Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee Meeting Meeting Will Take Place Via Zoom – Information Below Login Online

Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee Meeting Meeting will take place via Zoom – Information below Login online: https://tinyurl.com/HCRHAC-1220

Meeting ID: 842 9757 5780 Password: HCRH_AC

Call in (does not require internet): 1 (253) 215-8782 Meeting ID: 842 9757 5780#

Thursday, December 17th, 2020

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM Begin call/sign-in testing for video and audio connections

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Advisory Committee Meeting

AGENDA: Time Agenda Topics Presenter 1:00 PM Call to Order Arthur Babitz, Chair 1:05 PM Opportunity for the public to comment on any item not on the agenda* 1:10 PM Approval Minutes Arthur Babitz, Chair 1:15 PM Mitchell Point Crossing Matt, Kevin, Molly Viento to Mitchell Point design Segments G&H Design Oneonta Tunnel Restoration Multnomah Falls Viaducts 1:45 PM 2020 Workplan and calendar Terra (See committee packet for information) 2:15 PM Director Strickler’s letter to Advisory Committee Rian 2:30 PM Staff Updates Terra, Kent, Valerie, Patty • Maintenance Update • Wa Na Pa Street Improvements – done! • Toothrock Viaduct Slide Mitigation – underway • CGE and CAT transit updates • Gorge Management Plan Update • State Trail Completeness Progress • Next year’s meetings: o Thursday, March 18, 2021 (tentatively online) o Thursday, June 17, 2021 (tentatively online) o Thursday, September 16, 2021 (tentatively in-person) o Thursday, December 16, 2021 (tentatively in-person) 2:45 PM Updates Jeanette, Clay, Scott, Lynn, Matt • Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway • OPRD • Travel Oregon • USFS • WFLHD 2:55 PM Committee Round Table All 3:00 PM Adjourn

Public comment will be accepted prior to the meeting and during the meeting itself.

*If possible, please contact Roxane Glynn at [email protected] or 503-731-3246 to indicate that you’d like to provide public comment during the meeting, and we will do our best to call on you during the public comment period.

If you’d like to share your testimony, please submit written testimony via email to [email protected], phone 503-731-3246, or regular mail 123 NW Flanders Street, Portland, OR 97209. Comments received after the meeting will be shared with committee members. March Agenda items - Cascade Ave Streetscape Plan - Gorge Management Plan Update - FLAP application

Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee 2021 Work Plan

1. The Final Five Miles Engineering – in process 2. Mitchell Point to Hood River State Trail funding 3. Multnomah Falls Viaducts Railroad Coordination – in process 4. Columbia Gorge Express –Year 5 5. Eagle Creek Stairway Replacement 6. Congestion and Safety Plan Implementation Projects 7. Gorge Commission Management Plan Update 8. Historic Guardrail Research/Analysis and speed zone analysis 9. Twin Tunnels Safety Improvements Implementation 10. Larch Mountain Slide – Funding Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Dec, 17, 2020 Zoom

Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee Meeting – Special Session Summary Dec. 17, 2020 Zoom

Members Attending: Arthur Babitz, Chair Ernie Drapela Francie Royce Rian Windsheimer (ODOT) Art Carroll (member emeritus) Marc Berry (member emeritus) Judy Davis Mark Stevenson (OPRD) Wayne Stewart Leti Valle Moretti Scott Bricker, Travel Oregon Historic Highway AC Staff: Terra Lingley (ODOT) Katelyn Jackson (ODOT) Roxanne Glynn (ODOT) Others Attending: David Duncan Molly Davis, DEA Jeanette Kloos, FHCRH Kevin Bracy, DEA Jennifer O’Donnell Matt Miller, WFL Colleen Coleman, Mosier Paul Wilcox Bob Hadlow, ODOT Lynn Burditt, USFS Morai Helfen, USFS Nate Stice, Gov. Brown’s Office Kent Kalsch, ODOT Bonne and Richard Alfieri Malcolm Kaylee Crosby AJ Zelada Lizzie Keenan Doug Henne Valerie Egon, ODOT “Executive Director” Larissa Rudnicki Rajiv Batra

Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Dec, 17, 2020 Zoom

Shana Bucher 503-858-5921 Gary Bushman

Call to Order Arthur Babitz, Chair, called the meeting to order at 1:02 p.m. and invited the public to comment on items not on the agenda. Public Comment Colleen Coleman, City of Mosier: About a year ago, all of you were given a presentation on the restoration of the Mosier Trail Derailment. Due to COVID, limited funds on the Mosier Center (a community center, city hall and fire). Mosier has decided to go into negotiations with the railroad to restore the north side of the tracks, including the restroom and utilities under the track, for a cash settlement. The funding could then be applied for the joint use facility, the Mosier Center. The promise to the community would be to take a good portion, estimated $200-300,000 for habitat restoration and revegetation, creating the driveway, signage, and walking path. Colleen was providing information on the change in direction, and not looking for any feedback at this time. Appointments Nate Stice, Gov. Brown’s Office: Thankful for all the work of this group. We were working on the Governor’s appointee and committee membership. Arthur had submitted an application to continue, and we are looking to make our committee’s more representative. He worked with Arthur and Terra to identify Leti Valle Moretti, an advocate in the Gorge. Thanks to Arthur for his good work, he’ll be continuing on as the Hood River rep., per board of commissioners’ meeting in January. Excited to have a good community representative at the table.

Leti: Good afternoon and thank you for having me – I’m excited to represent the Latino Community. I was born and raised in Hood River. Appreciate the opportunity to work alongside you all, get to know you all better. It’s amazing work I can’t wait to take my bike on the whole path. I have been a board member for CAT for about 5 years and we helped advocate for a fixed route system and new marketing update.

Arthur: I think this board is going to be well served by getting your expertise. Bill Pattison will be moving off the committee as a voting member, but will stay on as a member emeritus so we don’t lose his expertise.

Francie (In chat): Welcome Leti!

Leti (In chat): Thank you, all. Approval of Minutes The Committee approved the minutes.

Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Dec, 17, 2020 Zoom

CGE update Valerie Egon, ODOT: ODOT has been working with CAT to plan various scenarios, knowing we will have to be flexible based on changing conditions. We are preparing to offer seasonal service to Multnomah Falls, pending compliance with USFS and COVID restrictions. There’s a good possibility we will see stronger visitation in 2021, though there’s a lot of uncertainty. The exiting FLAP grant ends in 2021, so next year will be the last season of seasonal service to Multnomah Falls. The next application is open in the spring. We’re working with area partners on that grant application and will be reaching out. Feel free to reach out with questions.

Valerie (in chat): The next round of FLAP applications is scheduled for Spring 2021. ODOT and CAT will consult with partners in the next quarter to outline the ask for transit programming in the grant application. Feel free to reach out to [email protected] and [email protected] with questions Project updates Kevin, Molly and Matt introduced themselves and roles in the ongoing projects in the Gorge with Western Federal Lands.

Eagle Creek Stairs Molly Davis, DEA: Earlier in the fall, we began partnering with Friends of the Historic Highway, to launch a scoping effort to replace the stairs. Scoping is a preliminary effort to understand the costs of moving forward with a design and construction project to inform future FLAP applications. DEA has done some preliminary visualizations on a viable alternative with switchbacks, retaining walls and a viaduct structure that runs adjacent to the off-ramp (I-84 eastbound off-ramp at MP 41). The intent here is to make this accessible to more users than are currently serviced by the stairs. Looking to keep the maximum 5% grade.

Site visit in October, including engineering team members, Friends, and stakeholders. Terra attended for historic ODOT perspective on the stair development. The idea is to have minimal impact to the off-ramp.

Terra: this is a scoping report, intent to look at what’s possible. It’s not engineered, not funded, it hasn’t gone through the process, and no decisions have been made. We’re not going to go out and build this tomorrow. This is DEA’s run at this and they were very generous in donating their time for the Friends of the Historic Highway. This will inform a FLAP application to do more work, determine what’s possible and cost to engineer and build.

Arthur: Stairs were built very early in State Trail development. We’re very aware now we have this chunk that is not accessible to many in our community. Looking to correct error.

Molly: Delivering draft report to Friends tomorrow. Friends will share with ODOT to help inform a future FLAP application or other funding options.

Terra: If we’re successful, we will definitely include partners and ensure that the teams will be engaged similar to how we’ve been developing other FLAP funded projects.

Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Dec, 17, 2020 Zoom

Rian: This is the first I’ve seen of this. We’ve talked about ‘Oh this will be great.’ I do have concerns about cultural resources. Our priority has been the trail, getting it finished. We have FLAP priorities and a commitment to getting the rest of the trail first. I don’t want us to get ahead of process. I’ve heard from other agencies concerns about this area and I want to make sure we’re not skipping ahead of them.

Wayne: thank all the folks that have been involved with this. This is something Friends has been looking at for a number of years.

Arthur: I am surprised that engineers could come up with something that replaces the stairs with an accessible option, even though this may not be a possible solution when we’re all said and done. I’m cautiously optimistic.

Morai Helfen, USFS: Thank you, DEA for coming and doing this and putting something on the table for us to look at and think about. From the Forest Service side, we totally support accessibility and making this work. We also want to consider the National Scenic Act and considering it, being involved as it works through. We don’t want to lose sight of the bigger picture to consider all the resources.

AJ (in chat): Will switchbacks allow cargo bikes and the length of bikes with baby carriers to turn? Is there a conflict with the ADA-ODOT lawsuit of 2016 versus the priority of the committee?

Rian: I don’t think there’s a conflict. We’re moving forward and building things compliant, intentionally. The stairs are a thing that needs to be fixed, but I want to make sure we’re achieving our objective of completing the trail, then going back and fixing things that need to be fixed. I discussed this with folks who came to the last trail opening who are concerned about the Stairs. Want to complete the full trail, and then come back and address these areas.

Arthur: Restating committee priority: the trail isn’t complete until we find a solution for the stairs, however our focus is on other segments right now, and addressing the areas with no connectivity.

Francie (in chat): Is the FLAP grant going to be just for the stairs or will it be included with other items?

Terra: we would take the work of the Friends and submit a conceptual design application. Further along the line, we would go for full engineering and construction.

Rian (in chat): I think that's right Arthur. Let's get connectivity first, but I agree this needs to get done too.

Terra (in chat): It would be separate from construction FLAP applications for completing the State Trail

Segments G&H: Kevin Bracy, DEA: Segments G&H connect from the Mitchell Point Crossing project, picks up at Mitchell Point Drive, crosses under I-84, connects to Ruthton Point and ends at Ruthton Park.

Right now our project is at 25% plan phase. Good news, it appears there is some FLAP funding to move forward to preliminary design 30% and geotechnical exploration, pending Project Decision Committee (PDC) approval.

Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Dec, 17, 2020 Zoom

Matt Miller, WFL: the funding’s not a done deal yet, but in January the request will be officially made. There is some funding available in the FLAP program.

Kevin: Terra’s been working on finding additional funding, with two grant applications: 2020 Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Program, and 2021 FLAP.

Terra: we’ve heard anecdotally there may be no funding allocations for NSFLTP. Call in to office.

Matt: I’ve heard they may be accelerating selection prior to the new administration. Right now, we are expecting to hear something in the first half of January, per a morning call.

Arthur: clarifying intent of FLAP, transportation facilities that access for federal lands and includes both motorized and unmotorized facilities.

Multnomah Falls Viaducts Kevin Bracy, DEA:

The purpose of this project is to rehabilitate the two structures on the Historic Highway. The biggest challenge isn’t the structures themselves, but coordinate with the railroad. Both of these structures are totally within Union Pacific (UPRR) right-of-way and we need them to come out during construction and remove some rockfall detection wires.

We’re at 70% plans and have submitted to UPRR. They have recognized and approved their 30% submittal and we’re moving forward.

Now through May 2022 move to 95% design, then 100% and coordinate with UPRR. Construction either beginning 2022 or 2023 and continuing 2024 or 2025.

Arthur: 105 years now, right? That structures is 105 years old and the railroad is right next to it. There used to be steam trains going by, now there are faster, heavier freight trains. It’s amazing.

Francie: will you be demolishing the existing viaduct and replacing?

Kevin: No – we’re rehabilitating the existing structures. When you work with historic structures of this nature, we restore as much of the original structure as possible. New concrete will look as much like the original structure as possible.

Viento to Mitchell Point Kevin Bracy, DEA: Between Viento State Campground and Mitchell Point. Draft 100% package delivered mid November with over 500 plan sheets, 300 special contract requirements and 14 reports. Submitted in November, and this week we had our agency meeting to discuss comments. We’re in great shape moving forward.

On screen, model looking down onto campground. There was going to be a cluster of utilities in an open area and we’ve been able to move those off to the left. We were also able to remove a fence and replace with boulders. We’re working on finishing work with utilities, including PacifiCorp Power, CenturyLink Telephone, Sanitary Sewer and Water.

Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Dec, 17, 2020 Zoom

At the very east end, landscape architects have been refining to define trail vs. drive area. Finishing up details of the trailhead, erosion control design and completed big cut slope wall design. The pilaster and water jug filler design has changed, incorporating comments received. It will all be darkened concrete.

We are working hard to make sure everything looks right when we’re done. The galvanized surfaces get the weathering agent (including rock mesh), all concrete surfaces are darkened, wood surfaces are painted, rock features match.

Rockfall mitigation design is complete, pending coordination with UPRR in 2021 so large flaggers can be used on site during construction.

Next steps: 100% PS&E Design Package due in May 2021 with phased construction beginning fall 2021- fall 2024.

Arthur: can you remind us of the funding for construction?

Terra: we were awarded construction funding in 2018. We went back to the PDC as our estimate was higher than what was awarded.

Matt: They will officially approve that in January.

Terra: we also included the difference in funding in the NSFLTP and we can move funding if we receive the grant.

Morai (in chat): may we get an update on timing for when construction will begin for V2M and MP tunnel?

Arthur: Where’s the doggy bowl!?

Mitchell Point Tunnel Matt Miller, WFL: Bids opened in November, we received 5 bids. The low bidder was Crestline Construction Co of The Dalles. I believe they were a major sub on Wyeth – Lindsey Creek. Their bid was about 2% higher than the engineer’s estimate, so pretty close. They were awarded the contract on Dec. 9, 2020. Our staff is getting ready to proceed after the first of the year. According to our construction schedule, made during design, construction would take 2.5 years, lasting through 2023. They will submit a schedule. We may see a quicker completion.

For Viento to Mitchell, DEA is submitting next May and it will go into acquisitions in the fall. Construction would likely start the first quarter of 2022. There would probably be a year when just Mitchell Point is going on, then overlap, then another 1.5-2 years to complete Viento to Mitchell.

Kevin: we did coordinate these two projects and developed them together. The rock excavated from the tunnel will be stockpiled and used on the Viento to Mitchell State Trail segment. A cost savings!

Wayne Stewart: in terms of sequencing of work for Viento to Mitchell, if we have to phase it, can you explain how?

Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Dec, 17, 2020 Zoom

Matt: It will be split up into three segments. The Base project includes the western third of the project including the campground. Option X includes the rockfall areas of concern and Option Y includes the area west of Mitchell Point. In a funding shortage, we would build it west to east. We think we will have enough to award at least the base project and the larger of the two options. Once construction gets going we may have enough to award the last option based on programming needs.

Terra (in chat): Katelyn and myself are pulling together a video "groundbreaking" for Mitchell Point Tunnel as we begin construction due to the inability to have an in-person groundbreaking event Oneonta Tunnel Rehabilitation Molly Davis, DEA: Background - the tunnel burned during the Eagle Creek Fire in 2017. Western Federal Lands and ODOT has been working to rehabilitate ever since. The contractor began work this fall. They did additional scaling at the tunnel portals. ODOT expedited some large-scale scaling in February and the contractor’s scope was more minimal. Last week, they attempted to drill into the rock for rock dowels. Turns out, the basalt was too hard and they’re bringing out a new drill. The new timber canopy material is on site and will be installed in the next several months. Little-to-no winter shutdown anticipated, and the tunnel will likely be complete in summer 2021. 2020 Workplan and Calendar Terra preliminarily highlighted colors, green for high priority, yellow for medium, and walked through the table included in the meeting materials.

The State Trail construction (final five miles) is highest priority.

Francie: I wouldn’t call the Eagle Creek Stairs medium, I would call it the “next priority.”

Arthur: that’s a good discussion.

Arthur: seems like we’re talking more about order, vs. priority. Priority might not be the right term. If funding became available specifically for the Stairs, then it would move up.

Francie: If I read the timeline correctly, the Eagle Creek Stairs are scheduled for advance of the Mitchell Point Tunnel for a FLAP application.

Terra: We are planning on applying for Mitchell Point to Hood River construction and Eagle Creek Stair mitigation at the same time.

Francie: Does that mean they will be completing for funding?

Terra: potentially, but the engineering concept report would be a much smaller amount, and they, I believe, try to have a mix of both design and construction.

Rian (in chat): Yes, it would be competing for the same pool of dollars.

Terra: There’s $33 million a year for Oregon. They are all the same dollars.

Matt: To Terra’s point, the planning study would be a relatively small ask compared to a construction project which would be millions.

Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Dec, 17, 2020 Zoom

Francie: in your experience do we need to be worried about getting the staircase study funded and not the construction of Mitchell Point to Hood River?

Matt: It’s all based on all of the projects submitted and how they rank. I don’t believe there’s a relationship or deduction necessarily with a single agency submitting multiple.

Lynn Burditt, USFS (in chat): The FS has to sign as the federal applicant and there will need to be some clarifications regarding the Stairs before we would be prepared to do so

Wayne Stewart: For Cascade Avenue, does the study extend all the way to Ruthton Park? There’s been discussion about how to route bikes from Ruthton Park into Hood River.

Terra: No, it doesn’t but we’re engaging with the City separately about how to move cyclists and pedestrians on Westcliff Drive. The Streetscape is more of a development tool for properties developing on Cascade Avenue, to smooth the way to ensure we get the streetscape envisioned. Westcliff Drive will be a separate conversation but the City is definitely honed in on it. There are developers and there’s a requirement to put in pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

Arthur: the City limits have been extend to just about 150 feet short of Ruthton Park. In terms of the planning, the City has been involved in planning. The zoning of Westcliff is dense commercial, which means developers have to provide for standard sidewalks. However, there’s been discussion about multiuse path instead of sidewalks. The assumption would be bikes in the roadway, and the path is for pedestrians.

Wayne: I would just like to make sure that this part is taken care of. It’d be nice to have all the connections worked out.

Arthur: the question really becomes how you get them across I-84 and along Cascade Ave with the multiple intersection projects there.

AJ Zelada (in chat): OR Bike and Ped Advisory Committee to ODOT may benefit Cascade Ave aspects

Arthur: do we want to make changes to what Terra has put in front of us? It is our work plan – do we want to make changes? I’m good with it.

Wayne: I think we should adopt what Terra has put together. Motioned.

Francie second. Adopted. Director Strickler’s letter to Advisory Committee Rian Windsheimer, ODOT: I think our letter landed well and generated conversations and opportunities to share where we were and challenges for the future. Wayne’s point about getting from Ruthton Point into Hood River is just as true into Cascade Locks and the Waterfall Corridor. The State Trail will be quite the draw. In order to really serve the destinations along the Waterfall Corridor, we need to start thinking about that today. I appreciate Hood River stepping up and participating with us on the work along Cascade and tackling it now.

Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Dec, 17, 2020 Zoom

It was really good to be able to bring them up to speed. Neither Director Strickler or Assistant Director Brown had spent a lot of time on these issues or history. We were able to share where we’ve been, where we are now and partnerships moving forward. I was pleased to see the amount of appreciate for the group here, the work we’ve done. It’s very challenging and we’ve gone above and beyond. His commitment to say ODOT is willing to be that partner and leader in this, but we need to bring our partners along – we can’t do this alone. We need to bring everyone along in our vision and what we hope to achieve. Assistant Director Cooper Brown can attend a meeting on March 18th, hear more about the challenges and then have continued engagement as we work with others and Congressman Blumenauer’s office.

Arthur: Our goal when we wrote the letter was to identify the problem, share that we all want to work on it, but requires cooperation from partners, and we want ODOT to provide the leadership. Do you believe he’s tasking Assistant Director Brown with this job?

Rian: I think there’s more to it than that. We need more folks involved at the higher level. It’s not something ODOT can solve alone. I think his vision was once the planning effort begins we’ll be at the table, participate and be a leader in it. We need other partners at the table. Our role is not envisioning how parks are going to run and who may own this road into the future. It needs to be a whole lot more folks at the table and not ODOT singled out. We are the convener.

Arthur: you hit on the word convener. Who do you expect to provide the leadership to get folks together to start talking?

Rian: The legislative effort is a good start, funding and direction is helpful. I think ODOT has played a leadership role, will continue to try and be a leader and help set direction. We own the road that runs through it. We need someone to take on the road and manage the road differently. We need the larger scale planning, organizational to try to get all of the current efforts to get together and mesh. I don’t think his letter is saying we’re going to tackle that on our own.

Arthur: it sounds like we should be looking to Congressman Blumenauer’s office. There have been some discussions about getting Oregon Solutions included. Do you know more about that?

Rian: I don’t think that was raised in the letter, so he didn’t address that. There may be potential there, but outside of ODOT’s sphere of control.

Arthur: I just want to know that someone is going to be calling a meeting with all the people at the table. It would be nice there was a forum for those that want to move this along.

Ernie: I’d just like to add that we spent a lot of time composing the letter. I don’t think we could have asked for a better response – we got the message we were looking for. The meeting in March will be crucial. I think we can use the letter we received and coalesce the partners around the mission to see if we can agree on roles to achieve our results.

Rian (in chat): I think that's right on Ernie

Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Dec, 17, 2020 Zoom

Francie: I think your point of who is leading the meeting is important, but which organization will see themselves as leading the effort? That all falls within Multnomah County; except for the sheriff, I haven’t seen them play a role in any meeting I’ve been a part of.

Terra: The Gorge Forum is convened by Lori Stegmann, the commissioner for East Multnomah County.

Arthur: Mechanically, that’s the question we need to focus on in March. We all agree everyone needs to be at the table. Staff updates Larissa Rudnicki, ODOT historian for Rock Creek: Have a project in Mosier, where I-84 entrance ramps connect to US30. The Rock Creek Road section of the interchange has been a crash location, including near misses. This project “T’s” up the west leg of intersection, which would modify a 1953 segment that was added after I-84. The project would enhance visual accessibility, trim trees. The east leg would close to vehicles – removes asphalt and return to gravel. This is a safety improvement that the City supports. Bob and Larissa feel there would be no adverse effect to the highway – there are no contributing features. The alignment stays the same (and it’s reversible). The goal would be fall 2021 construction.

Bob: The project is within the landmark district, but it’s a very short segment. It’s an alteration, but in the whole scope of things, this isn’t very much and really improves the connectivity and safety for our users. This is a critical point here and we need to address safety concerns.

ODOT Kent Kalsch, ODOT: The pandemic and COVID has limited us from major work. A lot of work is routine maintenance. No new major projects.

Terra: Wa Na Pa Street improvements complete. Paving and striping complete. The County is looking to pave Forest Lane.

We were able to mitigate some of the slide and rockfall issues at Toothrock Tunnel. Two mitigations, including a debris chute and rockfall mesh. The debris chute was pre-Eagle Creek Fire. We put in superblocks to protect the viaduct, added regular mesh on the highway and will reseed. Gabion fascia in front of superblocks. For the rockfall, we added mesh to end 15 feet above the trail to direct rocks to the foot of the cliff.

OPRD Mark Stevenson: Announced retirement and getting Clay ready to serve on the committee. We filled the position and Clay was awarded. I would just like to say it’s been a pleasure. It’s also really fantastic to see the work on the Stairs, it’s something that we’re being asked for. Getting close to completion is fantastic as well.

The barricades around Vista House – until the COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed, the barricades will stay in place.

Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway Ruthton Point is still on our work plan, but Michael Byrne has been busy with other projects and is waiting on a weather window to do the Ruthton Point rock wall repair.

Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Dec, 17, 2020 Zoom

Bryan Bainnson has been working on the Historic Highway State Trail Inventory report, next will work on recommendations.

We are optimistic about Gorge Ride in June. Annual appeal underway. Travel Oregon None USFS Lynn: The Gorge Commission adopted the Gorge Management Plan, the USFS provides guidelines. We go through a process to determine whether to concur, and have 90 days to provide feedback or recommend changes. We’re in that process. Terra: recreational intensity classes 1&2 include reference to transit now.

Lynn: Welcoming Morai back from a work rotation. Robin Shoal has moved up to Olympic National Forest. Casey Gatz is acting in that position.

Reservation ticketing system for Multnomah Falls update: a piece of the concept we had worked on was developed to managed access during COVID. It was a great opportunity to work together. Our goal was to provide access to ensure safety and use it to learn. Rian was really great at keeping the learning opportunity in front of us. Lessons: Need robust messaging – we need to do more and better. The concern the site might be overrun with visitors did not become a reality – good for congestion, not good for business at the Lodge. We’re considering what we would do in the future. We were able to make adaptations based on partner coordination. There are costs for administration that are not supported. This was not a charge fee. We are not allowed to charge fees for parking or access. Where we’re headed is recognizing continuing the conversations in Gorge Forum and depending on how COVID moves forward, looking to 2021 options.

We are likely to be adapting closure areas as both governors are advocating outdoor recreation. Lynn is retiring as of Jan. 1. Deputy Christy Cheyne will be acting Director. WFLHD none Roundtable Judy: seeing stone work at Rowena Crest.

Wayne: I sent out photos last week from the Waterfall Corridor on Saturday. After the fire, there was a need to close the Historic Highway, then control parking when reopened. A lot of the elements are less than scenic, with various kinds of barricades, colored cones, signs, concrete barrier. Now that we’re 3+ years into the situation, it seems to me we should be thinking about how to get the highway back to the way it should look. How are we going to get the Waterfall Corridor back into a condition appropriate for the Historic Highway? I’m sure that will require funding. How are we going to manage parking? I’d like to put that on the agenda.

Lynn (in chat): many of the things you are seeing are related to COVID

Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Dec, 17, 2020 Zoom

Rian (in chat): and many of them are for continued safety of the traveling public and as Lynn said, COVID. We are also seeing a substantial improvement in terms of reduced congestion, which was not the intent, but something to take into account moving forward.

Art: One thing that comes to mind, there may be the need for an MOU agreement between ODOT, USFS and OPRD as many issues are multijurisdictional. An MOU may help facilitate the management.

Arthur: Starting Jan. 1, I’ll be taking a position on the Hood River County Board of Commissioners and one of my first acts will be voting to reappoint myself to this committee.

Meeting adjourned at 3:28 p.m.