A user group of the non-motorized trail area within the Mount Emily Recreation Area in northeast Oregon has reached an agreement with the Union County Commission that allows them to attempt to buy the standing timber in what is known as the Trails Unit so it won't have to be heavily logged in order to help pay for the recreation area. This is a great opportunity for mountain bikers, hikers, horseback riders and anyone who enjoys being in the woods and the view of the mountain from La Grande (no matter how near or far away you live), to help retain the character of this beautiful area. 

 

Mt. Emily is the most prominent landscape feature viewed from La Grande. The over 3,600-acre property of the MERA was purchased last year from the timber company that owned it, in order to keep multiple use of the mountain available by the public. In order to fund buying the land, the County obtained grants and is logging most of it. Below is a notice from the user group and their contact information.

 

For more information, please go to www.mtemily.org.

 

Hello Everyone, 

Good news! The County Commissioners have written up a Trails Unit Management Plan that gives us reasonable confidence that they plan to retain the general character of the Trails Unit over the long term. Some of our forestry experts have looked over the plan and deemed it acceptable.

 

So...

We are going forward with fundraising for the trees!  $600,000 by May 31st!

WE CAN DO THIS. Remember it breaks down to 600 people/businesses giving $1000 each. Larger and smaller donations are welcome, of course. If we spread out and really cover ground we will succeed.

 

Here's the plan: 

Campaign Organization and Kick Off Meeting

Thursday, 4/8/10, 6:30 pm 

at Earth n Book, 1118 Adams Ave.

come in the back door in the alley and go upstairs

 

This is an all call meeting. Everyone with any interest in the Trails Unit should be there.

 

We expect that the Commissioners will officially sign the management plan at their Wednesday morning meeting, 9 am in the conference room at 1106 K Avenue. We must wait until it is signed before we can begin.  

 

Come to the meeting at Earth n Book this Thursday to find out what you can do to make this huge effort a success. Everyone is needed. There will be jobs large and small so even if your available time is limited you can still help in a meaningful way. 

 

See you at 6:30pm, Thursday night,

Sue Miller

541-963-7422

subdo2000@yahoo.com