Watershed

PMG PHOTO: TERESA CARSON - Barbara Kinzie Christman is one of the residents who objects to the Headwaters project in Southwest Gresham. The 30-home development would require removal of 250 mature fir trees, which abutt a undeveloped park and two wetland areas.

Source: Gresham Outlook, April 8 2021
By Teresa Carson

Survey asks folks to rate 10 possible projects, buying Headwaters site is one option

The city of Gresham launched a survey on how to use its Metro parks funds, and depending on public input, could purchase the controversial proposed Headwaters housing development site for park land.

The survey opened Monday, April 5, and asks people's opinions on how to use the $5.4 million that Gresham is getting from the 2019 Metro Parks and Nature bond measure.

There are 10 proposed parks projects totaling $13 million. That's more than twice the funds available from the Metro bond. The survey asks folks to pick the three projects they see as most important.

"The mayor and City Council want to provide an opportunity for public input and want to hear how residents would like to see the city spend our "local share" of this money," said Elizabeth Coffey, Gresham's director of communications. The Headwaters property is included as one of 10 potential projects that could be purchased with these funds," "There are lots of competing needs for this $5.4 million, which is why it is critical that residents tune in and let us know what their priorities are," she added.

The $5.4 million can be used for parks or natural resources projects that boost access to nature, water quality, habitat and protect against climate change. The money cannot be spent on playgrounds, sports fields, recreation programs, pools or fountains.

City Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 4, to review the results of the public outreach and vote on disposition of the Metro funds, including potential purchase of the Headwaters property.

The proposed Headwaters development has stirred controversy in Gresham and beyond.

Development of the 7.82 acre tract would cut down a dense stand of more than 250 mature fir trees adjacent to a protected wetland area and park. The city approved the project and no appeal was filed.

Formerly owned by the late Helen Shaull, the wedge-shaped property is at 3535 W. Powell Blvd. It is about half-mile east of the Highland Fair shopping center.

The forested site is next to Fairview Creek headwaters, the undeveloped Southwest Community Park and near the Grant Butte Wetlands owned by the city of Gresham. The southwest portion of the site is a Habitat Conservation Area.

COURTESY PHOTO: CITY OF GRESHAM - A project at Fujitsu Ponds is one of the 10 proposed uses for the $5.4 million in Metro bond funds. The city of Gresham has opened a survey for residents to rank the 10 projects in importance.

"The Shaull property would be a purchase, while all the other projects are for properties that the city already owns. If the Shaull property is not purchased by the city, it will be forever lost. The other parks projects may get money in the future," said Janet Unruh, who does not want to see the Headwaters development proceed.

In addition to the proposed Headwaters purchase, the other nine projects included in the survey are:

• Columbia View Park, 1000 N.E. 169th Ave. The city's $850,000 proposal calls for a nature play area, making trails accessible, a Columbia Gorge viewpoint and other improvements.

• Southeast Neighborhood Park, 3003 S.E. Barnes Road. Trails, picnic facilities, signs and a nature play area would be added to this 6.5 acre undeveloped park at a cost of $600,000.

• Jenne Butte Neighborhood Park, 2358 S.W. Border Way, would get a wetland viewpoint, trails, picnic facilities and more, for $1.2 million.

• East Gresham Neighborhood Park, 237 S.E. Williams Road, would get improvements such as signage, trails, picnic facilities and a nature play area at a cost of $650,000.

• Southeast Community Park, 5600 S.E. Salquist Road, would see soft and paved trails, picnic facilities, a restroom, nature play area, off-leash dog area, and more, at a price of $2 million.

• Southwest Community Park, 3333 West Powell Blvd., would get improvements that could include picnic areas, wetland viewing, trails community gardens, a restroom and more, at a cost of $2.25 million.

• Hogan Butte Nature Education Center, would purchase the undeveloped forest land north of Hogan Butte Nature Park, 757 S.E. Gabbert Road. A home on the property would become the accessible Nature Education Center to engage students in a native plant nursery and other operations. This would cost $700,000.

• Fujitsu Ponds, off Glisan Street near Salish ponds, would get improvements worth $1.75 million. The upgrades would eliminate warm water from going into these ponds, benefiting wildlife and reducing flooding risk. A public natural are would be created.

• Forest health recovery. The proposal is to spend $1 million on forest restoration and safety efforts all over Gresham.

SGS Development LLC, headquartered in Bend, bought the Shaull property for around $1 million and plans to develop the lots and sell the property to a builder to construct the 30 homes. Chet Antonsen, of SGS Development, said Metro and Gresham had first right of refusal on the property and declined to buy it.

COURTESY PHOTO: CITY OF GRESHAM - Another of the 10 proposals would spend $2 million on upgrades at Southeast Community Park, a 6. 5 acre undeveloped site on Southeast Barnes Road.

SGS is asking $2.5 million for the acreage now. The city would spend about $500,000 for improvements for a total cost of $3 million.

The proposed development unleashed a torrent of public comment and controversy. The city received many comments, all opposed to the Headwaters development, from local residents to the The Audubon Society of Portland.

John Bildsoe, vice president of the Coalition of Gresham Neighborhoods, wrote that arrowheads and other artifacts from Indigenous people have been found on the site.

After similar community pushback in 2014, SGS sold the Gantenbein Farm property at 2826 N.W. Division St. it planned to develop, to Metro, Gresham and the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD). That property is now the part of the Grant Butte Wetlands.

Take the survey
Share your thoughts on how the city could use its portion of Metro parks funds by taking a survey at: GreshamOregon.gov/Parks-Planning

For more information email: ParkOptions@GreshamOregon.gov or leave a voicemail: 503-618-2145. Instructions will be in English and Spanish.

Paper surveys will be available upon request.

The survey is due by Monday, April 26.

Survey responses are limited to one per person. Duplicate submittals will be removed.

This story first appeared in The Outlook. Support community newspapers. Subscribe at http://savinglocalnews.com

Grab Your Gloves! When: Sat, Mar 07, 2020 8:45AM-12PM Where: Two locations in Gresham Get Map!

• Plant, weed and mulch with us
• Snacks, tools and lunch provided
• Family-friendly event

Johnson Creek is urban, but it is home to a variety of wildlife, including threatened and endangered salmon. We will be working at ten locations along the 26-mile watershed in an effort to revitalize and protect this unique waterway. Find the location nearest you, come out and get your hands dirty, and enjoy a free lunch with us.

Gresham locations

• Main City Park
• SW 7th Street and SW Eastman Parkway

For more information about this event, contact Courtney Beckel at courtney@jcwc.org or 503-652-7477, ext. 101.

Register to volunteer.

Restoring Our Habitat When: Sat, Feb 01, 2020 12PM-2PM Where: Kelly Creek Pond at the corner of SE Eagle Lane and SE Woodland Way Get Map!

The City's Natural Resources Program is hosting an amphibian egg mass survey as a part of a regional effort to track the Pacific chorus frog, northwestern salamander, long-toed salamander and northern red-legged frog.

Join us for Part 2 of the volunteer amphibian survey training. This outdoor training teaches:

• How to identify an egg mass
• Survey techniques
• Field methods

Gear will be provided. Wear weather-appropriate clothing.

An outdoor training is mandatory for anyone that wants to participate in surveys. If this date does not work for you, contact Marissa Eckman at Marissa.Eckman@GreshamOregon.gov

RSVP today

Read more about the amphibian surveys project

Nadaka Nature Park, Gresham Oregon

Bring A Friend!
Join Friends of Nadaka for the SOLV Annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup to restore a healthy habitat at Nadaka Nature Park on Saturday, September 29th- 9 AM to 12 PM!

We will be removing litter and invasive species such as English Ivy from the 10 acre forested portion of the park. There will also be an opportunity to work in the community garden and front 2-acres of the park.

Tools, gloves, and light refreshments will be provided. Dress to work in natural areas: long pants and closed-toe sturdy shoes. Please bring a water bottle and a friend!

Meet at the picnic structure on the south side/Glisan Street side of the park. Parking available in St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church parking lot and along NE Pacific Street.

Saving Our Streams When: Sat, Mar 24, 2018 9AM-1PM Where: Troutdale Police Station 234 SW Kendall Ct. Get Map!

Learn how to enhance your garden. Reduce maintenance while supporting local birds, bees and butterflies!

Naturescaping reduces water use, stormwater runoff and utilizes native plants. The workshop introduces the core concepts of naturescaping and explores:

• Pollution prevention through the reduction/elimination of chemical use.
• How native plants naturally resist pests & tolerate drought conditions while attracting native birds, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators to your garden.
• Basic site planning principals, and many other great natural gardening & design tips.

Youll receive a comprehensive workbook to help you get started.

Register today

Contact

Katie Meckes, 503-935-5368

East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District

Saving Our Streams When: Sat, Feb 10, 2018 9AM-1PM Where: Mt. Hood Community College Rm GE201 26000 SE Stark St. Get Map!

Learn how to enhance your garden. Reduce maintenance while supporting local birds, bees and butterflies!

Naturescaping reduces water use, stormwater runoff and utilizes native plants. The workshop introduces the core concepts of naturescaping and explores:

• Pollution prevention through the reduction/elimination of chemical use.
• How native plants naturally resist pests & tolerate drought conditions while attracting native birds, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators to your garden.
• Basic site planning principals, and many other great natural gardening & design tips.

Youll receive a comprehensive workbook to help you get started.

Register today

Contact

Katie Meckes, 503-935-5368

East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District

When: Sun, Feb 25, 2018 1PM-3:30PM Where: Gresham City Hall Council Chambers 1333 NW Eastman Pky Get Map!

Explore the benefits of gardening with native plants! Natives come in all shapes and sizes with beautiful, wild and delicate flowers. They are also well adapted to our region making them relatively fuss-free!

A native plant slideshow will highlight characteristics and desired growing conditions of many local favorite native groundcovers, shrubs and trees.

Register today

Contact

Katie Meckes, 503-935-5368

East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District

Free Family Event!

When: Sat, Sep 16, 2017 12PM-4PM
Where: Portland Water Bureau Launch
16650 NE Airport Way in Portland
Get Map!

Big and little pirates alike are welcome to join us for a free family festival all about groundwater.

This event is free and no registration is required. All activities (including 15-minute canoe rides) are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Play fun games and go on a scavenger hunt in search of hidden treasure not gold, but groundwater, a precious resource that flows beneath your feet.

Come dressed in yer finest pirate togs, or else the Capn might make ye walk the plank!

Free kids T-shirts to the first 300 kids.

Contact

Columbia Slough Watershed Council 503-281-1132 or info@columbiaslough.org

When: Sat, May 06, 2017 1PM-2PM Where: Main City Park 219 S. Main Ave. Get Map!

Join the City of Gresham and Johnson Creek Watershed Council for a guided tour of the public demonstration garden. We will meet near the Coho shelter.

The Garden showcases the types of plants that are great for northwest gardens that also support our local wildlife and pollinators.

Local resident and native bee expert, Celeste Ets-Hokin, will speak about the bees in our gardens and the myriad of benefits they provide and work that they do.

Contact

Johnson Creek Watershed Council

Saving Our Streams When: Sat, Apr 01, 2017 9AM-1PM Where: Troutdale Police Station 234 SW Kendall Ct Get Map!

Learn to Naturescape

Naturescaping is the practice of designing (or redesigning) your landscape so that it reduces water use and decreases stormwater runoff while saving you time, money and energy. This introductory workshop introduces the core concepts of naturescaping, and also explores:

• Pollution prevention through the reduction/elimination of chemical use.
• How native plants naturally resist pests & tolerate drought conditions while attracting native birds, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators to your garden
• Basic site planning principals, and many other great natural gardening & design tips.

Even if you decide to enlist the help of a contractor, youll have the framework to make decisions and effectively communicate the vision you have for your yard. Class will visit a nearby naturescaped project to see design principles in action. Youll receive a comprehensive workbook to help you get started.