Marion County, the USDA Forest Service Willamette National Forest, the Bureau of Land Management (Northwest Oregon District), and the Oregon Department of Forestry are launching a collaborative Recreation Management Plan (RMP) for the North Fork Corridor and inviting the public to help shape the future of recreation in the area.
The planning effort follows the 2020 Beachie Creek wildfire, which significantly affected the landscape and recreation opportunities throughout the corridor. The agencies are working together to develop a shared vision and long-term strategy for managing recreation in the area, balancing public access, visitor safety, natural resource protection, and high-quality recreation experiences.
The North Fork Corridor encompasses approximately 20 miles along North Fork Road and the Little North Santiam River, extending from the junction of State Highway 22 near Lyons, Oregon, to the Opal Creek Wilderness within the Willamette National Forest. The corridor includes popular campgrounds, trailheads, river access sites, residential areas, and private lands.
Through an evaluation of recreation opportunities, visitor use patterns, facility conditions and public input, the RMP will guide future recreation management throughout the corridor while respecting surrounding communities and the character of the landscape.
"This canyon is a beautiful place that needs a balanced management approach to ensure long term sustainable uses," said Commissioner Kevin Cameron. "Collaboration is the way forward to achieving this shared goal."
Get Involved
Community input will play an important role in shaping the RMP. The public is encouraged to attend one of the following drop-by open house events to learn more about the project, ask questions, and share ideas about the future of recreation in the North Fork Corridor. There will also be an online survey and a virtual open house for those who are unable to attend the following in-person events.
Marion County | US Forest Service | Bureau of Land Management | Oregon Department of Forestry
