20 March 2015
The rehabilitation of Archie
The first attempt at securing funding for rehabilitating and eventually reopening Archie Knowles Campground east of Mapleton didn’t pan out last fall. But the Lane County Parks Department is continuing to work on it.
Senior Parks Analyst Dave Stockdale said they are applying for another grant that would cover much of the estimated $100-thousand needed to repair the septic system and clean up the creek-side park on Highway 126.
Even without the grant, Stockdale is confident Lane County will find a way to reopen Archie Knowles. The county just completed an application to the Forest Service for a 20-year “special use permit” to operate the park. The Siuslaw National Forest had closed it a few years ago because they said it was in bad shape and was too expensive to maintain. They were on the verge of tearing out all of the infrastructure when a local outcry prompted Lane County to step in.
Stockdale said Knowles was an “orphan” in the federal system, with no other nearby properties. Lane County has at least three other parks within ten miles. Something Stockdale says will make it inexpensive to maintain.
New guide promotes angling in Lane County
Anglers in Lane County now have a new guide to find more than five dozen fishing spots. Stretching from the coast to the Cascades, the new guide, called “65 Places to go Fishing in Lane County” offers key details to help novice anglers find the good spots; and the experienced ones to find some new ones.
The guide details things like what type of fish can be found at each location; whether or not they’re wild or hatchery stock; and what types of amenities can be found nearby.
The guide is available on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website, as well as at Eugene-cascades-coast-dot-org (www.eugenecascadescoast.org)
Volunteers celebrated in April
Florence’s First Citizen for 2014, Cindy Wobbe, will be the keynote speaker next month during the annual Florence Area Community Coalition Volunteer Recognition event.
The FACC will provide the vehicle to recognize the many volunteers in the community who provide a number of services.
Event coordinator David Wiegan says the event will be Wednesday, April 15th, from two to four pm at the Florence Events Center. It’s sponsored by a grant from the Three Rivers Foundation. Individual tickets are $7… table sponsorships can be purchased in advance for $100.
Yard debris drop offs set
The first yard debris drop off event of the year is set for tomorrow at the north end of the Florence Municipal Airport. Crews with the City of Florence Public Works will be on hand to accept things like brush clippings; grass trimmings; and other organic material. The City stockpiles the stuff and then grinds it into mulch and mixes it with sludge from the waste treatment plant. The combination is composted and eventually becomes a rich soil amendment that is called “Flo-Grow”.
The yard debris dropoff events will be held the third Saturday of most months between now and October. One exception is May when it will be on the second Saturday.
There is a cost of $10 for a standard pickup or small utility trailer. Larger loads cost a little more. City codes require the loads be tied, tarped, secured or otherwise covered to prevent any material from falling out of the vehicle when it’s in motion.
Loads can be delivered via 27th street and Kingwood tomorrow between nine am and two pm.
Spring breakers urged to be safe on the highway
Spring break in most of Oregon’s schools begins when school lets out today. That means more travelers on area highways and increased dangers. That’s why Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Transportation have teamed up. They’re emphasizing travel safety this week… urging motorists to take responsibility for their own behaviors while watching out for one another.
OSP Lieutenant Josh Brooks says it’s important to follow three basic guidelines: Observing the rules of the road; seeing and being seen; and focusing on the task at hand.
