Source: LaneCounty.org
Lane County Parks are abundant throughout the region, open to everyone spanning all ages, incomes, and demographics. It is a core value of ours to make sure they remain affordable for all, and accessible to community members and visitors from outside our area. Parks are in higher demand than ever before and a critical part of infrastructure worthy of full and consistent investment.
On August 9, 2022, County staff will request the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) place a Local Option Levy on the November 2022 ballot.
The Parks local option levy would finance:
- Investments at Mt. Pisgah, Baker Bay, Armitage, Richardson, North Jetty and other parks
- Improving water recreation access at Fern Ridge Reservoir and along the McKenzie, Willamette and Siuslaw rivers
- Security patrols focused on visitor and property safety
- Repair, renovation or replacement of restrooms, water systems, camping and boating facilities
- Restoration of natural areas, including projects improving water quality
- Trail work and educational programs at Mt. Pisgah
Specifically, the following investments will benefit the natural areas within Lane County:
- Environmental Education (Environmental Educator, Bilingual Interpretive Programming, Forum, Low-Income Assistance) – $500,000
- Riparian and Floodplain Restoration – $270,000
- Habitat Stewardship (Invasive Plant Treatment & Prescribed Fire Implementation Throughout Park System) – $350,000
- Howard Buford Park Habitat Improvement Projects – $ 180,000
- Trail Improvements at Howard Buford Recreation Area – $500,000
- McKenzie Water Trail Signage & Trail Guide – $150,000
Post removable map of river with river miles, take out sites, hazards, float times, & trip options. Advocate for water trail designation (see Willamette River Trail website); post on county website
Partner with Travel Lane County, OSMB, State Parks, EWEB, MRT, & River Guides/Discovery Center (info hub) for signage and trail guide
- McKenzie River Trust – Finn Rock Reach – $250,000
Levy funds would be placed in a restricted special revenue fund. An annual independent financial audit of levy spending is required.
The estimated tax rate for this levy is $0.16 per $1,000 of assessed value. The median Lane County homeowner is estimated to pay an average of $38 per year for five years. It is estimated to raise $31,000,000 over five years.
We are in the first of two critical phases needed to secure stable funding and a sustainable future for the Parks. The first step is to secure County Board of Commissioner Approval to place a local option levy on the November 2022 ballot. As such, I am reaching out to share a variety of ways you can take action to help this effort as well as key points for consideration.
- You may attend the Board of Commissioners meeting in person in Harris Hall.
- You may register (Link Below) to participate virtually in the public comment section of the meeting which is scheduled for August 9, 2022 at 1:30pm.
- You may submit written comments which will be linked to the weekly agenda.
- Tuesday, August 9, 2022 – 1:30 p.m.
Board of County Commissioners Meeting: Afternoon Session - To participate in the public hearing, please register online here.
- After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Do not share or forward this confirmation email, it is unique to each registrant.
Each process and talking points are further outlined in the attached documents below.
Thank you for being a supporter of Lane County Parks! We appreciate your interest and continued support.