YACHATS RIDGE UPDATE

On February 27^th, Hui Rodomsky and Joanne Kittel, VtF board members; John Ayers, VtF volunteer; and Loren Dickinson, community member, testified before the Oregon Parks & Recreation Commissioners on different points in support of OPRD buying Yachats Ridge for parkland.  In addition, the Commissioners received 20 letters from community members, all in support of OPRD’s acquisition of the Ridge.  

Joanne gave updates on activities since November. John tied in the Forest Health Plan and Siuslaw National Forest’s agreement to have the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians co-manage their lands to encourage OPRD joining in with an adjacent parkland.  Hui spoke about the federal grant opportunities that VtF is researching for acquisition and rehabilitation. Loren spoke about his familiarity with Yachats Ridge, which he has hiked many times.  As a Yachats Trails leader and a member of the City Planning Commission, he noted that Yachats Ridge will be a perfect recreational property. 

OPRD Commissioners meet every two months.  In April, VtF will provide updated testimony and will call for additional letters of support to be sent to the Commissioners.