The Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) is happy to announce the acquisition of 25-acres along Bronson Creek for wildlife habitat conservation and future public access. The site represents the largest single natural area purchase of the district’s 2008 bond measure.
The voter-approved bond measure directed THPRD to use funds to protect local natural areas and lands near creeks and streams throughout the district, safeguard water quality and protect fish and wildlife habitat. The purchase represents significant completion of natural areas acquisition within the 2008 bond measure.
“This property is a win-win for everyone,” said Felicita Monteblanco, THPRD Board President. “The board is very excited, we made it a priority this past year to focus on completing our goals for natural area acquisition from the 2008 bond. This property will enable us to preserve a critical natural habitat area while at the same time creating better potential for connections within our trail system.”
The property is adjacent to more than 50-acres of THPRD owned properties as well as other natural areas along Bronson Creek. Preserving this property helps provide cool, clean water to the lower parts of the watershed. Bronson Creek is an important wildlife corridor and local biodiversity hot spot. Elsewhere along the creek, THPRD staff have done restoration work to benefit native aquatic turtles and rare red-legged frogs. Community science volunteers will do turtle observation this spring to guide restoration plans.
Looking ahead, the site could help with alignment of the proposed Bronson Creek Community Trail. Staff will begin work to develop a habitat restoration plan, estimated to take approximately three years, to bring more native trees and shrubs to the site to benefit wildlife and improve water quality. After this restoration period, THPRD will explore the potential for nature-centered amenities and community access, including trails and interpretive signage.
About THPRD
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning 50 square miles and serving about 250,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of widely diverse classes, 95 park sites with active recreational amenities, nearly 70 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and about 1,500 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503-645-6433.
| Contact: Holly Thompson Communications Director 503.614.1218 (direct) |
Date: December 11, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Click here for official release (PDF). |