good Samaritan
Hospital, health and medical: 980
Corvallis Clinic,
health services: 548
CH2MHill,
engineering and consulting: 350
Source: Oregon
Economic and Community Development Department, Community Profile, 2002.
Agriculture is
having a difficult time. Grass seed production is not what it used to be and
observers doubt its long-term recovery. If forestry is included in agriculture,
this sector ranks fourth in the local economy. Corvallis was never a "timber
town." However, the towns around it were, and Corvallis was their service
center. Stores featured clothing, shoes, tools, and equipment that were
oriented to the needs of loggers and mill workers. That retail and commercial
element has mostly faded now.
"Mills
will always be around, but not like before."
The common
perception of Corvallis is one of well-educated, middle and upper middle class
people, but many residents cautioned that the story goes deeper. A large class
of poor and undereducated people are part of the City and "can't even own their
own computers." Unemployment rates are typically low in Corvallis, as they are
presently.
Support Services
Corvallis, more
than surrounding communities, is a town of fitness centers, including those
catering to women, yoga centers, and martial arts studios.
Benton County
Parks and Recreation Department has a reputation for being close to its
citizens. It uses citizen advisory committees that are effective in hearing
local concerns and translating them into budget priorities.
Health services
are said to be very good in the Corvallis area. Known colloquially as "Pill
Hill", Good Samaritan is recognized regionally for specializing in heart and
cancer treatment. This facility grew with the community. In the 1970s, it was a
very modest facility on Harrison Boulevard. Assisted care facilities are
increasing in number, with a couple of new ones under construction.
The river front
project in downtown Corvallis is currently under construction. The decision to
proceed with the project was controversial for the city, with conflict over the
amount of paving and parking versus green areas, whether trees were to be cut,
and the rip-rap along the river. With many modifications, it was approved and
ultimately residents expressed enthusiasm for the likely benefits.
The Benton County
Historical Museum has an agreement with Benton County to house the Horner
Museum OSU collection, once a suitable location can be found. Vacated downtown
buildings are being explored for this purpose.
A couple of
long-term residents pointed to what they said was a real strength of
Corvallis - the ability to re-cycle civic buildings for new purposes. City hall
was a USO building during World War II. The old clinic became Community Public
Health. The old fire station became the senior center. Washington School became
the Benton center of the Linn-Benton Community College. For these citizens,
these changes were a sign of community health and resilience, and continuity
over time that is important for any community.
Bikes are an
accepted and encouraged mode of transportation in the community, with extensive
bike paths and bike lanes throughout the town. Corvallis drivers are even said
to be courteous.
"People have found courtesy. At the four-way stops,
people take turns. Even getting out of sporting events, people take turns."
A bond was passed
recently to acquire open space.
Schools are "as
good as they get" in Corvallis. They are highly valued by residents.
"When
Crescent Valley High School was started, Corvallis lost something. It created a
big change. It split up circles of friends that had known each other their
whole life. Now 'CHS' [Corvallis High School] was not the only game in town.
They weren't all going through the same things anymore."
Numerous people
stated that Corvallis wants only clean industry.
"Heritage Mall in Albany was slated for here and
rejected. Some people are sorry - it would have been convenient. On the other
hand, downtown is still viable because of it."
Homes are
maintained, with residents talking about "pride of ownership."
"People want to live here, it's friendly, and the
standards of the community are good."
Residents also
said that they have had outstanding leadership at city and county government
over the years, people capable of long-range thinking. The city's work on urban
growth boundaries and standards of development have been a means of managing
steady growth over the last two decades.
A number of
neighborhood associations are active in the city, although until recently, ties
with city government have not been strong. The Planning Department is in
preliminary stages of having associations map out neighborhood units and of
using associations to communicate and position the department in proactive ways
with citizens.
Recreational Activities
See Section Three.
B.
Trends, Themes and Citizen Issues
Related
to Community Life
Trends
The number of
retirees has increased and represents a significant portion of the population
and of the economy. The 2000 census reported a 14% increase in people over 65
years of age and that retired people now make up a total of 10% of the
population.
Population growth
has continued at a steady rate, which apparently remains a constant political
and community issue as the community struggles to balance growth with
livability.
Themes
1. "There's lots
of cooperation here between groups."
"The CERT state process has a "Needs and Priorities"
process. You score higher if you are cooperative. I call it 'rational
politeness.' There is a reason to be nice - it pays off." [City official]
2. "Environmental
values are strong here. People want economic development that does not
pollute."
Citizen Issues Related to Community Life
Growth and
Development
"Watch
the farmlands so they don't disappear."
"The
urban growth boundary keeps getting pushed out."
"Corvallis
is growing too much."
"There's
a big fight now about whether College Hill should be an historic district."
Affordable Housing
Corvallis housing
prices were described as some of the highest in the state. First time home
buying programs have been instituted but more needs to be done, according to
residents.
"Affordable
housing is a big issue."
Both the City and
the School District, like much of the state, are currently undergoing severe
budget contractions related to the regional recession. Program cuts are
underway.
Section
Two:
Communication
Strategies
A. Informal Networks and Communication
Allan Brothers
Coffee, lower downtown, is active in the morning.
Peak Sports is
known as a communication node for recreation interests in Corvallis.
Starker Forests
offers a free forest tour of Starker Forest Inc. every Wednesday through
September through the Corvallis Convention and Visitor Bureau. The purpose is
to show modern forestry practices and to dispel negative public images of the
timber industry.
Family Adventure
Day, Tree Day 2002 is an event that features a loggers' breakfast, oldtime tree
falling demonstration, horse logging demonstration, hands on forestry skills
for children, and a helicopter fire demonstration. Benton and Linn county
extension services sponsor the event. The contact is Fay Sallee at (541)
451-5322.
The Second Street
Beanery
Golf City Pub
Interzone
Nearly Normals
Sunnyside-Up
Sam's Station
B. Formal Groups and Communication
Figure 45
Organizations With Interest in Public Lands in the
Corvallis Area
|
Organization
|
Contact Information
|
Mission
|
|
Wood and Wildlife Tour,
sponsored by OSU Extension, Starker Forest Products and Oregon Department of
Fish and Wildlife
|
Rick Flecher
OSU Extension
(541) 766-3554
|
Provide foresters and
wildlife professionals a forum to view and discuss research and results
regarding management choices on wood and wildlife values of the forests.
|
|
Peak Sports
|
(541) 754-6444
|
Communication about
outdoor recreation activities
|
|
Wheelmen Bicycle Club
|
P.O. Box 1373
Corvallis, OR 97339
|
|
|
Benton County Parks and
Recreation Department
|
George McAdams
(541) 766-6891
|
|
|
Mary's River Watershed
Council
|
Sandra Coveny
P.O. Box 1041
Corvallis, OR 97339
(541) 758-7597
sandrac@peak.org
|
Watershed restoration
|
|
Soap Creek Watershed
Council
|
Mike Dubrasich
29094 Tampico Road
Corvallis, OR 97330
(541) 745-7404
soapcrwc@peak.org
|
Watershed restoration
|
|
Greenbelt Land Trust
|
730 S.W. 4th
St.
Corvallis, OR 97333
(541) 752-9609
|
Participates with City
on Bald Hill Project; open space and trails. 450
|
|
Economic Development Diversification Task Force
|
Doug Sweetland
Corvallis-Benton County
Economic Development Partnership
(541) 757-1507
|
|
|
Park and Recreation
Senior Center
|
Sharon Brogdanovic
Senior Center Program
Coordinator
2601 NW Tyler Avenue
Corvallis, OR 97330
(541) 754-1709
sharon.bogdanovic@ci.corvallis.or.us
|
Keen interest in Forest
Service/BLM coordination
|
|
Corvallis Parks and
Recreation Department
|
Sally Robertson
Recreation Coordinator
1310 SW Avery Park Drive
Corvallis, OR 97333
(541) 757-6918
sally.robertson@ci.corvallis.or.us
|
Has not yet coordinated
with Forest Service lands; always looking for new places to take kids
|
|
Girls Scouts Council
|
Sally Robertson
(541) 757-6918
|
Monthly leadership
meeting would be a great Forest Service forum
|
|
4-H Youth Program
4-H Wildlife Stewards
|
Oregon State Extension
(541) 725-2027
|
Training to sustain
wildlife habitat on school grounds, "bringing science and nature together one
school at a time."
|
|
Coastal Range
Association
|
425 SW Madison
Corvallis, OR 97333
(541) 758-0255
|
Environmental
organization
|
|
Green Belt Association
|
(541) 752-0609
|
|
|
Corvallis Environmental
Center
|
214 SW Monroe
Corvallis, OR 97330
(541) 753-9211
|
Focus on education,
youth gardening, resource conservation program
|
|
Outreach Education
Office
|
Michael Cloughesy,
Director
Nathalia Glitt,
Conference Coordinator
College of Forestry
Oregon State University
(541) 737-2349
|
Many events related to outdoor education
|
|
Oregon Riverwatch
|
Sean Carroll
|
Willamette River
Clean-ups
|
|
Corvallis Outdoor School
|
1555 SW 3th Street
Corvallis, OR 97333
(541) 757-4323
outdoor_school@corvallis.k12.or.us
|
Residential
environmental education for 509J 6th graders; USFS partner
|
Section
Three:
The
Public Lands Perspective
A. Uses of and Orientation to Public
Lands
One highly valued
feature of local life is proximity to nearby outdoor and recreation
opportunities. One and one-half hours' drive from Corvallis gets people to the
coast, the Cascade Range, and to Portland. This feature was mentioned several
times during Corvallis research.
Mary's Peak, a
scant few miles west of Corvallis, is the highest elevation peak in the coastal
range. During this research, people from throughout the region stated that they
visited Mary's Peak at one time or another. Key features are its high-altitude
meadow and natural rock gardens. The Mary's Peak North Ridge Trail on the
Siuslaw National Forest is also very much used.
A clerk in a
sporting goods store described the recreation interests of Corvallis residents
as "so granola." By this he meant that residents like easy access to public
lands and non-intrusive activities such as hiking and mountain bike riding.
This segment of the recreational public is complaining recently about motored
outdoor sports - ATVs, jet skis, dune buggies, and motor bikes - and their noisy
impacts on the quieter activities.
A city official
stated that Corvallis was progressive related to natural resource management.
Evidence of this is the new waste water system, a large-scale effort to inventory
natural features for future preservation, and the City's efforts to address the
requirements of the Endangered Species Act.
Benton
County has more than 60 miles of bike and running paths and over 50 parks and
preserves. It has public and private recreational facilities for golf,
swimming, fitness, tennis, racquetball, volleyball, basketball, baseball,
football, karate, and horseback riding. The trails, as well as nearby public
lands, provide opportunities for backpacking, mountaineering, canoeing, camping,
ski touring and bike touring. The Corvallis Arts Center, as well as a number of
art galleries display local and regional art. There are major festivals, and
the scenic routes of the County feature covered bridges, wildlife refuges,
historic buildings, and wineries (Community Profile, Oregon Economic and
Community Development Department, 2002).
As the population
grows and urbanizes, Parks and Recreation programs, as well as after-school and
other youth programs, could be expected to increase. City and county parks and
recreation programs typically have not been well funded and are among the first
departments to experience cuts in times of tight budget constraints. In order
to survive, they are likely to become more fee-based as time goes.
The City program
includes urban forestry. Using a grant from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
they have a project now on Bald Hill to preserve white oak with Nature
Conservancy Greenbelt Land Trust, a group that has also secured hundreds of
acres of open space and trails. Pacificorps and ODF have provided Benton County
with a three-year grant for urban forestry.
The Corvallis
Environmental Center, located in Avery Park, has done outdoor education courses
for many years using City Parks and Recreation funds. Recent budget cuts will
eliminate this funding and the program may be in jeopardy.
"People want to do outings closer to home. They want
variety and they are interested in education. They want restoration that is
reasonable and effective." [County Parks official]
"Americorps recently did a 'Progression of Species
Parade' that was so amazing. Over 200 kids with the Youth Park Corps and the
Youth Volunteer Corps."
The City Parks and
Recreation Department began Rock Creek camp three years ago. It's a day camp
for kids 8-12 years old on Mary's Peak. It was described as a "learning
experience" for the 35 kids that participate each year.
Youth programs in
the City are hurting. The school district dropped its summer program, "Summer
Connections." After-school sports were
dropped by the school district, but picked up by City Parks and Recreation.
Many of the City's programs are being dropped because of budget cuts. 504
"Kids are searching for something to do after age
12." [The issue was the lack of programs for youth over this age.]
Benton County
Parks does partnership programs, including 4-H Wildlife Stewardship. It also
coordinates frequently with the Waldport District Ranger for mutual projects on
Mary's Peak. The Parks Department is exploring the possible use of Title 3
money of the Secured Schools Bill, which, at the discretion of the Board of
Commission, can be used for easements, fire safety, training, and restoration.
However, Title 3 does not cover all costs, so with a small department in times
of tight budget, its resources may be directed elsewhere. Sometimes community
service groups of youth and adults can be used to fulfill Title 3 requirements
but an official stated that it is not always worth the effort.
The use of Title 2
monies of the Secured Schools Bill are very prescriptive. After going through a
multi-county process of the Resource Advisory Committee, funds can be used by
local entities that contribute to natural resource management. For example,
Benton County Public Works paved the south section of the Alsea road using this
program.
The City recently
began a Natural Features Scoping Project to identify natural resources in the
city deserving of protection and to develop regulations to protect them. The
effort will include an inventory of water resources, wetlands and riparian
habitat. It has also prepared a response plan for Endangered Species.
Corvallis has an
active and successful Senior Citizen Center run by the Parks and Recreation
Department. The center is crucial for absorbing new seniors into the community,
for creating a support center for the very elderly, and for facilitating
numerous activities and events throughout the region. Many activities are
outdoors - hikes, boat rides, and excursions to historical areas.
Guided nature
walks are most popular among seniors. Their range of ability varies
tremendously and they like knowing trail information and trail conditions ahead
of time. Last year, the Sweet Home Ranger District coordinated a historical
walk along the Santiam Wagon Road that was led by a Forest Service employee.
The program director described this as one of the most successful events ever
held, as seniors enjoyed learning about history and its connection with the
Forest. The Corvallis Senior Center relates exclusively to the Sweet Home
District, not to the Siuslaw National Forest.
"I'm surprised they didn't charge money for that
event. It was such a contribution to so many."
Scouts are very
active in Benton County. The Girl Scouts alone have 57 troops. Parents have
been very involved in leadership roles and are active users of public lands.
Personal safety in the woods came up as an issue at the last leadership
meeting.
The Supervisor's
Office of the Siuslaw National Forest in Corvallis does not have strong links
to the local community. Partnerships with formal entities or inter-governmental
partnerships do not appear numerous. Contracts recipients are drawn from around
the region. They are determined by the Hub Zone law, which stipulates hiring
contractors from certain low income areas, so contract relationships in the
local area are not very strong.
Ties with OSU
Forestry appear limited to speaking engagements. The Forest's "small purchasing
program" is done through employee credit card and spending can be local or
national. "Agreements," an area of contracting ranging from Memorandas of
Understanding (MOU) to collection agreements, are growing but these are formal
in nature and often done electronically. Permits are issued to many individuals
for firewood, Christmas trees, and other special forest. Forest Services trail
passes are sold at the office and at a sporting goods store.
"The Forest Service has respect here, but people
aren't dependent on it."
"My husband is a hunter and gets his maps at the
SO."
Local citizens
have limited contact or identity with the Supervisor's Office. Some people knew
where the office was, but many did not. The owner of a fisherman's store in
Philomath was aware the Alsea office had closed but said he didn't know if
Corvallis had an office or not. Most people just shrugged when the Supervisor's
Office was mentioned.
To say that people
do not have a strong identity with the Supervisor's Office is not to say that
people do not have a strong identity with the Siuslaw and with the Forest
Service in general. Not only does Mary's Peak have a special "backyard"
orientation for Corvallis residents, our research shows that the area is a
mecca for many recreationists in the region. It seems like everyone does a trip
to Mary's Peak at one time or another. In addition, Dale Edward's Outdoor
School was mentioned several times as an asset to the community, with people
openly wondering what would happen to the program when Dale retires.
"That
program touches a lot of rural schools."
Rural Community
Assistance funds were mentioned several times by various officials and agency
staff as valuable. Special projects on Mary's Peak were mentioned as well as
projects in Alsea and other small communities, and with Corvallis city
departments.
"The
funding has been a good thing, in Kings Valley, Bellfountain, Kim, Monroe,
Philomath. Critics say its just planning, but it keeps volunteers mobilized, it
builds direction, and it gives you status in the money queue."
On Mary's Peak,
the Forest Service has a partnership with BLM, where they collect fees, do the
maintenance and interact with the public, while the Forest Service does the
brochures and public relations.
Corvallis
exhibits a strong value for environmentalism, although residents are quick to
point out that it is not the "extreme" environmentalism of Eugene. The
underlying value is conservation and they want to see how change and
development contribute to conservation.
"We are more the Missouri
of environmentalism. Once you show us, we're fine. It's a practice conservation
ethic."
"The city always votes a
resounding 'No' on hate measures. We have a mosque and a Jewish center. The
city slogan is 'diversity counts.'"
C.
Themes and Citizen Issues
Related
to Natural Resource Management
Themes
1. "The Forest
Service is not visible [with notable exceptions]."
Citizen
Issues
Interests in
outdoor education
"We
need more outdoor education!" [frequent]
"Kids
would love to get into the forest. The Alsea District used to provide
information to kids."
Orientation to
Retired People
Retirement
professionals described senior citizens as growing in number and active in
their interest in outdoor activities. Older adults are more susceptible to
changes in trail conditions, elevation and weather. They appreciate a guide
that can teach them about an area. Also, the conditions of bathrooms are very
important to this community for safety reasons.
"There
is a scarcity of hikes for older adults. We need better information about trail
conditions." [Senior Center Program Coordinator]
"Often,
bathrooms on Forest Service land are not acceptable."
"The
Forest Service matrix for trails doesn't list characteristics of interest to
seniors. They need to know length of trail, elevation climb, difficulty level,
and road conditions."
Environmental
Management
"Budget
cuts may force the loss of our urban forestry program. It will be difficult to
deal proactively on Dutch Elm disease." [City Parks and Recreation Department]
"We
need an effective noxious weed program. ODF is a regular supporter. We are
getting some support through Mary's River Watershed Council and NRCS."
Recreation
"The
Forest Service should have programs in our recreation program book." [City
Parks and Recreation]
"It's
hard for City employees to purchase Forest Passes. Since the Forest Service
isn't set up to bill a business or send an invoice, I have to buy the pass with
personal money and then get reimbursed by the City. The process should be
streamlined. Why can't I get a yearly invoice so I know I have it ahead of time?"
"The
process for buying permits and passes could be improved. There's got to be a
better way. Maybe when people renew their driver's licenses or something."
"I
used to buy passes at Anderson's sporting goods store, but since it closed a
few years ago, I'm not sure where else to go for passes and maps."
"People
don't like the Forest Passes because they are not sure the funds are reinvested
in a wise manner."
"Don't
the Forest Passes attract even more tourists?"
Visibility
"The
Forest Service is invisible here. Does the Forest Service have a Partnership
Coordinator?"
"The
Forest Service is not visible in Corvallis. I never go by the building. They
don't publicize very much."
"If
the Forest Service does pull out, can it locate its remaining staff with
similar agencies, like NRCS, especially those that have strong community
interface?"
C. Management Opportunities
Communication Opportunities
The Forest Service
should insure that local residents have easy access to Forest Passes and that
vendor locations are well known. This will be especially important if the
Supervisor's Office closes.
Develop
interpretive trails for educational purposes. Both ecological and historical
aspects are of interest to residents.
Consider guided
hikes and educational activities for a fee as an extra revenue source.
Organized groups could pay such fees.
Develop an
effective orientation to the retirement community.
Explore options
for becoming more visible even in light of increased budget cuts.
There may be natural
opportunities for the Forest Service to partner with the City's Natural
Features Scoping Project.
Action Opportunities
A proposal that
has been in the news and has been discussed inside the agency is to merge the
offices and management of the Willamette and Siuslaw National Forests. Several
positions are already shared between the two offices, and budget limitations
will force further staff reductions in the near future. Two central questions
related to the merging are where the new Supervisor's office would be located
and how important services will be maintained at the District level.
Many people had the
correct understanding that most management activities of the Forest Service are
already handled out of the District offices. Support and coordination for
Watershed Councils is handled primarily at the District level, although a
hydrologist from the Supervisor's Office has been very active.
The concern was
raised several times that location of the Supervisor's Office of a National
Forest should be close to the land base it is responsible for.
"Forest
managers should be close to the lands they manage." [frequent]
"The
big danger is collapse at the bottom, where there is too much management and
the workers, those doing the real work on the ground, disappear. Once decline
starts, you're in a complaining mode and the agency gets inward looking. It's a
downward cycle."
"We
have found that unsupervised lands bring in undesirables. It's a small
percentage but they can do a lot of damage. With parks, if there is vandalism
we have to deal with it right away. If we do, it goes away. If we don't, it
gets worse. They've got to keep people on the ground here." [County parks
staff]
The community
leaders with whom we spoke voiced concern about the economic impact of losing
employees, but reflected that the Corvallis economy was diverse enough to
absorb the loss.
"Yeah, we can get over the economic loss, but what
about the leadership? A lot of Forest Service people are involved in civic
organizations. They should really reach out and communicate with people about
this move." [City official]
People were aware
of the budget constraints of the Siuslaw and reluctantly voiced understanding
that further re-organization was necessary. However, a number of thoughtful observers
pointed to the difference that the future location would communicate. In
particular, one leader said that location in Eugene would signal a loss of the
Siuslaw, rather than a sharing of identities, which is what she advocated. In
fact, a number of arguments were made against a location in Eugene. Among them:
- Rather than a sharing of management,
the Eugene location signals the loss of the Siuslaw within Willamette
management;
- Eugene is too far south to relate well
to such a large land base, especially the coastal Siuslaw lands;
- The rivalries between the Ducks and
the Beavers, while often portrayed in good natured terms, has a serious
underside. "Now don't laugh when I say this," one person said, and she
related how she was asked to change her clothes at an OSU office when she
inadvertently wore the colors of the opposing team. "There's already a
rivalry between Eugene and Corvallis," another person chuckled. The power
of a cultural symbol like this should not be underestimated.
- Land prices are seen as higher and
quality of life as lower in the Eugene area. Shopping and the ability to
"get around" are not seen as good. People thought that areas of cheap land
and interstate accessibility, such as Albany and Lebanon would be good
sites.
Enough citizen issues
were raised that a process of citizen contact seems prudent to consider. A list
of key community leaders, communicators and caretakers could be identified who
should talk through the options with the upcoming management decisions. Let
those people participate in problem-solving with forest management in order to
minimize surprise, to get the best ideas, and to resolve citizen issues. In
particular, it is important that people understand the level and nature of
management on the ground that could be expected with the options being
considered. Without such an effort, the Forest Service will be vulnerable to
rumors and political agendas.
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