The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last week began permanently closing roadside camping at Green Peter Reservoir.
Crews will start work Tuesday, erecting signs and barriers and removing fire rings and other dispersed camping amenities on Corps land along Quartzville Road to Milepost 17.2, just beyond Trout Creek.
According to a statement issued by the Corps, the agency is addressing natural resource damage and public safety concerns related to dispersed camping in the area, known as the Quartzville Corridor. Dispersed camping is frequently associated with vandalized trees, barren and hardened soil, and garbage dumps and other sanitation issues. Vehicles, boat trailers and other camping equipment often encroach upon the roadway.
“By shifting camping activity to designated recreation areas, we will improve the quality and safety of recreation at Green Peter Reservoir,” said Tami Schroeder, Willamette Valley Projects park manager.
This work is part of the first phase of the 2011 Green Peter Reservoir Recreation Plan developed by the Corps and Linn County Parks to improve recreation and environmental conditions in the area and ensure compliance with Corps regulations.
Future improvements include construction or expansion of developed recreational facilities at Whitcomb Creek Park, Moose Creek Park and Trout Creek Campground; upgrading boat access at Billings Park on the south side of the dam; and creating designated boat-in campsites with cabins and yurts. To read the entire Green Peter Reservoir Recreation Plan, visit http://www.linnparks.com/pages/generalinfo/parkplanning.html.
Linn County Parks Director Brian Carroll said grant funds are being sought to expand the county’s camping at Whitcomb Creek and create new camping facilities at Trout Creek.
“We’re doing our best to add camping facilities in the places that we can,” he said. “I know some people say there’s no way you’re replacing (roadside camping) but what we’re trying to do is relieve some of the pressure that’s going to occur.”
The Corps’ final environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact for implementing the first phase of this plan is available at http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Media/NewsReleases.aspx.
“We are very excited about working with Linn County Parks to develop additional recreation opportunities at Green Peter,” Schroeder said. “This area has so much potential, and we are happy to make some positive changes.”