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Metro protects 24 more acres in Oregon City

Metro news release: March 12, 2009
Contact: Karen Kane at 503-797-1942
 
Editors, please note: Metro naturalist Dan Daly will lead a walk on Mother’s Day at the Canemah Bluff Natural Area, near the newly acquired property. “Birds and Blooms of Canemah Bluff” takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 10 (see details below).

Canemah Bluff land acquisition protects rare Oregon white oak and madrone habitats

Metro’s recent purchase of 24 acres in the Canemah Bluff natural area increases to 158 acres the total amount of land purchased by Metro in the area. The new property includes forests, wetlands, a stream and spring and rocky outcrops. By expanding the overall size of the protected area, this acquisition improves habitat for wildlife. Download a vicinity map

"We’ve been working to secure these important natural and cultural resources for more than a decade," said Metro Council President David Bragdon. "This acquisition meets the Metro Council’s goal of making strategic additions at Canemah Bluff."

Located on the bluff in Oregon City overlooking the Willamette River, Canemah Bluff offers scenic views to the neighboring city of West Linn and travelers on the busy I-5 freeway. The natural area is part of the region's network of parks, natural areas and trails and is managed by Metro. Canemah Bluff is valued for its rich diversity of habitats including conifer forests, ash bottomlands, wildflowers and rare oak woodlands.

The southern half of the new Metro acquisition is dominated by big-leaf maple and alder trees.  The northern portion, adjacent to the other Metro properties, has a mixed forest of Douglas fir, white fir, Western hemlock, Pacific yew, Oregon white oak, and Pacific madrone along with more maple and alder trees. The presence of a spring, stream and wetland adds complexity and increases the land’s habitat value.  Additionally, a series of rocky outcrops on the southern portion of the site include crevices and small caves.

"The diversity of habitats on this property – and its location right next to the land Metro has already protected – makes this a significant acquisition," said Metro Councilor Carlotta Collette who represents the Oregon City area. "We will work with the community to incorporate this area into our ongoing land management activities, including our volunteer Park Watch."

Because they are so rare, maintaining and enhancing the oak woodland and madrone trees found in the Canemah Bluff natural area has been a priority for Metro’s science team. Forest management, such as tree thinning, has been necessary to prevent the fast-growing Douglas fir and big-leaf maple from outpacing the slower-growing oaks. Getting rid of invasive plants like scotch broom and blackberry has allowed the prairie’s wildflowers to thrive. Today Canemah Bluff’s native prairies – boasting spring blooms of camas, wild onion and many other unique plants and wildflowers – are flourishing.

The Metro Council's voter-approved 2006 Natural Areas Program funds land acquisition and capital improvements that protect water quality and fish and wildlife habitat, enhance trails and wildlife corridors and provide greater connections to nature in neighborhoods throughout the Portland metropolitan area. For more information about this program or other habitat restoration projects at Metro's natural areas, visit www.oregonmetro.gov/naturalareas.

Metro, the regional government that serves 1.4 million people who live in the 25 cities and three counties of the Portland metropolitan area, provides planning and other services that protect the nature and livability of our region.

Featured event

Mother’s Day birds and blooms of Canemah Bluff
1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 10
This year, instead of taking flowers to Mom for Mother’s day, why not take her to the wildflowers? Join Metro naturalist Dan Daly for a leisurely stroll on Canemah Bluff Natural Area near Oregon City to see and learn about common wildflowers. Enjoy the serenade of nesting song birds and views of the Willamette River and the historic Canemah cemetery. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. This walk will cover 2 miles over uneven trails - mostly flat with a few inclines. Suitable for adults and children 6 years and older. Registration and payment of $5 per adult required in advance; call 503-797-1850 option 4. Site directions sent upon registration. Presented by Metro.

Related Documents

Files that are downloadable from this page

• Canemah Bluff acquisition map 279K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published March 12, 2009

Related Links

Acquiring natural areas

Find out more about the 27 target areas where Metro is acquiring natural areas and trails to safeguard water quality, protect fish and wildlife habitat, and ensure access to nature for future generations.