Union County Approves first reading of the parking permit program for the Mount Emily Recreation Area
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, December 6th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
UNION COUNTY – During a regular commission meeting on Wednesday, December 4, the Union County Board of Commissioners approved the first reading of Ordinance 2024-05, In the Matter of An Ordinance Establishing a Parking Permit Program for the Mt. Emily Recreation Area (MERA).
As the title suggests, this proposes the establishment of a new parking permit program for the Mount Emily Recreation Area (MERA). Specifically, the parking permits would apply to the parking areas of the Owsley Canyon, Lower Igo, and Upper Igo Trailheads. The goal is to increase MERA’s ability to be self-sufficient without requiring support of Union County’s general funds. Parking for MERA’s motorized trailheads, such as Fox Hill, are not affected by the permit program. As written in the ordinance:
“Motorized users have already directly and indirectly provided funding to MERA by purchasing OHV permits, which makes it possible for MERA to receive O&M funding.”
The permits will include a $5 day use pass, a $30 annual pass, and a $20 discounted annual pass for active military, veterans, EMS services, law enforcement, and low-income families. The penalty for parking without a permit will be a $100 fine, with the option to purchase an annual parking pass when paying the fine.
The second reading for the ordinance is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 18th. The full ordinance can be read at: https://unioncountyor.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ORD-2024-05-MERA-Parking.pdf
