Tending the trails

By Jim Kadera
The Oregonian
August 16, 2004

Shelters and leveled trails enhance the Molalla River's Aquila Vista educational area

MOLALLA -- Recreation and educational areas on federal land in the Molalla River corridor are becoming more friendly to users and the environment.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management and volunteers began upgrading the 178-acre Aquila Vista educational area about 15 miles southeast of Molalla in 1997 as a place for children and adults to learn about the local forest environment.

The BLM estimates that about 10,000 hikers, bikers and horse riders annually share more than 50 miles of trails in the area.

A Northwest Youth Corps crew last week completed two weeks of work on the primary trail at Aquila Vista, costing $25,000. Nick Teague, a BLM recreation specialist based in Salem, said dips in the path were filled and log retaining walls built to make the trail wheelchair accessible.

Five small graveled pullouts were added as resting places. Benches will come later, Teague said.

In mid-September, another Northwest Youth Corps crew will improve the shorter Blue Moon trail at Aquila Vista.

Earlier this summer, a BLM road maintenance crew increased soil and vegetation protection near a river campsite about five miles from Aquila Vista.

Kay Patteson of Colton, executive director of the Molalla River Watch volunteers group, said the Aquila Vista projects 'will dramatically improve educational values of field trips.' The upgrades include better access to a beaver pond and waterfall.

Joe Zenisek, who teaches environmental science at Molalla High School, has taken classes to Aquila Vista for five years. In groups of four to six with an adult mentor, the students spend a school day examining plants, soil and water quality, and giving a report.

'The BLM was improving the area before we began taking field trips there,' Zenisek said. One of the most needed improvements was the construction earlier this year of two covered shelters where students have tables for making posters and completing their reports, he said.

'It's a site rich with diverse ecosystems,' Zenisek said. 'The trail loops around a central wetland and gives access to most of the environment, but an expansion beyond the loop would provide access to more of the area.'

Teague agreed a trail extension would enhance field trips and said it might be achieved in the next year or two.

Also, Aquila Vista might be officially designated as a natural resource education area, Teague said. The designation would remove the area from general forest use by the BLM, boosting protection from logging or other noneducational uses.

An environmental assessment would be made and public comments taken before a designation was made, Teague said.

Jim Kadera: 503-294-5919; jimkadera@news.oregonian.com

Printer Friendly

Email to a Friend

Make Donation Online