As Metro puts the finishing touches on the budget for the next fiscal year, I want to let you know that I have proposed an amendment to fund a much-needed feature for the Tualatin River Trail. This proposal will provide planning and design funds for a boat launch on the Tualatin River, a 35-mile tributary of the Willamette River that winds through District 3 and rural Washington and Clackamas counties. This boat launch would provide access to the river for canoes, kayaks and other paddling boats on a stretch of the Tualatin that currently has few access points. I also hope this project will help raise awareness about water quality issues and protecting habitat for wildlife. Specifically, this proposal will allow Metro to conduct a site analysis of five Metro-owned sites along the river, prepare a master plan for the construction of a recreational paddling facility, and convene an advisory team to guide the project and conduct workshops to receive input from the public.
Learn more about the Tualatin River Greenway

This proposed investment on the Tualatin would be the next step in not only protecting and preserving the wildlife habitat along the river, but also in actively creating a new regional destination for paddling. Two voter-approved Natural Areas bond measures in 1995 and 2006 enabled Metro to purchase nearly 400 acres for habitat restoration and access along the Tualatin, including acquiring land for construction of the recreational sites that will ultimately make up the Tualatin River Trail. Metro aspires to someday have access points in five- to 10-mile intervals for the length of the river, and this proposal will help realize that goal.

I believe this proposed investment in the Tualatin River Trail directly supports two of the Metro Council's adopted six desired outcomes (vibrant communities and clean air and water), and also supports the vision of the Intertwine Alliance to create an interconnected network of trails and parks across the region. One partner Metro has in realizing the vision of the Tualatin River Trail is the Tualatin Riverkeepers, a nonprofit organization working to protect and restore the river. By introducing this amendment, I hope Metro will continue its tradition of partnering with nonprofits, other government agencies, and private interests to enhance restoration and create new opportunities to enjoy our region's natural areas.
Discover the six desired regional outcomes
Read about the Intertwine Alliance
Learn more about the Tualatin Riverkeepers

If you'd like to show your support for the Tualatin River Trail, email the Metro Council at metrocouncil@oregonmetro.gov or email me directly at carl.hosticka@oregonmetro.gov. See you on the river!