HISTORY OF THE OREGON STATE PARKS: 1917-1963

Federal Agencies

The experience gained by community leaders and many military personnel during World War I served as a stimulus in later park and recreation demands. It was manifest by the increase in use of urban and non-urban park areas following the 1917-18 conflict. Many states had started development of parks and had made provisions for personnel to direct the use. It also was an important part of the impetus behind the enlarged movement in this state for highway recreational and camping areas.

Beginning in 1930, the depression period, recreation demand fell off because of the national economic situation. However, the authorities were keenly aware of the increasing recreation demand of the previous decade and put forth every effort to satisfy that thought and to relieve the poor economic conditions. Congress enacted various public projects such as Works Progress Administration (WPA), Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and other programs wherein local governments would cooperate in the adoption of many types of work programs. The work in the parks included construction of such facilities as roads, trails, camp area buildings, swimming and boating areas, and the development of water sources, particularly by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Civilian Conservation Corps Camps

At the beginning of the depression years, because of the widespread unemployment particularly among the youth, the United States Congress at the insistence of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, enacted legislation to create the Civilian Conservation Corps in March, 1933. The CCC employed many youths, particularly from the cities and larger communities, who were unable to obtain employment. The objective was emphasized in the words of the President when he said, "I propose to create a civilian conservation corps to be used in simple work, not interfering with normal employment, and confining itself to forestry, the prevention of soil erosion, flood control, and similar projects."

The first selected were restricted to unemployed citizens, single and married men of ages 18 to 25. They were required to allot a portion of the $30 per month pay to their families.

In Oregon, the first camps in state parks were established in October, 1933, located near Gold Beach in Curry County and Benson Park in Multnomah County. These camps were later increased to 17. There were others in the U. S. forests, grazing projects, etc.

Each camp was organized with 200 enrollees, a supervisor, eight foremen, an Army captain assisted by enlisted personnel, a doctor, an educational director and helper, a landscape architect, an engineer and 15 local men skilled in forestry and other trades. These 15 skilled men acted as leaders among the enrollees on the particular job to which they were assigned. The leaders were expected to show the enrollees how to do the job and explain why it was done in a certain way and its relation to the work as a whole.

The CCC program was under technical supervision of the National Park Service in cooperation with the local park administrative agencies. The National Park Service furnished plans, layouts, etc. for all projects and the local agency furnished the materials, sites, etc.

The 17 camps in Oregon were located at Benson and Wyeth on the Columbia River Highway; Silver Falls east of Salem; Emigrant Springs, Battle Mountain and Shelton in Eastern Oregon; Casey in Southern Oregon, and Short Sand Beach (now Oswald West), Ecola, Newport, Woahink, Charleston, Humbug Mountain, Gold Beach, Alderwood and Saddle Mountain along the coast. There was also one under the direction of the U. S. Soil Erosion Service located at The Cove Palisades State Park in Central Oregon.

The following is a list of the 45 state parks in which improvement work was done by the Civilian Conservation Corps:

The work accomplished by the CCC crews included building and surfacing roads in some areas, building car parking areas and trails, trimming brush to eliminate fire hazards, making property line surveys, establishing permanent monuments at property corners, constructing comfort stations and shelters, particularly at viewpoints, and erecting storage and administration buildings.

At Silver Falls Park the CCC crews constructed a large, extraordinary picnic area, including a concession building, and a large car parking area. Trails into the canyon along the north and south forks of Silver Creek were constructed and the necessary bridges were built. Springs were tapped and large reservoirs were constructed to provide ample camp water. Roads and car parking areas were laid out, constructed and surfaced with rock.

Most of the buildings constructed by the CCC's were designed to use rustic material, principally logs, and shake roofing, with modern facilities inside the buildings. In a few parks, where ample water supply was not available, sanitary facilities were constructed for the use of chemicals.

The General Design Section of the CCC's drew the plans and designs for all the projects and buildings, as well as for the water and sanitary systems. These plans and designs were then forwarded to the National Park Service for approval.

Approval was slow in the beginning. Later a planning office was established for a short time in Portland, making the operation much more speedy and desirable.

The CCC's performed unusual tasks in the parks which proved to be the start of a well developed program in park construction. This paved the way for later development and indicated the park use would increase vastly with reasonable and well planned facilities.

The completion of the park facility construction and closure of the Silver Falls CCC camp, the last camp operating in the state, came in April, 1942. The Silver Falls CCC camp buildings were transferred to the state on December 5, 1942, and were accepted by the Commission on December 18, 1942.

Emergency Relief Administration (ERA)

An Emergency Relief Administration project at Silver Falls State Park was set up in 1934 to construct a Recreational Demonstration Area. The area was to be an ideal outdoor youth camp to encourage an expanded outdoor youth camping program. The project was brought about because of a demand throughout the country for more youth training and available areas were not in supply.

The ERA project designed four separate areas, two of which were constructed. One was located on the south fork of Silver Creek, approximately 2-1/2 miles from the highway, and the other on Smith Creek, approximately 1-1/2 miles from the highway. The land purchased for the youth camps amounted to only 4,093 acres out of a planned 18,785-acre tract.

In the construction plan, provision was made to take advantage of the native flora and to encourage the increase of deer and other wild animals of the area.

The Silver Creek camp provided facilities for 96 youths in four separate group units. Individual, small, open-air cabins to accommodate two to four persons were built. Each building group had a toilet and recreation building. The camp had a central mess hall, infirmary, craft building, office quarters, swimming pool and the necessary sanitary facilities.

The Smith Creek camp is much smaller than the one at Silver Creek. It is facilitated for 48 youths in two group units. The type of construction is exactly the same in each camp.

In July, 1937, an Advisory Committee was appointed to assist in certain matters pertaining to the Demonstration project. Those appointed to the Committee were Dr. E. L. Packard, Oregon State College; H. C. Seymour, Director of Oregon 4-H Clubs; Karl Onthank, University of Oregon; Dr. Bruce Baxter, Willamette University; C. P. Keyser, Superintendent of Portland City Parks; Jamieson Parker, State Planning Board, and R. C. Richter, Portland Y.M.C.A.

State Emergency Relief Administration (SERA)

The federal funds supplied by the State Emergency Relief Administration provided payment for the employment of an average of 20 men for a period of nearly one year beginning in December, 1934. These men built trails and enlarged the use areas at Silver Falls State Park.

Pacific Northwest Regional Planning Commission

The Pacific Northwest Regional Planning Commission made an exhaustive study of the recreational value of the Columbia River Gorge. The project was done in cooperation with the Civil Works Administration in 1934, followed by the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (ERA) in 1934 and 1935 and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1936. The report is dated January, 1937.

The primary purpose of the study was to gain consideration from federal and state authorities, as well as the public, on the outstanding scenic and recreational resources in the Columbia River Gorge. It also pointed out the growing need to conserve and further develop the potential values and urged consideration of all social and economic requirements to prevent waste in the recreational facilities and scenery.

The Planning Commission made a thorough study of the recreation, road and other needs. The Commission's recommendations on the roads and parks have been done, except those which proved to be improper or not necessary.

In the construction of the Columbia River Highway, land outside of the needed right of way was obtained. This fulfilled a part of the plan in the preservation of the scenic aspects of the gorge as recommended. Little use has been made in recent years of the trails constructed by the CCC's in the "thirties." Therefore, none has been added. In maintaining the trails, it has been necessary to rebuild all timber structures and handrails. They have been widened in many places.

In realignment of the highway and construction of the four-lane freeway, a wide right of way was obtained. Only the necessary clearing was done to provide safety of travel. The scenic aspect of the gorge was preserved by these measures. The freeway is so located that more of the canyon walls with the many waterfalls may be seen on the Oregon side. A view of the Washington side of the canyon and the river may be had at all times. The sweeping alignment of the new four-lane highway makes for a speedy, restful drive the full length of the gorge. Preservation of the scenic values of the canyon is continuing through the efforts of the Columbia River Gorge Commission and the State Highway Commission.

Works Progress Administration (WPA)

The Works Progress Administration constructed a storage and service yard near John B. Yeon State Park at a very modest expense to the state.

A cooperative project with the National Park Service was approved in 1937 for a recreational study in Oregon. The study was completed late in 1938. The main purpose of the study was to bring to light the principal factors which bear on the planning and to suggest an adequate recreational program in Oregon.

The report, dated December 21, 1938, sets forth a great amount of valuable information on many phases of recreation in the state. It includes in Part I information on administration, standards, acquisition, development, maintenance, operation and suggested legislation. Part II includes a list of agencies interested in parks and recreation and a list of areas used by each in the mid-thirties. Part III relates to information on recreational travel in the state. Part IV is a brief statement relating to potential areas and Part V discusses certain possibilities of correlating recreation programs.

A Works Progress Administration project was set up to study the historic sites and markers in Oregon. The work was completed and a report rendered in August, 1939.

The report gives a brief, yet complete, story relating to the historical problem in Oregon. It lists agencies whose duties include the preservation of historic sites, and gives their respective responsibilities, the source of their funds, etc. It also contains a complete list of local, as well as national organizations, interested in marking historic objects in Oregon.

In this report are two lists of 226 signs and markers in Oregon with cross-reference for the convenience of the user. One list is chronological according to the date of the event, date of construction of the object or period of prominence of the person commemorated, and gives a brief statement of the reason for or the purpose of the marker, its location and source, as well as the name of the agency or organization responsible for it. If the marker is a plaque, then the exact wording embossed on its face is shown, indicating the occasion for the marker by a brief historical sketch. The second list is alphabetical.

A project started in 1939, directed by the WPA but the State Highway Commission contributing the materials, was the construction of myrtlewood furniture for use at the Silver Falls Park lodge, then being completed. Through the generosity of Elmer Bankus of Brookings, two myrtle logs of unusual size and quality were donated to the parks for the furniture construction project. The logs were sawed and the lumber, approximately 8M B.F., trucked to Corvallis and dried in the Oregon State College experimental dry kiln. This process reduced the weight by 12,000 lbs. after 76 days of drying. The dried lumber was then forwarded to the WPA workshop in Portland to be used in the furniture construction.

Mrs. Margery Hoffman Smith, State Director of the Oregon Art Project, designed this furniture, all of which is of the heavy, sturdy type. The project was completed in 1940 and consists of 25 small dining tables, 82 chairs, 11 wall and fireplace benches and one large buffet.

The myrtlewood furniture is unusual in that the myrtle tree is indigenous to the southwest corner of the state. It is known in this state as Oregon Myrtle and is highly prized for the manufacturing of novelties. The wood is generally light-colored, sometimes bicolored, and of close and frequently twisted grain. These features and the high quality finish make the myrtlewood excellent for beautiful furniture and exquisite showpieces.

In 1935 a landscape project was started under the WPA at Silver Falls Park. It consisted of planting trees and shrubbery in the car parking islands and the day use area above the South Falls. This work furnished employment for several men during the construction period.

Another WPA project was at Lava River Caves in Central Oregon. It consisted of improving the entrance to the cave by the construction of steps down into the cavern and building trails over the loose rock and steep places inside the cave. This work made it safe for the public to examine the caves.

United States General Land Office and Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

The Bureau of Land Management and its predecessor, the General Land Office, are the agencies which have processed all applications for federal lands. These agencies have been generous in supplying park lands to the state for recreation purposes when the land and the use came within the scope of the 1926 Recreation Act. A few areas have been gifts.

However, during the years, changes have been made in the law whereby a portion of the appraised land value is to be paid. In the years prior to 1961, the policy was to charge full value for the timber but to reduce the charge for the land approximately 70% of the appraised value. Beginning in 1961, the land charge was reduced to $2.50 per acre. Title to the land is given with continuing restrictions in the use of both the land and the timber.

All deeds contain a restriction that the land must be used for recreation purposes and be developed according to filed plan. In cases where the lands are given at a reduced rate and the timber is paid for in part or in full amounts, the use restriction runs for a period of 20 years. It has been necessary to render biennial reports to the Bureau covering the use and financial income from the property, if any.

During the years, the Bureau of Land Management and its predecessor, the General Land Office, have made available to the state for park purposes, 24 areas of land totaling 5,707.92 acres. The lands are all valuable to the state as part of the park system and add materially to the recreation interests.

Some of the lands recently made available to the state are 38.68 acres of the Nestucca Sand Spit area, 80 acres at Illinois River State Park, 715.82 acres at Bullards Beach, 120.23 acres at Loeb, 135.35 acres at Pistol River, 147.98 acres at Susan Creek, 40 acres at Thomas Condon John Day Fossil Beds, and 160 acres at Fort Rock through cooperation of Lake County, or a total of 1,438.06 acres.

United States Bureau of Reclamation

The United States Bureau of Reclamation, in connection with construction of reservoirs to store water for irrigation purposes, has made available to the state many valuable recreation areas. On the shores of Lake Owyhee in Malheur County, the Bureau leased to the state 730 acres for park purposes. The lease, dated April 28, 1958, is to run for a period of 50 years.

On the peninsula in Unity Lake in Baker County, a 39-acre park was constructed. Thirty acres of land was made available by the Bureau of Reclamation and the local irrigation district. Entrance roads, car parking places, sanitary facilities and a boat launching ramp have been constructed.

Through the courtesy of the Bureau of Reclamation and Ochoco Irrigation District, the patrons of Ochoco Lake State Park make use of the lake for boating, fishing and swimming. The park land was not acquired from the Bureau. A swimming float was constructed at Ochoco Lake by the Prineville-Crook County Chamber of Commerce by permission from the local irrigation district. A letter of approval is dated March 26, 1957.

A new park of 365 acres has been constructed on the shores of Prineville Reservoir, south of the city of Prineville in Crook County. It is on land owned by the Bureau of Reclamation but leased to Crook County on March 16, 1961, and subleased to the state on June 27, 1961, for a 50-year period. The sublease will expire March 16, 2011. The stipulations in the lease between the state and Crook County are the same as those contained in the agreement between Crook County and the Bureau of Reclamation. Crook County constructed the park road and will maintain it, but the state is to construct the park facilities.

United States Corps of Engineers

The U. S. Corps of Engineers, in connection with its many construction projects pertaining to the rivers and harbors of this state, has constructed several recreation projects. One of these is the park area on the shores of Fern Ridge Lake, which is a water storage and flood control reservoir. Two recreation areas were facilitated, one at Perkins Peninsula and another at Richardson Point. Provisions were made for boat launching docks, picnic facilities, entrance roads, car parking spaces, stoves, tables, trails and water and sanitary facilities.

These areas were turned over to the state for operation in 1951 under a long-term lease agreement. Other than the vandalism which took place during the first five years of operation, the area has been very satisfactory. The original agreement relative to use of this area was modified in 1959 to more adequately cover the area now in use and to eliminate the state's control of the water surface and other minor items.

The Corps of Engineers also made available by lease in 1953, at no cost to the state, 191 acres of land at Hat Rock State Park in Umatilla County. The public use facilities of this park are located on federal land. The caretaker's home was constructed on state land. In 1959-60, the Corps constructed a road to the westerly side of the arm of the lake, a car parking area, boat launching ramp, foot bridge, and planted about two acres of lawn grass to stabilize the sand. The list of the facilities was added to the original lease agreement under Supplements 1 and 2. The state provided the sanitary facilities and irrigation system to serve this area.

When the Corps of Engineers was rearranging the land ownership at Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River for construction of the Bonneville facility, in 1942 they gave to the state for park purposes a 17.24-acre tract lying between the highway and the Union Pacific Railroad. This was done to assure preservation of the natural features of the area.

The Corps of Engineers assisted the state in establishing the Detroit Lake State Park by making available a portion of the land on which the park is located. The Corps of Engineers entered into an agreement with the U. S. Forest Service whereby the Forest Service was the agency to negotiate and handle the agreement with the state.

When planning for the realignment of the Union Pacific Railroad and the Interstate Highway 80N (Old Oregon Trail), the Corps approved, in 1960, and made plans for construction of a new park and rest area on the arm of the lake formed by the John Day Dam on the Columbia River at the mouth of the John Day River. The park area will be desirable for recreation purposes. The arm of the river extends eleven miles to the head of slack water, furnishing a large boating facility.

USDA—United States Forest Service

The U. S. Forest Service, in the mid-1920's, was very much interested in park accomplishments, particularly the highway wayside preservation. After attempts to provide suitable legislation in Congress failed, the Forest Service set aside strips of forest lands to be preserved. These strips were set aside for two purposes—first, the preservation of the natural beauty and scenic aspects of the forests, and second, to show to the traveler some of the original timber stands which were fast disappearing.

Most of the forest land under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service is in the higher timbered areas of the state, such as the Cascade Mountains, the Blue Mountains and the Wallowa Mountains.

The U. S. Forest Service has provided many forest parks for those who are interested in timbered areas for resting, fishing, hunting and skiing. Inasmuch as the Forest Service does provide parks and other places of recreation on their vast holdings, the state has not attempted to duplicate park facilities within their boundaries, except in very rare circumstances.

In planning for the recreational use of the Detroit Lake area on lands owned by the Corps of Engineers and the U. S. Forest Service, negotiations were carried on with the Forest Service. This was because of an agreement between the Forest Service and the Corps of Engineers whereby the agency owning the greater portion of an area to be used for park purposes would handle negotiations for both agencies. The agreement between the State Highway Department and the U. S. Forest Service is dated April 12, 1955, and is to run for a period of 30 years without cost.

The U. S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, cooperated by leasing, without cost, to the state 2,988 acres of grazing land, a part of The Cove Palisades State Park as originally established. The Forest Service has further cooperated in the transfer of the park facilities to a new location on the shore of the new lake by deeding to the state any lands in that area above the project boundary for the development of the park.

Five acres of Hilgard Junction State Park is U. S. Forest Service land obtained under a special use permit. The park is located at Hilgard Junction on the Grande Ronde River, west of La Grande, on Interstate Highway 80N.

All of the highly used skiing areas in Oregon are on national forest lands, as other lands do not possess sufficient snow to warrant skiing developments.

USDA—United States Grazing Service

In Central Oregon, the U. S. Grazing Service cooperated by leasing to the state, to preserve the old growth of juniper trees, strips of land on both sides of Highway 126 from Sisters to Prineville and on Highway 20 from Bend to Horse Ridge. There were many gaps in the strips on account of private ownerships, a part of which have now been purchased.

United States Bureau of Biological Survey

The U. S. Bureau of Biological Survey was generous in granting a special use permit on 138.51 acres of land, a part of the Cape Meares Reservation, for a state park. The permit is dated August 19, 1938.

United States Lighthouse Service

Land under the management of the U. S. Lighthouse Service declared surplus was obtained in 1934 without cost. It was a 32-acre tract, a part of the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse area which had been abandoned.

Another area of 7.49 acres was obtained in 1935 without cost. It was a part of the Heceta Head Lighthouse Reservation and is now a part of Devil's Elbow State Park.

An area of 975 acres at Cape Lookout State Park was acquired, without cost, in September, 1935, after being declared surplus property by the Lighthouse Service.

In 1939 an area of 110 acres of the Umpqua Lighthouse Reservation was declared surplus. It was purchased by the state as a part of the Umpqua Lighthouse State Park at a cost of $1,000.

United States Coast Guard

The U. S. Coast Guard issued a license, dated September 19, 1961, for the use of 24.16 acres adjoining on the south the land under the U. S. Bureau of Biological Survey lease at Cape Meares. The license is for an indefinite period of time and may be revoked at the will of the Commandant of the Coast Guard. This area has a very unusual viewpoint where one may watch the shore birds and view the ocean and offshore rocks. On this land is a very large and unusual spruce tree. The top of the tree was broken off many years ago and large branches have grown from below the break forming an inverted crab-like appearance. The trunk is approximately 10 feet in diameter and each branch from three to five feet.

United States Department of Veterans Affairs

The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, in December 1956, sold to the state, for park purposes, 16.34 acres of land which had been declared surplus. This land is located at the Roseburg Veterans Facility. The cost was $4,362.06. This parcel of land had been cut off from the main area of the facility by the location and construction of Interstate Highway 5.

The state entered into an agreement with the City of Roseburg on May 5, 1958, for the city to make the park development. This arrangement was approved by the federal authorities at the time the state agreed to purchase the land.

The purpose of this acquisition was to avoid a problem of private access to the freeway should the agency sell the land to others. The cost of the land was small compared to what the state might have had to pay should it become necessary to purchase the right of access from a private owner.

National Park Service

The National Park Service has provided a great amount of help to Oregon, not only in the formation of state parks but also in the plan of development and operation. The ideas behind the sponsoring of aid to states, other than financial, were first introduced by the late Stephen Mather, the first Director of the National Park Service (1916-1929).

The National Park Service has a cooperative arrangement in the planning of state parks. It has in its Regional office a person designated as Regional Chief of State Cooperation who acts as consultant.

Help rendered by the Park Service is shown in many ways. For instance, when lands are being obtained from the federal government under the Recreational Act, regardless of which agency, the Park Service is required to review the application and render a recreational report thereon.

The Park Service was deeply concerned in the work done by the Civilian Conservation Corps, directing the activities and other associated interests. During the same period, the Park Service was constructing recreation demonstration areas (NIRA). The demonstration projects were established on large timbered areas of land suitable for youth camps. The latest and best obtainable plans were used in the camp construction. In Oregon, the Silver Falls Youth Camp was constructed as one of the projects.

Two areas in Oregon which seemed to meet the requirements for a national park were seriously considered by the National Park Service. The first was an area in the Wallowa Mountains adjacent to the Snake River Canyon. These Oregon mountains are the most beautiful and spectacular scenic alpine areas in the northwest. The area was proposed by the people of La Grande and nearby towns in 1929. The idea was never carried through because of the objections from stockmen. Grazing of stock is not permitted within the boundaries of national parks. The second was an area in Curry County which was proposed in 1936 as a National Recreation Area. It was considered and approved by the Secretary of the Interior and the National Park Service. The United States Bureau of the Budget eliminated the provision of federal funds to cover the cost of the land as was proposed in the bill introduced by Senator Charles L. McNary of Oregon in May, 1940. It was expected that local interests would provide the funds for that purpose. The Highway Commission did not feel justified in acquiring the property.

Local antagonism developed rapidly after the introduction of the bill, when it was learned that the proposal contained approximately 30,000 acres of land and provided no funds for acquisition. The people of Curry County were unable to reconcile the loss of so much land from the tax rolls. Then too, the stockmen were becoming irritated by the possibility of losing a large section of their grazing land. Many of the signers of the original petition became opposed to establishing the National Recreation Area.

The close of 1940 marked the completion of the National Park's efforts in Curry County. The State Parks Superintendent attempted to stir interest for a national park in Tillamook and Clatsop Counties by suggesting a forested mountain range running from Neahkahnie Mountain northeasterly. The idea was never accepted.

The National Park Service made a historical study of Champoeg State Park and in the report recommended enlargement of the park and changes in the plan and general use. The Park Service was asked to make the study as they were experienced and well equipped for such work. Then too, it was thought that a study by an outside group with a historical background would be more acceptable to the many local interests.

The report covers a complete history of the park, including the events of 1843 leading to a provisional government and the petitioning of Congress to establish territorial government and later state government over the vast Oregon country.

The National Park Service, in 1959, started a study of a possible National Recreation Area along the Oregon coast in Lane, Douglas and Coos Counties from the Siuslaw River south to and including the Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, comprising approximately 35,000 acres of land. The area contains approximately 25 miles of sandy beach and high, rolling, windblown sand dunes extending back from the seashore to include three large fresh-water lakes and timberland.

The area has the approval of the National Park Advisory Committee for a National Recreation Area. The proposal was strongly opposed by local residents and others because of tax reasons. The timber interests also opposed it because of the taking out of production a large block of timber-producing land. Congress had not acted on the proposal at the close of 1962.

State Committees, Boards and Commissions

The Oregon State Parks, through the years, has had five Committees or Commissions to aid and advise in the state park work.

Tree Planting Committee

The first was an Advisory Committee on Tree Planting, appointed by the Highway Commission on September 26, 1924, and composed of five very able members. They were Professor G. R. Hyslop, Professor A. R. Sweetser, Jesse A. Currey, A. L. Peck and C. N. Granger. This first Committee served until 1929. Their interests were broad and served the state well during the fast-changing times, in the transition of thinking relative to parks in Oregon and the building of support for parks in the Legislature and among the leading people of the state.

The Governor I. L. Patterson Commission

In July, 1929, Governor I. L. Patterson appointed an Advisory Commission, composed of the members of the Highway Commission and two former members. They were H. B. Van Duzer of Portland, C. E. Gates of Medford, Robert W. Sawyer of Bend, R. A. Booth of Eugene and William Duby of Baker. This Commission met one time only, on July 24, 1929, at which time it set up rules to guide the Commission in the selection of sites, etc. These rules have guided the acquisition of lands through the years.

The Governor Julius L. Meier Commission

After the election in 1930, Governor Julius L. Meier had many requests relating to state parks and the preservation of the natural, timbered roadside areas, particularly the strips along the Crater Lake Highway in the vicinity of Prospect in Jackson County.

After an inspection trip of the Crater Lake Highway, accompanied by the Highway Commission and fifteen other people, the Governor decided to appoint a State Parks Advisory Commission. This was done May 17, 1933. Those named to the Commission were A. R. Watzek, acting Chairman, John Yeon, Rodney Glisan and Mrs. A. E. Rockey, all from Portland.

The Advisory Commission met with the Highway Commission on June 27, 1933, at which time the advisory group outlined its views, which were not altogether satisfactory to the Highway Commission. There is no record of further meetings or actions of the Parks Commission.

Oregon State Board of Higher Education Advisory Committee on State Parks

In 1942 the Oregon State Board of Higher Education, possibly through the urging of Dr. John C. Merriam, educator, geologist and a writer on the subject of parks and a member of the staff of the California Institute of Technology, formed what was called an Advisory Committee on State Parks. This Committee was composed of staff members from the University of Oregon, Oregon State College (now Oregon State University), California Institute of Technology, University of California and one from Crater Lake National Park.

The following report by Dean R. W. Leighton to Dr. F. M. Hunter, Chancellor of the Oregon State System of Higher Education, tells the story of their interests and progress:

"This report has been delayed until a statement of definite progress could be submitted. This can now be done with reference to

1. Actual work achieved by the committee

2. Program of work of the committee

3. Discussion of the projected program by Dr. J. C. Merriam and representatives of the Oregon State Highway Commission

1. The committee met at the University of Oregon on June 15, 1942, with Drs. Merriam, Stock and Buwalda of California Institute of Technology, Allison and Packard of Oregon State, Smith and Cressman of the University of Oregon, Boardman of the State Park Commission, Ruhle of Crater Lake Park personnel, and the Chairman present. Williams and Chaney of the University of California could not attend.

"The committee explored the present situation in Oregon and discussed at length and in detail the parts of the state which should come under the work of the committee. Its decisions are summarized in the following resolutions adopted by the committee.

"2. The committee decided to concentrate on the John Day region as of primary importance. Its decisions set up these main lines of action:

a. The preparation of a book on the area to interpret the significance of the scientific and human aspects of the area for the layman. This book is now in preparation. It will consist of the following chapters:

(1) Geologic interpretation, John P. Buwalda

(2) Paleontologic interpretation, Chester Stock

(3) Chapter on influence of the area on man's history, R. W. Leighton, Luther Cressman.

b. Recommended that the Oregon State Highway Commission establish a parkway under the O.S.H.C. through the area under consideration. The details of the project were to be worked out with the O.S.H.C. Dr. Merriam agreed to present the program to the O.S.H.C. for consideration.

"3. Dr. J. C. Merriam, in October, 1942, again visited the Oregon campus and discussed the progress of the program with various collaborators. He also conferred with Messrs. Cabell of the O.S.H.C. Baldock and Boardman presenting the program proposed by the committee for the John Day Parkway. Various aspects of the problems of acquisition of needed areas for additional parks, administration of the area, etc. were discussed at length. Dr. Merriam reports that these men were enthusiastic and extremely friendly to the program proposed by the committee.

"The Columbia Gorge and Oregon Coast projects will be followed up as work in the John Day area is brought toward a conclusion. However, Dr. W. D. Smith has a manuscript on the Oregon Coast which is an important initial step in the program for that area. Suggested amplification of the Committee on the Columbia Gorge has not yet been carried out.

"The cooperative study of the Crater Lake area and its interpretation, started some years ago by Dr. Merriam with scientists, of human remains under Crater Lake pumice has progressed. Dr. Merriam on his recent visit to the University of Oregon gave further attention to this project and secured the cooperation of Mrs. Frank A. (Doris) Payne of Klamath Falls in the interpretation of the human values of Crater Lake. It was felt that Mrs. Payne was in a position to call attention to changing aspects of the character of the Lake, for example in winter, whereas the scientists saw it at only certain periods of the year.

"Howell Williams has published an excellent book for the layman on the Story of Crater Lake. Cressman has prepared a brochure, Early Man and Crater Lake, for the National Park Service which will be printed and distributed to visitors at the Park after the war.

"This report covers the main points in the progress of the work of the Advisory Board on Educational Problems of Oregon. Many other detailed activities have gone on, each having to do with those main points and the gradual advancement of the program."

The Oregon State Board of Higher Education Advisory Committee on State Parks does not seem to have had approval of the State Highway Commission, but it is clear that the Commission did have knowledge of its existence and the work planned by the committee.

There is no information as to the length of time the committee operated or its final accomplishments.

State Parks Study Committee and Advisory Committee

Prior to 1950, a feeling was developing among many people of the state and groups that the parks were not being properly managed by the Highway Commission. These people believed, however erroneous it may have been, that the Highway Commission had an improper conceptions of parks. At the end of the year 1954 a demand became great for a separate parks organization and the Governor became concerned about the problem. Therefore, Governor Paul Patterson, on April 19, 1955, with the approval of the State Highway Commission, requested the Advisory Committee on Travel Information, a group of 12 men from various sections of the state, with Mr. William M. Tugman, Chairman, to assume the task of evaluating the State Parks of Oregon in relation to the States of California and Washington and make certain recommendations relating to the future of the Oregon State Parks. Excerpts from the letter sent to the members of the Travel Advisory Committee are as follows:

"As you are aware, there has been considerable public demand for the creation of a new separate parks department in the state of Oregon, to be financed through some facet of the motor vehicle revenues. This feeling has been transmitted to the Legislature. It was my thinking that we should not create this separate board or commission and start dividing any of the motor vehicle revenues, be they gasoline or drivers license fees, or what have you, until we have made some effort to answer the public demands through the agencies now in existence.

. . . All this could be accomplished without diverting the motor vehicle fund to channels, which I feel inevitably will bring about need less duplication and expense.

. . . if it is determined there is a real need for a separate parks department, you could make such a recommendation much more intelligently after dealing with the problem for a biennium, than is possible at this time."

The committee agreed to do the work and on May 23, 1955, adopted the following plan:

"1. To ascertain what other states are doing in the development and management of state park systems.

"2. To compile a summary statement of the present status of the state parks in Oregon—number, locations, character of facilities, etc.

"3. To prepare a breakdown showing the expenditures, past and present, on the Oregon parks.

a. For maintenance
b. For management
c. For acquisition and planning

"4. To prepare plans for publicizing the state parks with the idea of increasing use by the traveling public.

"5. To arrange hearings to learn the public's desires with reference to state parks.

"6. To prepare recommendations with reference to what new machinery is needed, if any, for the future development and management of state parks under the Highway Commission, or otherwise."

Many of the state parks were examined by the committee on two trips around the state. Sixteen of the California coastal parks were examined on a trip into that state. The California park officials and supervisors were questioned to determine the reasons behind certain phases of development, etc.

A trip was made into Western Washington, where 12 parks were examined and the State Parks Director, Supervisors and others were questioned in great detail to ascertain the reason why certain features and methods of procedure were followed.

Upon their return, public hearings were held in Portland for an expression of opinions by various people and groups. Many meetings and discussions were had with the State Parks Superintendent and his staff members. Data was obtained from many states throughout the nation.

A report of the Committee's findings and recommendations was made on July 16, 1956. In this report the following recommendations were made:

"That so long as the state park system is financed solely from highway revenue, jurisdiction should remain with the Highway Commission.

"That the Highway Commission nominate, for approval and appointment by the Governor, an advisory board, of citizens representative of broad public interests, whose achievements command wide confidence, to function as an agency of the Highway Commission.

"That the advisory board be given authority to:

(1) Conduct hearings concerning park matters

(2) Recommend acquisitions and program projects

(3) Assume such duties as may be assigned by the commission

(4) Assist in the formation of division policies and budget

(5) Conduct legislative studies and suggest to the Legislative Assembly any needed additions to, or revisions of laws pertaining to the Oregon park system.

"That the advisory board undertake studies relative to:

(1) Classification of sites suitable for incorporation into the state park system.

(2) Methods of financing the state park system.

(3) Continuing review of division's 20-Year Program of park development.

(4) Policies concerning intensification of the program of park area acquisition.

(5) Policies concerning intensification of the program of park organization and providing limited technical aid to such agencies.

(6) Coordination of programs and cooperation with federal, state and local park departments and agencies.

(7) Improved public relations, publicity and advertising.

(8) Policies concerning employment of naturalists and geologists at parks or areas where such services would be in the public interest.

"That the program hereby recommended be subject to legislative review after a period of four years."

As a result of the previously mentioned studies, on August 8, 1957, the Oregon State Highway Commission recommended and the Governor appointed a Parks Advisory Committee composed of six able men representing different sections of the state to follow out the suggestions included in the study report of July 16, 1956.

The Committee was composed of William Tugman, Reedsport; Robert B. Frazier, Eugene; Glenn Jackson, Medford; A. D. Collier, Klamath Falls; V. W. McCormack, Pendleton; and George Henderson of Portland. Mr. Tugman was elected Chairman and Mr. Henderson Vice-Chairman of the Parks Advisory Committee. On May 4, 1959, Glenn Jackson retired to become Highway Commissioner and Sidney Bazett of Grants Pass was appointed on May 4, 1959, to replace him.

Mr. V. W. McCormack, who passed away in January, 1960, was replaced by Charles Reynolds of La Grande on March 10, 1960. On August 18, 1960, Robert Frazier resigned and was replaced by Loran Stewart of Cottage Grove on September 26. On May 26, 1961, William Tugman, deceased, was replaced by Lestle J. Sparks of Salem. Also, in May, 1961, Don McGregor of Grants Pass was appointed as a replacement of Signey Bazett, who resigned after his election to the State Legislature.

In May, 1962, Charles Reynolds of La Grande resigned and Ernest Fatland of Condon was appointed as a replacement.

The Committee, as of December 31, 1962, is Loran L. Stewart, Chair man; Lestle J. Sparks, Salem; George Henderson, Portland; Ernest Fatland, Condon; Alfred D. Collier, Klamath Falls; and Don McGregor, Grants Pass.

The 1959 Legislature changed the name of the State Parks Division by inserting the word "Recreation," making the name State Parks and Recreation Division. The State Parks Advisory Committee's name was accordingly changed to State Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.

The Advisory Committee has been very active in the interest of the state parks, studying and analyzing the park problem as it relates to the needs of the public. In addition to the regular duties relating to park problems, the Committee met with every County Court in the state during the years 1958-59, discussing the state park problems, their limitations, etc., and urged each county to establish county park organizations to satisfy the local needs. The result was that 26 counties now have a park setup for the purpose of furthering the recreational interests of their people. The Committee members have been generous with their time in this service for which they receive no compensation other than the satisfaction of a job well done.

Columbia River Gorge Commission

The "Save the Gorge" Committee of the Portland Women's Forum urged, and the 1953 Legislature approved, an Act creating the Columbia River Gorge Commission. Members of this Commission were Mrs. Gertrude Jensen of Portland, Chairman, George D. Ruby of Portland and Dan L. Pierson of Hood River, all serving without compensation. Mr. Pierson resigned in 1962 and Roy Webster of Hood River was appointed. No funds, however, were allocated for use by the Gorge Commission. Beginning in 1957, the Legislature appropriated sufficient funds for an Executive Secretary.

The State Highway Commission set aside $50,000 in 1955 and a like amount again in 1959, making a total of $100,000, to be used for acquisition of park lands in the Columbia River Gorge. Acquisitions are subject to the recommendations of the Gorge Commission and approval of the Parks Superintendent and the Highway Commission.

The purpose of the Columbia River Gorge Commission is "to preserve the Gorge by public ownership of its scenic aspects and beauty by whatever means possible."

The Gorge Commission adopted the following three-point program to accomplish its purpose:

1. Public ownership of Gorge lands which are of most importance from recreation, scenic and historic viewpoints.

2. Management, development and use of these public lands with the controlling objective of preserving and enhancing their recreation, scenic and historic values.

3. Cooperative agreements, zoning ordinances and other practicable measures to control uses of private lands so they will not unnecessarily interfere with natural scenic conditions.

The Gorge Commission has defined the overall Columbia River Gorge area as extending from Celilo west to the Sandy River. Within this area the primary zone of interest is bounded on the east by Wygant State Park (approximately four miles west of the town of Hood River), on the west by the Sandy River, on the north by the Columbia River, and on the south by the Columbia River watershed line exclusive of the Sandy River.

This primary zone includes roughly 100,000 acres. A rounded-off breakdown of this total shows 77,000 acres of national forest, 4,000 state, 1,000 Bureau of Land Management, 1,000 Hood River County, 2,000 rights of way for highway and railroads, and the remaining 15,000 private.

Since the start of the accelerated "Save the Gorge" movement in 1951, some 3,170 acres have been acquired by public agencies as follows: State purchase 840, donations to the state 220, land exchanges by the Bureau of Land Management 947, exchanges by the Mount Hood National Forest 1,025 and by Hood River County 140 acres. The value of these acquisitions is over three-quarters of a million dollars. In addition, there are at present some 500 acres which the state has attempted to purchase, but the owners are unwilling to sell or are holding at prices in excess of the appraised value. Also, the Mount Hood National Forest is planning to acquire some 2,000 acres through land exchanges.

In addition to the foregoing transfers of private land to public ownership, the following major developments have occurred since the creation of the Gorge Commission:

1. That part of the Gorge which is within Multnomah County has been zoned against indiscriminate commercial and industrial developments, billboards, hot-dog stands, etc.

2. The Interstate Highway 80N from Celilo west to the Sandy River and the Scenic Highway (old Columbia River Highway) from Dodson west to Dabney State Park have been established as Scenic Areas by the State Scenic Area Commission. Along these highways, except at exempted locations, no new billboards may be constructed and existing ones must be removed by July 19, 1969.

3. The State Parks and Recreation Division has developed and is developing camping, picnicking and viewpoints at important locations in the Gorge, such as Chanticleer Point, Lewis and Clark, Latourell Falls, Koberg Beach and Rooster Rock.

4. Statements have been secured from some owners of land in the Gorge indicating their interest in the program and intention of managing their lands so as to retain their scenic qualities.

State Board of Forestry

Several parcels of land have been obtained from the State Board of Forestry, two of which have been gifts. The Jackson F. Kimball Park in Klamath County was donated in 1955. It is a pine-timbered area of 19 acres located three miles north of Fort Klamath. It contains a large spring which is the headwaters of Wood River, a stream noted for its transparency and deep blue coloration.

The other gift was in 1958 and is Loeb State Park of 160 acres, located on both sides of the Chetco River approximately eight miles northeast of Brookings in Curry County. The tract was originally given to the Board of Forestry by Alfred A. Loeb of Portland, who requested it be named Loeb Park. It is a beautifully timbered area of maple, myrtle and fir, offering a fine picnic area on the north side of the river adjoining the county highway.

Purchase of a 48-acre tract in Hood River County as a part of the Seneca Fouts Memorial Park was made in March, 1959, at a price of $2,635. This area straightened the park boundary.

In Tillamook County a land exchange was made in 1951 whereby the Parks Division gave to the Board of Forestry 4,595 acres of burnt-over land along the Wilson River and Sunset Highways in exchange for 111 acres of heavily timbered land on the west side of the Oregon Coast Highway. Also received in the exchange was 32 acres of Board of Forestry land lying between the Wilson River Highway and the Wilson River. This land was included in the transaction to eliminate the Board's holdings in this narrow strip. The exchange was made because the burnt-over lands could be managed more economically by the Board of Forestry, and still retain their aesthetic values, along with the thousands of acres owned by the Board in this area. The timberland made a valuable addition to the Oswald West State Park.

In 1948 the Board of Forestry was given a lease on 0.581 acre of land at Wallowa Lake Park on which to construct a fire warden's headquarters. The lease runs from August 1, 1948, to July 31, 1963, and may be canceled after December 31, 1949, by paying to the State Forester the sum of $333.33 for each year of unexpired lease. There is no stipulation as to extending the lease.

Another lease on a site of 1.7 acres of land at Casey Park in Jackson County was entered into on August 1, 1948. This lease is to run for a period of 15 years and may be canceled after December 31, 1949, by paying $266.66 per year of unexpired term.

In the Tillamook County section of the H. B. Van Duzer Forest Corridor, the Commission gave a deed, dated May 19, 1939, to the State Board of Forestry for 1.8 acres of land on which to build a fireguard station. Should this use of the area cease, then title is to revert to the Highway Commission. This parcel of land was given in exchange for land of equal value in Douglas County.

Oregon State Game Commission

Good fishing in streams in state parks can be attributed to the activities of the Oregon State Game Commission. Every effort has been made by the Game Commission to provide a good stock of fish in the streams each year for park patrons. Fishing provides delightful interest for those who indulge in the sport.

Fishing is one of the leading attractions in water-associated activities in parks and accounts for a large portion of the attendance at many areas. Many boat ramps have been constructed by the Game Commission, a few of which are in state parks, such as one at McLeod Wayside on the upper Rogue River and another at Ben Hur Lampman Wayside near Gold Hill on Interstate Highway 5.

In 1962 the State Game Commission gave to the state, for park purposes, 460 acres of land fronting on Eel Lake, adjoining the Oregon Coast Highway at the Coos-Douglas County line. The beautiful, L-shaped lake has a background setting of young, green fir trees. It is well supplied with fish. The State Parks and Recreation Division plans to add to the facilities now in place at this park by providing a boat-landing dock, picnic facilities and, possibly, overnight camping facilities.

Oregon State Fish Commission

The Oregon State Fish Commission leased from the State Highway Commission in August, 1959, a 20-acre tract of land immediately west of Benson Park. It is located between the Columbia River Highway and the Union Pacific Railroad right of way. The area contains a natural lake which is to be used in an experimental project for the propagation of young fish. The Fish Commission will clear this lake and raise the pool level several feet.

State Land Board

Through the years the State Land Board has made valuable contributions to the state parks by donating two parcels of land. One was a gift in 1931 of 40 acres of forest land in the Blue Mountain Forest Wayside. The other was a gift in 1935 of 1,402 acres of logged-off land in Saddle Mountain Park. The logging was completed several years before title was transferred to the State Highway Commission.

The Land Board was also instrumental in obtaining federal land, not obtainable by the Highway Commission, at a price of $2.50 per acre and then deeding it to the Commission for park purposes at the same cost, such as the Redmond-Bend Juniper Wayside of 635 acres.

The Land Board made further contributions by selling several acres of land to the Commission for park purposes as follows at a total cost of $4,643.60:

Others

Borax Consolidated, Limited of London

The Borax Consolidated, Limited of London, England, signed a deed on September 7, 1950, donating to the state for park purposes 304 acres of land north of Brookings in Curry County. This is an extraordinary area offering superb views of the sea and stately offshore rocks. The two miles of magnificent coast line includes Cape Ferrelo and Whales Head, both promontories at the ocean shore.

In 1950, Commissioner Milo McIver carried and personally presented a letter of appreciation to the Borax Consolidated, Limited of London. The letter expressed the appreciation of the State Highway Commission and the people of Oregon for the gift of the large tract of land, now a part of the beautiful Samuel H. Boardman State Park. The letter further expressed the thought that the gift was the first land to be given to the state for a park by an alien owner.

The land had been owned by the Borax Consolidated since the early 1880's, when it had been acquired because of the finding of borax under the surface. Many prospect tunnels were constructed, all of which have since collapsed.

A plaque was installed on a large rock at the car parking area west of the highway near Lone Ranch Creek and dedicated on May 10, 1962, commemorating the gift. The inscription is as follows:

THIS LOCATION APPROXIMATELY THE CENTER OF
TWO MILES OF SPECTACULAR OCEAN COAST LINE
A PORTION OF
SAMUEL R. BOARDMAN STATE PARK
WAS DONATED TO THE PEOPLE OF OREGON BY
BORAX CONSOLIDATED, LIMITED
PREDECESSOR TO
UNITED STATES BORAX & CHEMICAL CORPORATION
SEPTEMBER 1950

Idaho Power Company

The Idaho Power Company of Boise, Idaho, has been a cooperative concern. The firm gave to the state, for park purposes, a 50-acre tract of land which included the major part of Farewell Bend State Park bordering on the Snake River and on Interstate 80N at the Baker-Malheur County line.

The backwater from Brownlee Dam, built by the Idaho Power Company near the old community of Brownlee, extends upstream approximately two miles past the park. It provides a stabilized water surface at the park and a twenty-mile pool for boaters and fishermen.

The Idaho Power Company also provided for a recreation study of the Snake River Canyon from Farewell Bend Park to Lewiston, Idaho. The study was made by J. Haslett Bell of Portland in 1956-57. The report called attention to several sites on each side of the canyon which could be utilized for park purposes or boat launching facilities after the several lakes were raised to normal pool level.

Louis W. Hill Family

The Louis W. Hill family interest in Netarts Bay Sand Spit stems from many years back when Louis W. Hill, Sr., developer of the Great Northern Railroad and a champion of the Pacific Northwest, purchased the Netarts Bay Sand Spit in Tillamook County for a private hunting ground. The area, at that time, gave the young family a first-hand view of a coastal wonderland. Later, this delightful area was developed into a premier state park—one that displays some of Oregon's finest coastal views from its long, sharp cape rising from 500 to 800 feet high and extending out to sea a distance of 1-1/2 miles. This cape furnishes ideal nesting and resting grounds for the many sea birds in the area. The timbered portion is a wild animal habitat. In the bay, waterfowl, clams and oysters abound.

The family interest is further demonstrated by the Louis W. and Maud Hill Family Foundation's gift to the state of 175 acres of land, for park purposes, on which many developments may be made to accommodate the thousands of annual visitors. Public dedication of this tract was held on September 23, 1954, as "Louis W. Hill State Park," a section of Cape Lookout State Park.

Negotiations have been completed transferring title to the remaining 495 acres of the spit to the Parks and Recreation Division. This transaction makes it possible to permanently preserve the entire spit as an interesting, primitive, wildlife sanctuary, as well as providing ample space for visitor parking and use.

Portland General Electric Company

The Portland General Electric Company is in the process of constructing a dam across the Deschutes River in Jefferson County. It is known as Round Butte Dam.

The lake formed by the dam will flood the present site of The Cove Palisades State Park. Plans are now in progress for moving the park approximately one mile west to a site on the shore of the proposed lake near the Deschutes River. The decision to move the park to this particular site was made after a thorough study of the area. Three test holes were drilled to determine if soils between the surface and down to, and beyond, the 150-foot depth contained unstable material which might cause land slides when the pool is raised to normal level. Nothing was found which would produce suspected land movement.

The Commission accepted, on September 30, 1960, an offer of $350,000 plus the cost of planning the proposed new park and the experimental drilling. In addition, Portland General Electric Company is to construct a satisfactory road into the area. It was determined that this offer is a satisfactory figure.

An elevation of 1,945 feet, five feet above normal pool level, was set as the park boundary line. All state-owned land below this contour line was deeded to the Portland General Electric Company, and their land above this contour line was deeded to the state. Deeds are dated June, July and September, 1961 and June, 1962. Park land needed for relocation of the county road leading to the park was deeded to Jefferson County.

The large lake reaches up the Deschutes, Metolius and Crooked Rivers and forms an excellent area for fishing and water sports.