Forest Park Featured on OPB Oregon Field Guide

Expect this to show the trail decommissioning work we did over the winter. Should feature NWTA members as well. Here's a description from OPB:



Forest Park: Portland’s Backyard Gem



OREGON FIELD GUIDE on October 14



Oregon Field Guide devotes a half-hour special to explore the health, history and future

of Portland’s Forest Park. Five thousand acres of forest sit five minutes from urban

downtown, protected from development but facing increasing pressure from more people

who want to use it.



Every generation seems to fight over how best to use and protect the Park. Lately,

cyclists have pushed hard for new trails in the park dedicated to mountain biking.

It was in the midst of shooting video for this production when OPB encountered

mountain bikers working on an illegal trail. Watch as the bikers claim their work on

the rogue trail actually helps the environment. Then join other cyclists who go in to

repair both the damage done to the park and to the cycling community’s reputation.



The rogue trail made as much news this year as did a rogue ditch did in 1906 when a

conniving former congressman stole water from Balch Creek. The history of Forest Park

follows a long trail of cunning, failed dreams and ultimately, great vision. In an odd twist,

the park might not exist if it were not for landslides and un-paid taxes. Early documents

reveal the important role played by a previously uncredited early Portlander – a man

who might just be responsible for dropping the idea of the park into the ear of the most

influential person possible.



After avoiding mass developments of thousands of homes, large scale timber cutting

and even attempts to drill for oil, Forest Park was officially set aside nearly half a century

after the first push to preserve the land.



Today the park faces great challenges. Its health is in jeopardy from large invasions

of non-native plants, a lack of funds from the city and a rash of young trees dying

prematurely.



Tune in to the stations of Oregon Public Broadcasting on Thursday, October 14 at

8:30pm (and Sunday, October 21 at 1:30am and 6:30pm) and explore the gem in

Portland's backyard.



Contact: Carol Howard 503.977.7751

choward@opb.org