Update on the Red Apple project on MERA
By Paul Hall on Thursday, January 20th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
La Grande – ReedCo Inc. has adjusted project plans because road conditions on Apple Drop are not ideal for heavy equipment at this time. Project focus is shifting to the northern end of the project area. Access from the Upper Igo Trailhead has been opened to allow heavy equipment access. Project work will start near Intersection 2 and proceed to the northern boundary of the unit. Heavy activity is to be expected for the next 4 weeks. Log hauling can be expected to begin January 21, 2022 and will be utilizing Igo Lane.
Trail access will be impacted on Archer Lane, MERA Loop, Lower Hotshot, Skills, Bridleway, Gateway and others as signed. Signage will be placed to direct the general public away from any danger; some trail closures are to be expected for safety.
Early this month, the Union County Commissioners accepted the bid by ReedCo Inc. at the County Commission meeting on January 5, 2022 for forest thinning and mastication on approximately 300 acres of MERA. The project will primarily take place during the winter months of 2022 and 2023 to utilize frozen and snow covered conditions that will help in the protection of resources.
The next Mt. Emily Recreation Area (MERA) Advisory Committee meeting discussing the project is scheduled for February 1, 2022 at 6 pm via Zoom. The Zoom meeting link will be accessible on https://union-county.org/ closer to the meeting date.
