pipeline bridge over Hood River from left/south bank

Powerdale Corridor clean-up and improvements planned

A clean-up plan for the Powerdale Corridor was accepted by the Hood River County Board of Commissioners at its March 18th work session and business meeting. The consent followed multiple presentations about the impacts of unauthorized camping and other activities that have resulted in abandoned campsites and trash over recent years, while actions to prevent future unauthorized use were discussed.

At the meeting, an overview of the property was provided by Kate Conley, a natural area manager for Columbia Land Trust, while a clean-up plan was presented by Hood River County Parks & Buildings Maintenance Supervisor, Matt Jordan. Mid-Columbia Community Action Council and the Center for Living followed to explain available services to the houseless community.

A stakeholder group that convened in December developed a plan that includes several clean-up efforts by a specialized contractor, potential improvements such as an electronic gate, and increased security. A partner in the effort, the Hood River Watershed Group, has funds to help with the first clean-up and is accepting community donations for future clean-ups at hoodriverwatershed.org (to specify the Powerdale Corridor clean-up, please follow-up a donation with an email to cindy@hoodriverwatershed.org).

The Hood River County Board of Commissioners plans to consider a formal request to recognize its Powerdale Corridor portions as a county park. Jordan explained that a county park designation would tie Public Works funds to an improvement and maintenance schedule while also adopting park rules. He added it would give clarity to the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office for prevention of unlawful activities. 

Properties that comprise the Powerdale Corridor were previously owned by PacifiCorp for the the Powerdale Hydroelectric Project which operated from 1923-2006 (see Sidebar). In 2013, PacifiCorp transferred ownership of the more natural interior portion of the property to Columbia Land Trust, a private non-profit nature conservancy. The more developed areas on the upstream and downstream ends were transferred to Hood River County (see map), including the entrance roads, buildings, the old powerhouse, and a section from the old Copper Dam Rd. where the dam existed.

All of the Powerdale Corridor is protected by a conservation easement. The easement holders include the Hood River Watershed Group, Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Each landowner has also granted easements to one another.

The “Powerdale Lands Advisory Committee” (PLAC) was convened by Columbia Land Trust in 2013 to facilitate communication and partnerships with conservation easement holders, neighboring landowners, and the local community. It includes representatives of the two Corridor landowners, all easement holders, Mount Hood Railroad, Farmers Irrigation District, Powerdale Corridor neighbors, the local community, and any other interested stakeholders.

Goal 1: protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat.

Goal 2: retain recreational uses and allow for improvements.

Goal 3: allow for expanded recreational and educational uses.

Goal 4: acknowledge and preserve tribal fishing rights on the corridor.

Since 2013, the Powerdale Lands Advisory Committee, which includes the easement holders as well as the Mt. Hood Railroad and adjacent landowners, has developed the Powerdale Recreation & Access Plan. Columbia Land Trust has provided ecological management of the lands over the past 11 years while Hood River County’s resources were limited, and it has developed a long-term management plan for the entire corridor that outlines ecological management and a recreation and access plan. The plan explains existing conditions and outlines the land trust’s vision for future recreation and access. 

Columbia Land Trust and Hood River Watershed Group have restored natural habitat features and are planning more enhancements for fish and wildlife. Additionally, Columbia Land Trust and Hood River County manage a Powerdale Maintenance Fund that may assist in clean-up efforts and plans.

If you have questions or comments, feel free to contact Hood River County Administration at administration@hoodrivercounty.gov or call 541-386-3970. 

 

About the Powerdale Corridor Land Transfer

The Powerdale Corridor Conservation Area is approximately 396 acres of riparian land located southeast of Hood River and extending around 3.5 miles up the lower Hood River. The properties that comprise the Powerdale Corridor were previously owned by utility company PacifiCorp for the operation of the Powerdale Hydroelectric Project, installed in 1923.

PacifiCorp determined in 2002 that it was no longer economically feasible to run the hydro project and ceased operations in 2006. A Settlement Agreement between the utility company and various agencies and partners was developed to establish a process for removing the dam and conserving the associated lands. The agreement charged a stakeholder group with selecting entities to accept property ownership after the hydro project decommissioning.

The group ultimately selected Columbia Land Trust to own the interior portion of the Corridor and Hood River County to own the more developed areas on the upstream and downstream ends. PacifiCorp transferred ownership to Columbia Land Trust and Hood River County in March 2013.