Union County community raises accessibility concerns over ongoing MERA closure
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
UNION COUNTY – With the ongoing closure of the Owsley Canyon Trailhead, which constitutes a significant portion of the Mount Emily Recreation Area (MERA), debate has continued between the county and the public as to the necessity of the closure. While the latest updates provided by Union County cite safety concerns with forestry equipment and trail conditions, along with liability concerns over the status of recreational immunity, some community members believe a partial opening of MERA, or some sort of compromise allowing limited public access, could easily be reached.
For those unfamiliar with the situation, the Owsley Canyon Trailhead at MERA has been closed since early January to accommodate forestry operations as part of the Red Apple Forest Improvements project. Since this initial closure, debate has raged over the necessity of the closure and the county’s handling of it. In speaking with various members of the community, Elkhorn Media Group has noted several major concerns and criticisms being raised.
A common critique sent to county commissioners and County Parks Coordinator Josh Ford, and subsequently forwarded to Elkhorn Media Group, is an alleged lack of communication/alert about the closure. Though the initial notice was published on MERA’s own website (and Elkhorn Media Group’s) back in December, some community members claim this was insufficient, especially since the notice wasn’t posted directly to the Union County website. Signage at the trailhead has been similarly critiqued for being too sparse to be effective. As stated by local business owner Sean Lerner when asked about his experience in learning about the closure, “A few more emails, and this could have been much less frustrating for everyone.”
Other points include debate on if the county’s response to recreational immunity is an overreaction, along with claims that the initial reasoning for the closure (safety concerns over the high volume of people recreating near an active logging site and archaeologically sensitive areas) was improperly explained to the public initially.
The largest and most contentious point of debate, however, has been whether a partial opening is possible. Union County Parks Coordinator Josh Ford reaffirmed the county’s stance on this back in January, stating:
“The closure of the forest management area as well as the Owsley Canyon trailhead will remain in effect while forestry operations occur. Activities such as road and equipment maintenance are being continued outside the culturally sensitive areas on MERA’s “all-weather routes”. Additionally, trails within the closed area are not safe for public use at this time. Trail conditions do not meet construction and maintenance standards outlined in MERA’s master plan due to hazards such as a variable trail surface, downed trees, brush, and snags.”
Many within the community, however, affirm that a partial opening is completely feasible and could be compromised on. With warmer temperatures limiting what work can be done, it’s pushed by some, including Learner, that one day a week at least could be reserved for public access in between forestry operations. Further, it’s argued that areas such as Archer Lane, which are largely maintained by volunteers, are safe enough to use despite ongoing work. For clarification, part of the plan for the Red Apple Forest Improvements project is that temperatures must remain near 25 degrees to ensure the ground will be frozen (and thus resistant to damage) during clearing and mastication.
The push for partial access itself has two primary motivators, at least according to community members Elkhorn Media Group spoke to. Firstly, recreational access is, of course, a major concern. Given MERA’s popularity and its trailheads being some of the only places dog owners can safely walk their pets off leash, the complete shutdown has continued to cause frustration and disruption of personal routines.
Secondly, there are economic concerns among some. With MERA being a popular location for fat tire bike usage, those involved in bike rentals/upkeep, along with outdoor recreation generally, are worried about business downturns.
Ultimately, the public’s reasons for frustration vary considerably, but the crux of the issue comes down to frustration over what is perceived as poor communication, insufficient justification, and a seeming unwillingness from county officials to compromise on a partial opening. As put by community member Nicole Howard:
“It is disappointing and frustrating that the county commissioners are unwilling to work with the public to find a solution where the needs of both sides can be met.”
As mentioned, the county has continued to maintain that all current restrictions are necessary for the safety of the public and the project. All criticisms and claims mentioned in this article come from feedback sent from community members to the county, (and subsequently forwarded to Elkhorn Media Group), or from speaking with community members directly.
Official updates on the closure can be found at https://www.meetmera.org/general-8
