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American Heritage Rivers |  |
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American Heritage Rivers Keystone ProjectWillamette River - 1Mid-Willamette River Connections Project Summary Promote public forums for local dialogue about ideas and concerns relating to Willamette River connections. The workgroup gathers and shares information of importance to the Willamette Community, including: community identity; common interests and concerns; experiences and perspectives from other communities; opportunities and potential obstacles; and the interests of stakeholders. This project convenes interested parties and engages public and river stakeholders to develop and implement a shared vision for the Mid-Willamette River corridor. Project Benefits Mid-Willamette River Connections (MWRC) is a new effort exploring the potential for better connecting the people of the mid-Willamette Valley to the River and to each other from the communities of Corvallis to Newberg. Project partners are taking a very broad approach to looking into these connections. This includes water trails, foot trails, bike routes, and car tours. All have the potential for getting people closer to the Willamette physically and in spirit. A well-thought-out approach to improving existing and developing connections with the River should bring many benefits that include improved stewardship of the Willamette resources, increased recreation and tourism for river towns, and enhanced understanding of the human and natural history that makes the Willamette so special. The goals of the Mid-Willamette River Connections Workgroup are, within the context of the Willamette River and its environs, to: enhance connections within and between communities; celebrate the river's history, culture, and its unique natural environment; identify opportunities to support economic vitality and increased tourism; promote recreational experiences and educational opportunities; investigate opportunities for improved Willamette River access in a manner that respects private property rights; explore potential for alternative transportation; and build and maintain partnerships. Current Partnerships
Project Stage/Status This project has recently begun implementation. The initial response has been very supportive and it is anticipated to continue to grow in the next year. The diversity of interests in the workgroup necessitates and adaptive approach to match community need. This is an unparalleled opportunity to do bring cultural, economic, and conservation interests together to promote the Willamette River as community treasure. Information materials, catalogued community activities, and a collaborative web site are currently in use. The workgroup will hold public workshops this fall to gage public interest in how best to use the Willamette River for recreation, in tour routes and trails for interacting with the River, and the tourism potential for the River. Several funding proposals are being developed. This project recently worked with the Willamette Restoration Initiative and American Heritage River Initiative and its sponsoring partner the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Development Partnership to host a regional "River Cities Conference", where Willamette Basin communities gathered to explore opportunities for renewing community ties with the Willamette River and analyze river-related issues to identify integrated approaches to resolving them. Cost Estimate: This project is currently relying upon the donation of services from existing partnerships and the workgroup members. Anticipated budget for the next fiscal year is approximately $100,000 with at least ½ FTE for Project support Current Funding Sources The Willamette Restoration Initiative, National Park Service, Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept, City of Corvallis, City of Salem, City of Keizer, Benton County Parks, Yamhill County Parks, Willamette American Heritage River, Mid-Willamette Valley Council Of Governments Resources Needed The project needs mapping and GIS assistance to provide information to the community in an easily understood format. Printing and communication assistance is also needed to help disseminate information. Resources to help coordinate the effort and provide support for future efforts will help this project move forward. Champion Agency: Bureau of Land Management, Salem District Champion Partner: National Park Service--Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program Political Support This project has the political support of various local, county, state, and federal representatives. Other Initiatives Supported Willamette Restoration Initiative River Navigator Mark A. Brown Willamette River - 2Willamette Basin Technical Assistance Program Project Summary The Technical Assistance Program was created to increase the capacity of watershed councils, soil and water conservation districts, public agencies, and citizens groups to develop, fund and implement Willamette Basin watershed restoration activities through the efficient and effective provision of technical information and assistance. Technical assistance has been acknowledged as the prime need in many watershed restoration efforts throughout the region. The Willamette Technical Assistance Program was created in direct in response to this identified community need. One of the cornerstones of the Technical Assistance Program is the donation of services from federal and state agencies and private interests. In 2002, the program initiated a "kick-off" meeting attended by over 50 watershed group representatives to describe and promote the program, as well as solicit feedback. The Technical Assistance Program regularly attends watershed council meetings to promote assistance opportunities and solicit local community feedback. Current project activities include:
Project Benefits
Current Partnerships
Project Stage/Status The Willamette TAP was established in 2002 after extensive stakeholder involvement and consultation with the Willamette Restoration Initiative, which identified technical assistance for watershed groups as a critical action in the Willamette Restoration Strategy. The next phase of TAP implementation will include further recruitment of the technical assistance resources pool, coordination with other entities providing technical support, and continuing to establish early successes to promote the program. This project has recently engaged the Coastal America Corporate Partnerships Program and Northwest Regional Team to find projects that would benefit from additional resources and match the goals of both the Coastal America and Technical Assistance Programs. The project is also working with Resource Conservation and Development Councils and other similar programs to expand the range of services provided and increase local participation. The demonstrated need for technical assistance has increased the profile of the project; it should continue to expand in the next year and gain new partners. Current efforts also include marketing the program with state and federal agencies to recruit resources for the technical pool, promoting the program with local entities to develop a well-define list of assistance specifics, and working with the private sector to develop "anchor tenants" for the program developing a work plan and budget for the recently awarded National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant. Cost Estimate: The Willamette technical assistance program will use the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation $250,0000 grant for initial program implementation, with additional support from the Bureau of Land Management and the USDA Forest Service. Additional funding will be provided by other federal agencies once the grant is completed. Current Funding Sources National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Bureau of Land Management, USDA Forest Service, Willamette Restoration Initiative. Funding Analysis Last fall, WRI and the American Heritage Rivers Program submitted a grant request to support a Willamette technical assistance program. Recently, the WRI was notified that the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation had awarded a $250,000 grant to facilitate TAP implementation. Future funding will rely on assistance from federal agencies and foundation grants through fiscal year 2003.The program is designed to eventually be self -sustainable. Resources Needed The Willamette Basin Technical assistance program needs donations to the technical resources pool from other local, state and federal agencies. Champion Agency: USDA, Forest Service Champion Partner: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Salem District Political Support The Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds with the Healthy Stream Partnership Other Initiatives Supported Willamette Restoration Initiative River Navigator Mark A. Brown
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