Union County seeking public feedback on proposed MERA parking fees and master plan changes
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, November 14th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
UNION COUNTY – The Union County Mount Emily Recreation Area (MERA) and the MERA Advisory Committee are seeking public feedback on the proposed creation of a non-motorized trailhead parking fee program along with various changes to MERA’s master plan.
The parking permit program would implement a series of annual and day use permits for the parking areas of MERA’s non-motorized trailheads, including the Owsley Canyon Trailhead, Lower Igo Trailhead, and Upper Igo Trailhead. The purpose of the program would be to generate revenue to support the upkeep of MERA’s non-motorized trailheads, offsetting the minimal funding opportunities they receive compared to the motorized trailheads. The full documents for the proposed parking permit program framework and the MERA master plan can be found below:
Parking Program:
Master Plan:
Public comment will be taken during the MERA Advisory Committee’s meetings on November 19, 2024, and February 4, 2025, respectively. Comments can also be submitted directly to MERA Coordinator Josh Ford at Jford@union-county.org. The public comment period for both proposals will end on February 14, 2025.
