PORTLAND, Ore. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is holding public meetings and asking for input on a plan for land use around the Willamette Valley’s Fall Creek, Dexter, Lookout Point, and Hills Creek lakes.
This document, formally known as the “Middle Fork Master Plan,” serves as a long-term roadmap for managing everything from recreational facilities, like boat ramps and campgrounds, to the protection of natural and cultural resources, such as wildlife habitats and historical sites.
According to Corps officials, community feedback is a crucial part of the update process, as the current master plan is nearly 40 years old. The new plan needs to reflect modern changes in land use, recreation trends, and environmental conditions like wildfire risk, while also aligning with current laws and regulations.
What To Expect: USACE will host two public open houses—one virtual and one in-person—to share information and listen to public feedback. Participants will learn how the master plan update works and how they can submit comments.
Role of the Public: The master plan is a public document. Input from the community helps the agency identify potential gaps in information, understand key issues, and explore a range of options for the future of the lakes.
Q&A: Agency personnel are available to listen and answer questions about the Willamette Valley project, the master plan, the National Environmental Policy Act process, and how to stay involved.
🖥️ Virtual Meeting
📅 Thursday, January 22
🕐 1 to 2:30 p.m.
🌐 Join online via the project website: www.nwp.usace.army.mil/MasterPlans
🏫 In-Person Meeting
📅 Saturday, January 24
🕕 2 – 4 p.m.
📍 Lowell High School, 65 Pioneer St, Lowell, OR 97452
For additional details on the project, meeting materials, or to submit comments, visit www.nwp.usace.army.mil/MasterPlans.
To contact the project team via email, go to CENWP-WVP-Master-Plan-Updates@usace.army.mil.