Update on Yachts Ridge Acquisition
Yachats Ridge was not discussed at the executive session of the OPRD Commissioners’ meeting on April 25th. OPRD continues to conduct their due diligence on Yachats Ridge, including a Yellow Book appraisal. Oral and written testimony in support of the Ridge is given at the Commissioners’ meetings. VtF board members and volunteers continue to conduct tours of the property. Forty-six have visited Yachats Ridge this year. Please contact Joanne Kittel if you are interested in taking this tour at joannekittel@viewthefuture.org
Gift to Amanda
Lovely and heartfelt gifts are placed in reverence to Amanda and her symbolism of the genocide that happened in this area perpetrated against the Coos, Lower Umpqua, Siuslaw, and Alsea Peoples. Recently Amanda received another gift—a beautiful hand-carved redwood sculpture created by Tom Johnroy. “Donating this to the Amanda Trail has brought me more joy than other carvings that I have given away or sold,” said Johnroy.
View the Future is the steward of Amanda and her gifts. With the help of the Yachats Trails crew, we keep the area tidy. OPRD owns the irrevocable easement that the Amanda Gathering Area sits on to keep for the public to enjoy and educate.
Siuslaw Playshop: Let’s Paddle and Go Hiking
On April 27th Joanne Kittel, VtF co-chair, presented a short history of the Amanda Trail and the important story behind it at the first Siuslaw Playshop: Let’s Paddle and Go Hiking.
The event, held at the Florence Event Center, was sponsored by the Florence Oregon Area Kayakers, from 9 a.m. to 3:30, with an array of classes, workshops, and training. In addition to hearing about the Amanda Trail, attendees learned about safety, where to paddle and hike, where to access permits, children’s activities, and how to create your own hiking or paddling group.
