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Brian Booth State Park Comprehensive Plan Draft June 2014 Part 3

Brian Booth State Park Comprehensive Plan Draft June 2014 Part 3

o Plans for a gasoline service station, a The entire park property was mapped with large moorage to accommodate private ratings representing the relative probability craft as well as boats for rent and a RIÀQGLQJDUFKHRORJLFDOUHVRXUFHV0RVW swimming pool, did not reach fruition. of the park is rated as “high probability,” The Lodge reportedly burned down in certain isolated areas are rated as “very high the late 1950s. probability,” and some of the property is rated as “low probability.” Given the history of use Historic Features by Native American tribes, there is an overall high likelihood of archaeological resources The area has been present in the park. shaped by the many uses of the land. The DUHDUHSUHVHQWVDEHDXWLIXOPRGLÀHGQDWXUDO landscape that has been home to Native Americans, trappers, timber harvesters, farmers, and recreational uses over time. There are no NQRZQVLJQLÀFDQWFXOWXUDOUHVRXUFHVHOLJLEOHIRU the National Register of Historic Places in the park. However, cultural associations with the site and the scenic setting indicate that telling its stories is important and will help explain how the natural landscape has been transformed over time.

Archaeological Features

An inventory of the park and a review of UHSRUWÀQGLQJVZHUHFRQGXFWHGLQFRQVXOWDWLRQ ZLWKWKH6WDWH+LVWRULF3UHVHUYDWLRQ2IÀFH (SHPO). At this time, there are no known archaeological sites recorded within the area. A pedestrian survey of 3.5 acres of the park property revealed no archaeological resources.

Historic Beach Highway

Railroad Trestle

ChapterChappter 33: PPaParkrkk RResourceesource AAsAssessmentssessments 433 Railroad Map

Historic Spruce Company Camp Near Waldport

44 B Brianriian BBoBoothoth SStStateate PPaParkrkk CComprehensiveomprp ehhensiive PPlanllan CHAPTER 4: VISITOR EXPERIENCE ASSESSMENT

The summarized information presented in this Visitor Experiences Currently chapter serves as a basis for evaluating needs for and opportunities to provide recreational, Offered at Brian Booth State Park educational and interpretive experiences for Visitor experiences at the park are currently visitors to Brian Booth State Park. Included centered around the facilities at long- are summaries of key information relevant established Ona Beach and the more recently to the mid-coast sub-region on participation established Beaver Creek Natural Area. Beach and trends in various visitor experiences now activities, picnicking and barbecuing, motor or potentially offered at the park, as well as DQGQRQPRWRUERDWLQJÀVKLQJDQGVLJKWVHHLQJ information on the activities offered by the are the traditional activities supported at Ona various recreation lands and providers in the Beach. Beaver Creek Welcome Center, which sub-region. The information sources relied is staffed full time, offers park information, upon for this chapter include studies completed limited natural resource interpretive displays, for, or referenced by, the recently updated and views across the marsh to the south Beaver Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Creek uplands. Non-motor boating on the Plan (SCORP), the Trails Statewide Beaver Creek Water Trail is supported by a Action Plan, the web sites of agencies WHPSRUDU\ÁRDWLQJODXQFKDVKRUWGLVWDQFHIURP managing the sub-region’s various recreation the Welcome Center, about 2 ½ miles upstream lands, and the Interpretive Assessment report from the boating access at Ona Beach. A hiking prepared by OPRD as background information trail system with over 5 miles of trails takes for this Plan. hikers through the forest and meadows of the south Beaver Creek hills, although this activity is currently not well supported by available parking. The upland trail system and the water trail provide opportunities to see a multitude of bird species, occasionally a beaver or otter, as well as the local herd that frequents the Beaver Creek hills.

Chapter 4: Visitor Experience Assessmentt 4455 Interpretive and educational programs at, Other Oregon State Parks or supported by, the park are just beginning to grow through the efforts of park rangers In addition to Brian Booth State Park, 35 other supported by volunteers and outside partner state parks are located within the Central organizations. Through the collective efforts, Coast sub-region. The majority of these parks the park offers ranger led programs mostly are viewpoints or recreation sites that provide with natural resource themes, guided hikes, DFFHVVWRWKHEHDFKDOORIWKHSDUNVDUHZLWKLQ birding tours and kayaking tours, as well as several miles of the coast. Hiking opportunities opportunities for community service projects at these sites are primarily along portions of and community outreach. the Trail. There are numerous whale watching, tidepooling, birding, and other Visitor Audiences wildlife observation opportunities.

A diverse demographic has been present Five state parks with campgrounds are located in at the park, engaged in a variety of along the coast between Lincoln City and activities. Fishermen, hikers, kayakers, canoeists, Florence. picnickers, beach goers, local families and WRXULVWVDOOKDYHDVLJQLÀFDQWSUHVHQFH/DUJH - has over 278 contingents of birders and naturalists have campsites – 51 full hookup, 75 electrical, been present, and large clubs and groups have 128 tent, 21 yurts, 3 group camps, and a repeatedly asked for presentations and guided hiker/biker camp. hikes. The park is becoming an outdoor learning - has over 317 laboratory for environmental education. campsites – 227 electrical, 60 tent, 27 Other Public Recreation Lands, Facilities and yurts, 3 groups camps, and a hiker/biker Programs in the Sub-Region camp. - Beachside State Recreation Site has over Other Public Recreation Lands, 76 campsites – 32 electrical, 42 tent, 2 Facilities and Programs in the yurts, and a hiker-biker camp. Sub-Region - Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park has over 67 campsites – 7 electrical, 51 full The Central Oregon Coast sub-region is hookup, 7 walk-in tent, 2 yurts, and a hiker/ URXJKO\GHÀQHGE\YDULRXVVRXUFHVDVWKH biker camp. coastal portions of Lincoln and Lane Counties, from Lincoln City in the north to Florence in the - Devil’s Lake State Recreation Site has over south. Brian Booth State Park falls roughly 90 campsites - 25 full hookup, 5 electrical, in the middle of this area, near the southern 50 tent, 10 yurts, and a hiker/biker camp. border of Lincoln County. Outdoor recreation Recreation Indicators from South Beach State opportunities in this area are provided Park primarily by Oregon State Parks, Lincoln and Lane County Parks, and the U.S. Forest Service. Indicators of need or demand for recreation opportunities can be gleaned from recent Figure 4.1 in this chapter geographically survey data for state parks in the vicinity of illustrates public lands and outdoor recreation Brian Booth. The following statements are areas and facilities in the Central Coast sub- EDVHGRQÀQGLQJVIURPVXUYH\UHVXOWVIRU region. The discussion below highlights the South Beach State Park: major providers and facilities. 4646 B Brian Booth State Park Comprehensive Plan - Nearly all overnight visitors and more than inland along Hwy 229, has 13 campsites with two-thirds of day use visitors live more than no RV hookups. Moonshine Park is located on 31 miles from the park. Most non-local the upper Siletz River and has 42 campsites, visitors come from out-of-state, the Portland including 2 group sites and 2 RV/trailer drive- Metropolitan area, or the Willamette through sites, with no RV hookups. Valley. - The majority of overnight visitors feel that Lane County Parks campsites are too crowded, with too little screening. Lane County operates 14 parks within the area of interest, including 11 day use parks, 2 - More than a third of visitors brought dogs. campgrounds, and 1 wayside. The parks are - Approximately two-thirds of visitors would clustered around Florence on the coast and like to see more opportunities for wildlife inland near Deadwood and Mapleton. Seven observation and hiking. of the parks provide boating access to the Siuslaw River. None of the parks have hiking - Nonwhite populations are trails, with the exception of Heceta Beach underrepresented. outside Florence, which has a short trail to the - The vast majority of visitors arrive in a beach. Harbor Vista Campground, on the coast personal motorized vehicles. Bicyclists just west of Florence, has 38 campsites with account for around 2% or less of visits, some electric and water hookups. Camp Lane, while hikers account for even less. east of Mapleton, features a historic lodge with dormitory style sleeping quarters as well  $ERXWRQHÀIWKRIYLVLWRUVDUHRYHUWKHDJH as Adirondack campsites, tree house sleeping of 60. Around ten percent have disabilities structures, and a yurt. related to walking.

Lincoln County Parks U.S. Forest Service

Lincoln County maintains 12 parks, including The encompasses 5 day use parks, 3 campgrounds, and a large portion of the coast range in the 2 waysides, covering a total area of Central Oregon Coast and provides a approximately 100 acres. Most of the parks number of opportunities for hiking, horseback are located in the coast range interior and riding, camping, wildlife watching, and provide boating access to major rivers like wilderness exploration. Most of the recreation the Siletz. The County park system has a opportunities in the Siuslaw are concentrated total of 2.5 miles of hiking trails. Three of along the coast between Florence and the parks have or provide access to a nature Yachats. There are very few developed trail, but only one, Mike Miller Park near facilities between Waldport and Lincoln City. Newport, caters primarily to hiking and wildlife The Siuslaw has two scenic areas and three observation. Overall, the park system appears wilderness areas. The following summarizes WREHIRFXVHGRQSURYLGLQJÀVKLQJERDWLQJ Siuslaw National Forest recreation lands and and other river-access opportunities, with an facilities in the sub-region: additional focus on camping and day use opportunities. Elk City Park, Jack Morgan Park, - Scenic Research Area: and Moonshine Park have campgrounds. Elk 2 trailheads and 9 miles of hiking trails. City, 22 miles inland on the Yaquina River, has Excellent wildlife observation including 12 campsites with no RV hookups. Jack Morgan, whale watching.

Chapter 4: Visitor Experience Assessmentt 4477 - Scenic Area: 2 - Trailhead: 1.5 mile hiking campgrounds, one with 37 sites, and a trail to Drift Creek Falls. group campground. Several day use areas and numerous hiking trails with access to old The Nature Conservancy growth forests, rock features, and wildlife viewing including whale watching. Cascade Head Preserve, a 270-acre preserve owned by The Nature Conservancy, offers - : 6,000 acres, 8.5 hiking trails and nature observation within the miles of hiking / biking trails. Features Cascade Head National Scenic Research Area. one of the coast range’s largest remaining old-growth stands, northern spotted owls, bald eagles, spawning Coho and Chinook National and Statewide salmon, resident steelhead and cutthroat Recreation Indicators trout. - : 9,000 acres, The following relevant national and statewide 6.5 miles of hiking, biking, and horse trails. indicators were taken from in the State Features old growth Sitka spruce forest, Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2013- northern spotted owls, salmon, steelhead, 18 (SCORP): and cutthroat trout. - Walking, hiking, visiting nature centers - : 7,500 acre and viewing wildlife and natural scenery wilderness with no developed facilities or are among the fastest growing outdoor trails. recreation activities in the U.S. according to - Cape Mountain Trails Area: 2 horse camps 2009 results from the National Survey on and 17 miles of horse trails. Recreation and the Environment. - Alder Dune and Sutton campgrounds: - Equestrian activities are expected to 2 campgrounds with associated day LQFUHDVHVLJQLÀFDQWO\DFURVVWKH86RYHU use areas, several miles of hiking trails the next 50 years. accessing the beach, dunes and coastal - In Oregon, activities like walking, hiking, forest. biking, and wildlife and nature observation - PAWN trail: One-mile hike through old are increasing in popularity across a JURZWKGRXJODVÀUIRUHVWDORQJWKH1RUWK variety of demographics including youth Fork of the Siuslaw River. and the aging population. - Self-guided trail near Mapleton with - Among Hispanics, the fastest growing ethnic historic interpretation of pioneer settlement. group in Oregon, walking and camping are the top two activities that people would like - Archie Knowles campground east of to do more often. Mapleton. - In providing for universally accessible - Blackberry Campground. Nearby day use UHFUHDWLRQÀQGLQJVIURPWKH6&253VXJJHVW area. prioritizing accessible trails, picnic areas, - River Edge Campground: Group sightseeing areas and historic sites. campground only. Nearby day use area. - RV permit sales have declined in Oregon - Canal Creek Campground: Group by 20 percent over the last decade and a campground only. half.

4848 B Brian Booth State Park Comprehensive Plan - Motorized boat registrations have declined • 3ULRULWLHVLGHQWLÀHGIRUWKHQRUWKZHVW in Oregon by 15 percent since 2003. In region of the state include needs for trail 2011, there were more instances of non- connectivity, additional non-motorized trails, motorized boating than motorized boating. and additional funding for trail acquisition  +XQWLQJDQGÀVKLQJOLFHQVHVDOHVKDYHEHHQ and development. in steady decline since the mid-1980s. Even among rural youth, activities like horseback The Oregon Water Trails Plan proposed a state riding, camping, and biking appear to be administered water trails program to better PRUHSRSXODUWKDQKXQWLQJRUÀVKLQJ manage the growing demand for paddle sports. According to recreation providers, statewide needs for water trail development Indicators from Statewide Trail include water access sites and support facilities, Plans overnight camping facilities, directional signage, maps, brochures and other marketing Two components of the Oregon Statewide tools to properly market new water trail Trails Action Plan 2005-2014 are relevant to opportunities. planning for Brian Booth State Park: The Non- motorized Trails Plan and the Water Trails Plan. County-Level Recreation Indicators The Oregon Non-motorized Trails Plan included statewide and regional-level analyses to Recreation Participation in Lincoln County identify priority projects for distribution of Recreational Trail Grant Program funds. As reported in the SCORP, the 2011 Oregon Outdoor Recreation Survey asked residents • 6WDWHZLGHSULRULWLHVLGHQWLÀHGLQWKH across the state to describe their outdoor plan include needs for trail connectivity, recreation activities. Participation in each trail maintenance, more trails in close activity was measured by “user occasions,” proximity to where people live, additional GHÀQHGDVWKHQXPEHURIWLPHVDQLQGLYLGXDO non-motorized trails, trail accessibility participates in a recreation activity. The graph information, and regional interagency below summarizes the top outdoor recreation coordination and cooperation in trail activities in Lincoln County: management. Top Recreation Activities in Lincoln County (2011)

Chapter 4: Visitor Experience Assessmentt 4499 - Public access sites to waterways Recreation Facility Need Indicators for Lincoln - Nature and wildlife viewing areas County - Children’s playgrounds and play areas The 2013-2017 SCORP data included made of natural materials (Natural Play two methods for identifying priority park Areas) LPSURYHPHQWVDWWKHFRXQW\OHYHO7KHÀUVW - Picnic areas and shelters for small visitor method uses surveys of public recreation groups providers to identify priority projects in urban/ suburban and rural areas. The second method - Off-street bicycle trails and pathways uses responses from the statewide survey of - Community gardens Oregon residents rating their perceived need for investment in different recreation facilities. - Paved / hard surface walking trails and The top priorities among Lincoln County paths recreation providers and residents are listed - Designated paddling routes for canoes, below in order of priority: kayaks, rafts, drift boats Top Priorities Among Recreation Providers in - Off-leash dog areas Lincoln County (in order of priority): Camping Preferences in Lincoln County - Group campgrounds and facilities - RV / trailer campgrounds and facilities The 2011 Oregon Outdoor Recreation Survey - Tent campgrounds and facilities completed for the SCORP also asked residents to rate their camping preferences, asking Top Priorities Among Residents of Lincoln how likely they are to uses different types of County (in order of priority): campsites and what they perceive as needs for different types of campsites near home. The - Dirt / other soft surface walking trails and following summarizes campsite priorities among paths Lincoln County residents:

Priority Likely to use Need close to home 1 Drive-in tent sites Drive-in tent sites 2 Cabins or yurts with electricity Cabins or yurts with electricity 3 Cabins or yurts with plumbing & electricity Cabins or yurts with plumbing & electricity 4 RV sites Hike-in tent sites 5 Hike-in tent sites RV sites 6 2WKHUW\SH XQGHÀQHG 7LHGKLNHUELNHU RWKHUW\SH XQGHÀQHG  7 Hiker biker sites

5050 B Brian Booth State Park Comprehensive Plan

5252 B Brian Booth State Park Comprehensive Plan CHAPTER 5: AGENCY MANDATES

The Mission The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is empowered by state law to provide outdoor The mission of the Oregon Parks and Recreation recreation and heritage programs and plans. Department is: The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission (the department’s citizen oversight To provide and protect outstanding natural, body), positions the agency to function at a scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites high level by aligning programs to the powers for the enjoyment and education of present and duties granted by state law, and by and future generations. observing and planning for emerging trends. This mission gives the agency a dual mandate: Those laws direct the department to focus on serve people by operating the state park four areas: system and protect park resources so future generations may also understand and enjoy 1. State Park System: Create and run a state them. system of parks that protects and manages resources in order to provide recreation Each of our parks is an individual place where opportunities. people play, picnic, camp, rest, hike, renew and 2. Natural resources: Exercise forward- everything in between. They are an everyday thinking, sustainable land stewardship in reminder of the things that make Oregon great, state parks and along ocean shores and and their very existence is a testament to what state scenic waterways. Protect state park Oregonians collectively value. soils, waters, plants and animals. 3. Statewide recreation advocate: The agency Oregon’s outdoor recreation and cultural is Oregon’s lead advocate for outdoor KHULWDJHYDOXHVDUHH[SODLQHGLQVWDWHODZ UHFUHDWLRQ7KURXJKUHVHDUFKÀQDQFLDO Oregon Revised Statute Chapter 390 opens and technical assistance, OPRD provides by stating the well-being of Oregonians is in an Oregon context for federal, state and large part dependent upon access to the state’s ORFDOJRYHUQPHQWVWRFROOHFWLYHO\IXOÀOOWKHLU outdoor recreation resources for their physical, outdoor recreation-oriented missions. VSLULWXDOFXOWXUDODQGVFLHQWLÀFEHQHÀWV

Chapter 5: Agency Mandatess 5533 4. Heritage Programs: Work to preserve and parks: the natural setting, facilities and primary protect Oregon’s heritage and historic purpose. These criteria help OPRD plan the resources. management and visitor experiences at each park, and combine to create nine types of The Centennial Horizon state park system properties: parks, recreation areas/sites, scenic corridors/viewpoints, The Centennial Horizon—a vision document greenways, heritage areas/sites, natural areas, that looks ahead to 2022 and the 100th trails, and waysides. State scenic waterways anniversary of the state park system—is a DUHDVSHFLDOFDWHJRU\WKHVWDWHGRHVQ·WRZQ series of principles developed to guide the scenic waterways, but works cooperatively work and priorities of the Oregon Parks with the property owner to preserve each DQG5HFUHDWLRQ'HSDUWPHQWLQIXOÀOOPHQW waterway’s scenic and recreational qualities. of its mission. Eight principles compose the Centennial Horizon: The Oregon state park system contains more than 100,000 acres, nearly all of it natural • Principle One – Save Oregon’s Special resource-based. There are more than 300 Places properties in the system, including 174 • Principle Two – Connect People to developed for day-use, 50 campgrounds, and Meaningful Outdoor Experiences 110 undeveloped parcels along the Greenway. • Principle Three – Taking the Long View • Principle Four – Engage People Through 2012 Park System Plan Education and Outreach The Oregon State Parks and Recreation • Principle Five – Build the State Park System Commission has been engaged in doing long with Purpose and Vision term business planning for the state park • Principle Six – Attract and Inspire Partners system. They have focused on developing a • Principle Seven – Prioritize Based on the greater understanding of how the park system Vision IXQFWLRQVDQGZKDWÀQDQFLDORSSRUWXQLWLHV and challenges are likely over the next ten • Principle Eight – Oregon’s Parks will be years. The Commission has reviewed the Tended by People Who Love Their Work FXUUHQWEXVLQHVVPRGHOWKHUHODWLYHPLVVLRQ impact and economic viability of various 7KHÀUVWWKUHHSULQFLSOHVSOD\DVXEVWDQWLDOUROH SDUNV\VWHPDFWLYLWLHVWKHZD\VLQZKLFKWKH in park acquisition, planning and development. park system creates value and wealth for the 7KHUHPDLQLQJÀYHSULQFLSOHVVXSSRUWWKH VWDWHDQGSURMHFWLRQVRIIXWXUHUHYHQXHVDQG ÀUVWWKUHHE\RIIHULQJPRUHVSHFLÀFGLUHFWLRQ expenditures. A number of strategies have for park operations and programs. Each EHHQH[DPLQHGDQGUHÀQHGDERXWKRZEHVW SULQFLSOHLVPRUHIXOO\GHÀQHGE\DVHULHVRI to sustain the park system and to continue strategies and actions that change over time and improve its valuable contributions to the as opportunities arise. The full document is state economy and to the quality of life for available at the department web site: Oregonians. These are summarized in a set of http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/. policy directions in the following areas: service delivery, park system maintenance, park system The State Park System enhancement, workforce maintenance, and park system funding. This park system plan 7KUHHFULWHULDGHÀQHGLIIHUHQWNLQGVRIVWDWH summarizes this work, and is intended to be

54 Brian Booth State Park Comprehensive Plan used to guide investment, decision-making, and System Enhancement Strategy staff effort. The state park system generates VLJQLÀFDQWZHDOWKDQGYDOXHLQ2UHJRQDQG The strategy for enhancement of the park good decisions today can keep this source system is: active and contributing. • Create new projects, parks, programs, System Maintenance Strategy and services without expanding existing GHSDUWPHQWVWDII The strategy for maintenance of the park • Focus land acquisitions on improving system is to: performance of existing parks and DGGUHVVLQJXQGHUVHUYHGPDUNHWVDQG • Maintain up-to-date land and facility condition and mission effectiveness • Create opportunities for new trails, water DVVHVVPHQWV access sites, nature viewing, and learning DERXWKLVWRU\E\ÀQGLQJLQWHUQDOVDYLQJV • &RQVLGHUSURÀWDELOLW\PLVVLRQLPSDFWDQG and generating external support. economic activity prior to every • maintenance investment decision to reduce Determinations about system enhancement under-performing assets and investments should rely on many of the criteria provided in the section above. Where • UHODWHGDFWLYLWLHV enhancements can bring a lower performing • Complete preventive maintenance on property more in line with these criteria, then IDFLOLWLHVZLWKKLJKPLVVLRQLPSDFWDQG they are better enhancements to consider. The • Reserve and dedicate a portion of system enhancement metrics for consideration earned revenues to a fund to be used for are: preventive maintenance. • Current operating expenditures for previous ELHQQLXPHQKDQFHPHQWV Determinations about system maintenance investments should rely on many of the • &KDQJHWRSDUNV\VWHPVWDIÀQJOHYHOV criteria provided in the section above. Where • 3HUFHQWRISDUNVZLWKVLJQLÀFDQWLQKROGLQJV maintenance can bring a lower performing adjacent unprotected natural areas, or property more in line with these criteria, DFFHVVSUREOHPV then they are better maintenance projects to consider. The system maintenance metrics for • Percent and density of Oregonians within a consideration are: PLQXWHGULYHRIÀYHRUPRUHGHVWLQDWLRQ SDUNVDQG • Percent of scheduled preventive • Value of external support towards PDLQWHQDQFHWDVNVFRPSOHWHG capitalization of enhancements. • Ratio of facility-closure months to total park IDFLOLW\SURJUDPPRQWKV Resource Management Role • Percent of lands and facilities with condition DVVHVVPHQWVOHVVWKDQÀYH\HDUVROG The natural resources staff of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for • $VVHWFRQGLWLRQLQGH[DQG land stewardship, marine conservation and • Ratio of under-performing assets to total the rocky intertidal shores, several permit assets. programs, department-wide resource policies, and park plants and animals. We strive to

Chapter 5: Agency Mandatess 5555 provide a safe environment while maintaining 2. The economy and well-being of the people the natural beauty and historic importance of are dependent on outdoor recreation. our parks. 3. Outdoor recreation opportunities should be increased commensurate with growth in OPRD is committed to managing the natural, need in the following: scenic and cultural resources within the Oregon State Park system. The agency writes plans o Oregon’s scenic landscape and conducts management to balance resource o Outdoor recreation SURWHFWLRQZLWKUHFUHDWLRQXVHUHVRXUFHVDUH the essential foundation for nearly all forms of o Oregon history, archaeology and recreation. natural science o Scenic roads to enhance recreational The following categories best sum up OPRDs travel and sightseeing approach to resource stewardship: o Outdoor festivals, fairs, sporting events and outdoor art events • Forest Health o Camping, picnicking and lodging • Fish & Wildlife o Tourist hospitality centers near major • Ecosystems highway entrances to Oregon • Invasive Species o Trails for hiking, horseback riding, • Protected Species bicycling and motorized recreation • Natural Heritage Sites o Waterways and facilities for boating, • National Register of Historic Places, Sites ÀVKLQJDQGKXQWLQJ and Districts o Developing recreation in major river • Historic Buildings basins • Cultural Landscapes o Access to public lands and waters having recreation value • Iconic Oregon Views and Scenic Corridors o Development of winter sports facilities Role as Recreation Advocate o Recreational enjoyment of mineral resources. OPRD connects people to meaningful outdoor experiences by protecting Oregon’s special natural and historic places. This inherent tension Planning Framework between recreation and preservation, between ,QDFULWLFDOÀUVWVWHSIRUDSDUNVSHFLÀFSODQ the needs of today and tomorrow, has always OPRD staff compiles data from department GHÀQHGWKHPLVVLRQRI2UHJRQ6WDWH3DUNV and other statewide or regional plans. This ORS 390.010 declares the state’s broad policy background information is used as a lens toward outdoor recreation. In summary: WKURXJKZKLFKWKHSDUNPDVWHUSODQLVÀUVW 1. Present and future generations shall be shaped. This data is used to inform and assured adequate outdoor recreation develop a framework for the park plan, resources coordinated across all levels of and is then taken to the public for comment government and private interests. and discussion. Public advice and goals for the statewide system are then synthesized

56 Brian Booth State Park Comprehensive Plan to produce the values, goals, strategies, 9DOXHVWKDWKDYHEHHQLGHQWLÀHGIRU%ULDQ and management actions to become the Booth State Park are: comprehensive, long-term plan for a park like Brian Booth. Value 1 - Natural Resources: We value the park as a unique and predominantly natural place. • $SDUNVSHFLÀFSODQWKHUHIRUHLQFOXGHV information on: Value 2 - Cultural Resources: We value the cultural history of the park setting, forces that • 0LVVLRQDQGPDQGDWHVWKDWGHÀQHWKH have shaped the landscape and its inhabitants, role of OPRD (Oregon Constitution, and features that represent these dynamics. Oregon Revised Statutes, and Oregon Administrative Rules.) Value 3 - Visitor Experience: We value the • OPRD goals and objectives (Centennial SDUNODQGVFDSHDQGWKHEHQHÀWVLWEULQJVWR Horizon, Commission Investment Strategy, those who experience it through recreational, Legislative Performance Measures, and interpretive and educational activities. Oregon Benchmarks.) Value 4 - Community: We value how the park • Existing OPRD organizational structure and helps strengthen the local community through roles of visitors, volunteers, staff, external its contributions to public health, livability and parkland managers, and other partners. the local economy, and how community relations DOVREHQHÀWWKHSDUNDQGLWVYLVLWRUV • Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, State Trails Plans, Regional These values have close ties to the elements of Interpretive Frameworks the OPRD mission that relate to natural, cultural, scenic and recreational resources. These values, 7KLVEDFNJURXQGLQIRUPDWLRQGHÀQHVWKHFRQWH[W explored further in Chapter 8, provide another for a state park comprehensive plan. layer of analysis to interpret the existing conditions and future potential of the property. Values Based Approach

A critical component of the state park Summary comprehensive planning process is the The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department involvement of the public, stakeholders, and staff is continually involved in the long-range partners that have interest in the property. review of state park system properties. A As a state agency accountable to the public, Comprehensive Plan is an assessment of OPRD seeks to engage the community in resource and recreation opportunities, and a discussion to develop a sense of public management recommendations. The plans interest, concern, and desired experience. The include management guidelines for each agency looks to the community to help identify park’s natural, cultural, visitor experience and SRWHQWLDORSSRUWXQLWLHVFRQÁLFWVDQGGHVLUHG community values, goals, strategies, and actions. outcomes for the property. Feedback from the public process helps relate a sense of place to In the following sections the layers of analysis potential outcomes for management actions. will be developed and discussed in greater These values help to develop an analysis detail, so peoples’ values and park goals as framework to view the resource inventories and well as management strategies and actions can recreation assessments so that a better sense of be understood in terms of the agency mission, IXWXUHFRQGLWLRQRUH[SHULHQFHFDQEHGHÀQHG landscape condition, and public needs and values.

Chapter 5: Agency Mandatess 5577 58 Brian Booth State Park Comprehensive Plan CHAPTER 6: ISSUES AND IDEAS

Opportunities for Public Input ¥ 6LJQLÀFDQWQDWXUDOKDELWDWVDUHSUHVHQWLQ the park. Invasive plants are widespread Understanding public concerns, perceptions and and abundant in some areas, however, desires related to park use and management much of the park retains a natural is essential in formulating a park plan. At key character and provides valuable habitat times during the planning process, OPRD held for wildlife. Marshlands and patches of late meetings with a stakeholder committee, park VHUDOIRUHVWDUHKLJKO\VLJQLÀFDQW0DWXUH neighbors and the general public to ask for conifer and hardwood swamps and scrub- input on issues and ideas related to the future shrub wetlands are also notable. of the park. Multiple meetings were also held with OPRD’s Planning Core Team and Executive ¥ Most of the Beaver Creek marsh and Team during the process to hear the ideas of DGMDFHQWÁRRGSODLQLQWKHSDUNLVD agency staff with experience and expertise dedicated Natural Area under the state related to the park. The following is a summary Natural Heritage Act. of key concerns and suggestions raised in the planning process. ¥ Much of the park landscape shows the effects of past forestry and agricultural practices. There are numerous opportunities Natural Resources for restoration of botanical and habitat values. ¥ The park is an important part of a multi- partner effort to preserve and restore ¥ Conifer planation forests of young to ecological functions and values of the lower moderately young age cover the largest Beaver Creek Watershed. The park is also share of the Ona Hills uplands. These an important link in broader restoration forests need thinning, disease removal efforts for the larger watershed. and under-planting to promote healthy succession. Currently, the natural resource values of these forests are marginal.

Chapter 6: Issues and Ideass 5599 ¥ Former pastures in the Beaver Creek This presents opportunities related to uplands contribute to scenic values, and also wildlife observation, interpretation and contribute to habitat diversity. While most environmental education. However, an pastures should be restored to native forest, appropriate balance is needed between a few are particularly valuable for their visitor uses and wildlife management to scenic and habitat contributions. prevent unwanted, unintended impacts on important wildlife resources. ¥ There may be some opportunities for improving hydrologic functions altered ¥ Salmonid species are present in the Beaver by past practices of ditching, diking and Creek system, including federally and state stream channelizing in the marshlands. The listed coho salmon. merits of such projects need to be explored in cooperation with interested conservation ¥ The steep topography limits opportunities groups and agencies. Culverts need to be for facility development over much of the DVVHVVHGIRUÀVKSDVVDJHDQGK\GURORJLF park’s upland area. obstructions. ¥ 2FHDQÁRRGLQJRFFXUVRYHUWKHPDUVKODQGV ¥ Invasive non-native plant species have taken in storm surges. Blockage at the mouth of over certain areas of the marsh. Certain Beaver Creek from sand accretion limits other areas of the marsh where natural WLGDOLQÁXHQFHLQWKHPDUVKDWRWKHUWLPHV resource values remain largely intact are at risk from invasive plants. Controlling the ¥ Flooding in the Ona Beach picnic area is a spread of invasive species is a top priority. frequent occurrence which has caused trail damage and killed native vegetation. ¥ Two at-risk native plant species, one LGHQWLÀHGDQGDQRWKHUWHQWDWLYHO\ ¥ Stream temperatures exceed standards in LGHQWLÀHGDUHSUHVHQWDORQJWKHRSHQ the Beaver Creek system during the summer dune. Yellow sandverbena was positively months. Opportunities to improve stream LGHQWLÀHG3ODQWVWKDWDSSHDUWREH shading may be limited in the park due to big-headed sedge will need positive the expanse of marshland adjacent to the LGHQWLÀFDWLRQZKHQÁRZHULQJ7KHVHDUH stream channel through most of this reach. priority sites for management of invading ¥ The federally and state listed marbled European beachgrass and scotch broom. murrelet may inhabit late seral conifer ¥ Possible introduction of invasive wildlife is a forest patches in the park. A concern, especially invasive aquatic species nest is located in one of these forests. potentially introduced at boating access Protocols set out under state and federal facilities. ESAs must be followed for any park management actions near these areas. ¥ The Nutria population is rapidly growing, Special care must be taken to manage causing damage to native vegetation and refuse in the park to avoid attracting reportedly showing aggressive behavior corvids that raid murrelet nests. toward kayakers. ¥ Generous upland forest buffers between ¥ Native wildlife species are abundant in park facility development areas and the the park, especially in the biologically marshlands have been recommended by ULFKPDUVKDQGÁRRGSODLQHQYLURQPHQW conservation interest groups. Development

60 Brian Booth State Park Comprehensive Plan sites have been chosen based on relevant planners and providers. The park would factors that affect the development serve as a refuge in an emergency such suitability of different sites, which include as a tsunami or major storm requiring natural resource constraints, size of evacuation from surrounding areas. contiguous area, distance from needed infrastructure and management feasibility. Cultural Resources Between the chosen development sites and the marsh, a minimum horizontal buffer of ¥ 7KHUHDUHQRVLJQLÀFDQWKLVWRULFVWUXFWXUHVLQ 350 feet can be maintained, supplemented WKHSDUNDQGQRVLJQLÀFDQWDUFKHRORJLFDO by the vertical separation dictated by steep VLWHVKDYHEHHQLGHQWLÀHG+RZHYHURYHU topography. most of the park there is a high probability RIÀQGLQJDUFKHRORJLFDOUHVRXUFHV3URWRFROV ¥ Comments also addressed the siting, design, for preventing impacts on important and densities of trails, which are important archeological resources set out under considerations with regard to potential OPRD’s Cultural Resources Policy will need impacts on natural resource values. to be followed for all ground disturbing Minimizing trail impacts along riparian activities. corridors and other key wildlife areas is recommended. Trails that reach into these resource areas should be limited to a few Vehicular Access places where they cross through them, and a few carefully designed sites intended to ¥ Highway safety is a concern as it relates to bring visitors to the edges of resource areas proposed visitor vehicle access to the Ona for visitor experience. +LOOV7KLVFRQFHUQSURPSWHGDWUDIÀFVWXG\ conducted by consultants in coordination ¥ The park is rich in scenic resources with ODOT early in the planning process. associated with the landscape. While The study found that the accident rate certain scenic corridors are obvious to along this reach of the highway is mostly visitors, mainly the beach and the Beaver related to road conditions and driver Creek marshlands, there are multiple behaviors through the highway curves, existing and potential viewpoints along rather than vehicles turning on and off the existing or potential trail corridors. The Highway through this reach. Still, highway scenic settings associated with upland safety improvements in the 101 right-of- forests are variable, most of which could way will be needed to establish the park be improved through natural resource entrance. ODOT has approved a plan management prescriptions needed for SUHSDUHGE\WKHWUDIÀFFRQVXOWDQWVIRU botanical and habitat reasons. improvements in the highway right-of-way needed for park development, based RQHVWLPDWHGWUDIÀFJHQHUDWLRQUHODWHG Natural Hazards to types and capacities of park facilities ¥ Emergency response operations and SURSRVHG7KHWUDIÀFVWXG\DOVRIRXQGWKDW public information are key concerns for the intersection of Beaver Creek Road and park management. One of the highest the Highway is functioning within standards, management priorities will be to establish and will continue to function appropriately an emergency management plan in with park development and future increases cooperation with local emergency response LQWUDIÀF

Chapter 6: Issues and Ideass 6611 ¥ The existing trail system in the south numerous large vehicles turning on and Beaver Creek hills, which attracts a number off the highway would require highway of hikers, currently has no designated improvements beyond what has been parking area. Currently, visitors park in approved by ODOT. an unimproved, undesignated area off the shoulder of South Beaver Creek Road ¥ All-season camping units (cabins or yurts), outside of the park property to access the while generally popular, were mentioned trail system. OPRD is exploring possible as facilities that could support outdoor property acquisition to establish a south education groups engaged in multi-day trailhead parking area. learning activities. ¥ Some comments suggested providing a Recreation Development Potential limited number of primitive campsites in Beaver Creek Natural Area. Hike-in ¥ A key concern raised in public meetings sites and paddle-in sites were suggested. is that park popularity and the level Other comments were opposed, based on of visitation could degrade the natural FRQFHUQVDERXWWKHGLIÀFXOWLHVRIPDQDJLQJ resource qualities and outdoor experiences WKHFDPSVLWHVWKHULVNRIÀUHVDQGSRVVLEOH that people come to enjoy. An appropriate impacts on wildlife. balance is needed between resource protection and visitor capacities provided ¥ A few Adirondack campsites served by by park development. an upland trail have been proposed on a narrow ridge in the Ona Hills. This ¥ Areas suitable for development of visitor proposal has also drawn a few opposing facilities in the park are limited due to the FRPPHQWVUHODWHGPDLQO\WRGLIÀFXOWLHVRI valuable and sensitive natural resources in management. lowland areas and certain upland forests, and the steep topography over much of the ¥ One or two comments questioned the need upland areas. Opportunities for new park for more campground facilities, pointing out development are located in the Ona Hills, that other campgrounds in the vicinity are generally along the existing main primitive closed seasonally for lack of use. road corridor. ¥ Beaver Creek Natural Area is generally ¥ Although natural resource constraints and regarded as an area that should be kept issues related to highway access safety limit free of new park facility development the potential capacity of the park, a range and managed with emphasis on natural of camping styles and related amenities resource protection, allowing certain facility are suited for the Ona Hills area, including improvements supporting environmental drive-in and walk-in tent sites, all-season education and interpretation. Some people camping structures (camper cabins or yurts), feel that the more recently acquired a small equine camp and a hiker biker commercial timberlands in the Ona Hills camp. A few remote Adirondack campsites should also be managed as part of the are also being considered. Natural Area despite OPRD’s intentions in acquiring the property for campground ¥ Because of highway safety concerns, development. visitor campsites designed for large RVs are not being proposed. To accommodate

62 Brian Booth State Park Comprehensive Plan Administrative Facilities motorized trail uses are possible, including hiking, biking and equestrian uses. ¥ OPRD has an opportunity to acquire the ODOT administrative facilities adjacent to ¥ The existing trails in the south Beaver Creek the park in the Ona Hills. An agreement uplands are too many and too dense for has been established for OPRD’s eventual the area they cover, which affects trail acquisition of the facilities, which offer experience and discourages much of the enough space for the administrative needs wildlife that may otherwise be present. of Brian Booth State Park and OPRD’s Some trails need to be decommissioned and surrounding Coast Region. allowed to revert to natural habitat. ¥ To enhance visitor experience opportunities, Trails nature trails have been proposed that would reach into patches of late seral ¥ Suitable development areas in the Ona forest. Care must be taken in locating, Hills are separated from Ona Beach by designing and managing such trails to Highway 101. There is no designated avoid unwanted impacts on the sensitive highway crossing for safe access to the wildlife they now or potentially support. beach from Ona Hills by trail. ODOT has clearly indicated that establishing a ¥ Any trails that reach across the Beaver designated at-grade highway crossing &UHHNÁRRGSODLQXSWRRUDFURVVWKH is not an option. A study completed by marsh, although desirable for visitor HQJLQHHULQJFRQVXOWDQWVKDVLGHQWLÀHG experience, wildlife viewing opportunities alternatives for crossing the highway with a and interpretation, need to be carefully trail involving construction of an underpass designed and limited to a few locations to or overpass. minimize disruption of wildlife.

¥ There is currently no trail connection from ¥ The current park ownership does not the Beaver Creek Welcome Center to the connect between Ona Hills and Beaver south Beaver Creek upland trail system, Creek Natural Area. Opportunities for which are separated by marshlands. OPRD property acquisition or easement are being is exploring alternatives to provide a trail explored for purposes of establishing connection, which involves either developing a trail connection and to facilitate more a trail along the county road right-of-way, HIÀFLHQWODQGPDQDJHPHQW developing a boardwalk trail across the marsh, or a combination of these. ¥ A couple of comments suggested providing trails for mountain bikers. A mountain biking ¥ Local equestrians have requested that single track loop trail is being considered OPRD provide horse trails in the park. in a remote area of the park where forest Reportedly, the trail riding opportunities conditions have deteriorated to a point are limited in the Lincoln County area. where clearing and replanting is needed. This trail could be designed in conjunction ¥ Opportunities for new trail development with forest restoration. The length of trail in the park are mostly in the Ona Hills allocated to exclusive mountain biking area. A well-designed trail system would would be relatively short, but would be substantially add to the desirability of the connected to the multi-use trail system. As Ona Hills area for camping. A range non-

Chapter 6: Issues and Ideass 6633 an alternative use of this area, a disc golf LWKDVLQÁXHQFHGODQGVFDSHFKDQJHV$Q course has also been proposed and is also assortment of biological, geological and under consideration. This alternative could hydrological features within and around the also be designed in conjunction with forest park are worthy of interpretation. restoration. ¥ The park offers multiple opportunities ¥ The Corvallis-to-the-Sea (C2C) Trail for facilities supporting visitor programs, Partnership continues to seek a connection including the existing Welcome Center from its North Beaver Creek Road trail (proposed to be renamed the “Beaver route past the Beaver Creek Welcome Creek Nature Center”), two sites for Center to campground facilities in the park potential future use as learning extension using a route that avoids Highway 101. facilities (existing pole barn site and home site) and development of a program ¥ The Seal Rock Trails Group has expressed amphitheater and a Junior Ranger interest in establishing a trail connection gathering shelter. In addition to daytime between the park and the Seal Rock learning activities, the two learning community across private properties of extension facilities under consideration willing landowners. A general location has could potentially allow pre-arranged EHHQLGHQWLÀHGIRUDFRQQHFWLRQWRWKH overnight camping by special use permit for park. organized groups.

¥ The Beaver Creek Water Trail is a popular ¥ There are various opportunities for feature of the park. The possible need establishing partnerships, or building IRUPDQDJLQJSRWHQWLDOFRQÁLFWVEHWZHHQ on existing partnerships, with local motor and non-motor boating access at the organizations for purposes of offering boat ramp should be explored. A safer visitor programs at the park and engaging DQGHDVLHUWRXVHÁRDWLQJND\DNODXQFKLV park staff in public outreach activities. needed to replace the temporary launch 7KHUHLVVLJQLÀFDQWLQWHUHVWDPRQJORFDO near the Welcome Center. No additional partner organizations is establishing parking for the Water Trail is being cooperative educational programs, using proposed. the park for teaching environmental education and outdoor skills. ¥ A few comments pointed out the need to close some trails seasonally during wet conditions. Neighborhood Concerns ¥ A few of the park’s closest neighbors Visitor Programs raised concerns about possible impacts on neighboring properties with the proximity ¥ The opportunities for environmental of park facilities and visitors. Concerns education and interpretation at the park were raised about the potential for are many, and various groups have WUHVSDVVYLVXDOLPSDFWVWUDIÀFQRLVHDORQJ expressed interests in this aspect of park the park road, campground noise and air development. Comments pointed out the SROOXWLRQIURPFDPSÀUHVVXJJHVWLQJDQHHG value of interpreting the rich cultural to optimize the forested buffer next to this history of the region and vicinity and how neighborhood.

64 Brian Booth State Park Comprehensive Plan ¥ A park neighbor reported seeing human ¥ One person recommended that waterfowl waste near the small parking area that hunting be allowed in the park, pointing serves the kayak launch in Beaver Creek out that hunting has been a traditional NA, suggesting that a restroom be installed recreational use in the rural area that there. should be supported.

¥ The potential for trespass onto private ¥ A couple of people asked whether the property was raised as a concern related shooting range would be removed, and to to visitor use of upland trails, the Water where. OPRD is working with Oregon State Trail, and in general. Clear signage at key Police to relocate this facility. locations was suggested as a solution. ¥ Fire protection was mentioned as a high ¥ One or two comments reported priority for park management. Fire unauthorized camping at Ona Beach near protection measures will be a key part of private property, asking for information on OPRD’s planning for emergencies and for who to contact for enforcement. park operations in general.

¥ Common concerns were raised about the Miscellaneous Other Public SRWHQWLDOIRULQFUHDVHGQRLVHDQGWUDIÀF Comments littering and other unwanted consequences of park development and use. ¥ Several meeting participants raised concerns about dogs. A common concern is ¥ One or two comments suggested offering that dogs harass wildlife. Some suggested more wilderness solitude among park visitor that dogs be disallowed, at least in Beaver experiences. Creek Natural Area. Others stressed the need to enforce rules requiring dogs to be leashed. One or two comments suggested providing a fenced off-leash dog area.

Chapter 6: Issues and Ideass 6655 66 Brian Booth State Park Comprehensive Plan CHAPTER 7: OPPORTUNITY AREAS

Strategies for a successful park arise from experiences. On the basis of opportunities and understanding the park’s opportunities and FRQVWUDLQWVWKLV3ODQGHÀQHVDUHDVWKDWZLOOEH constraints. This chapter characteristics the managed with emphasis on natural resources park by its opportunities for managing and and areas where the emphasis will be on visitor enhancing natural resources and opportunities support facilities. A successful park plan blends for providing places and facilities that resource management and visitor uses in a way support visitor experiences. Opportunities are that sustains or improves the quality of both. summarized for separate but related areas of the park that represent different landscape The following table summarizes management features. The separate areas are considered intentions by opportunity areas, followed by collectively to determine how they can be narrative summaries of what the seven areas managed as a whole to protect or improve offer. Figure 7.1 depicts opportunity areas the integrity of important park resources while geographically. providing for recreational uses and other visitor

Chapter 7: Opportunity Areass 6677

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