Important Upcoming Opportunities to Protect the Willamette River

The City of Portland is developing a new Plan that will guide protection, restoration, recreational use and development along the south reach of the Willamette River in Portland (From Ross Island to the Dunthorpe Neighborhood). This stretch of the Willamette contains some of the best remaining river habitat in Portland as well as some of the best potential restoration areas. It is critical that the City hear from environmental advocates who want to see this stretch of river better protected and restored.
Photo by Mike Houck

Bird Alliance of Oregon will be advocating for several improvements including the following:

  • Expand the Willamette River Greenway to at least 100 feet to provide better river protection, riparian habitat and access (it is currently 25 feet wide in many places)
  • Prioritize protection and restoration of Ross Island and address toxic algal blooms that are being caused by water circulation issues in Ross Island Lagoon
  • Provide better regulatory protections for trees along the Willamette River Greenway
  • Require bird-safe building and environmentally friendly lighting practices along the river to reduce bird collisions with windows and reduce light pollution.

Please get involved and advocate to protect and restore our river!

Attend and open house! It is critical that the City hear from environmental advocates who want to see this stretch of river better protected and restored.

Learn more about the Southern Reach Plan.

Attend a Workshop or Open House

Below is a list of scheduled topical meetings for interested community members to help define the future of the river/riverfront area. Staff will record suggestions, comments and other outcomes of these discussions. Materials for each meeting will be posted in advance on the project web page. And as a bonus, refreshments will be served at all the meetings.

SESSION #4 – River and Riverbank Issues
Preservation and Restoration
Thursday, October 4, 2018, 6 – 8 p.m.
SMILE Station, 8210 SE 13th Ave.
TriMet: 99*, 35, 19

Next: East and westside meetings

After the topical meetings, the City hold two more sessions so community members can focus on the west and east sides of the river separately.

SESSION #5 – Westside Discussion
Integration of Westside-Related Issues and Opportunities 
Thursday, October 25, 2018, 6 – 8 p.m.
Center for Equity and Inclusion, 5757 SW Macadam Avenue
TriMet: 35, 36*, 43*, 99*

SESSION #6 – Eastside Discussion
Integration of Eastside-Related Issues and Opportunities
Thursday, November 8, 6 – 8 p.m.
SMILE Station, 8210 SE 13th Ave.
TriMet: 99*, 35, 19

Finally: Big open house

On December 1, the city will host a big open house and share a summary of information and feedback gathered from previous public events, and staff recommendations for plan development including a draft future concept illustration.

RIVER PLAN / SOUTH REACH PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE
Presentation of Information Gathered, Draft Future Concept and Recommendations for Plan Development
Saturday, December 1, 9 – 11:30 a.m.
Location to be determined

*These Trimet lines provide limited bus service, check schedules