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Port officials indicate land available for Milton Creek reserve; commission readies joint meeting with city
Summary
St. Helens Parks & Trails Commissioners reported a productive meeting with Port of Columbia County staff about the Milton Creek reserve and potential trail, and agreed to raise the topic at a joint Planning Commission–City Council meeting in June to define boundaries, zoning and next steps.
St. Helens Parks & Trails Commissioners said Port of Columbia County officials are open to letting the city use part of port-owned property to establish a Milton Creek reserve and trail, following a site visit and talks intended to narrow the area and next steps.
Commissioner Scott (first name not specified) told the commission that, after meetings with Port representatives, “they're actually looking to donate some of the land, for the reserve and trail,” and that the port’s executive director would serve as the port’s point of contact. Commissioner Jerry (last name not given) said the port identified several potential sites and is “happy to let us utilize that” property but stressed the project would require surveying and review of riparian setbacks.
The matter matters locally because the commission, the port and city must clarify ownership, zoning and environmental limits before building a trail. Jerry reminded the group that the City Council voted in December to establish a reserve in concept; the current work is to define the reserve’s boundaries and any needed zoning changes.
Commissioners listed follow-ups: meet with city staff (including John and Jacob, named in the meeting) and the port to align on a preferred parcel; survey the high-water mark and riparian setbacks (commissioners referenced a “100-foot setback” from the high-water mark); and discuss whether the port will retain title and grant a use agreement or convey land to the city. Jerry and Scott said they walked the port property to identify parts that could be developed without encroaching on riparian zone buffers. Jerry also noted the Bailey Bridge and an existing railroad bridge as possible access points and said the port was amenable to pedestrian use of the Bailey Bridge provided it is stable for foot traffic.
Commissioners agreed to use an upcoming joint meeting of the Planning Commission and City Council on Wednesday, June 11, and the commission’s meeting on June 9 as the forum to press for clearer direction and to request that the city define the reserve and confirm whether a zoning change will be required. Scott told the commission the next step likely includes the city, the port and parks representatives meeting to draft a defined area for the reserve and to confirm legal/engineering constraints such as the high-water mark and riparian zones.
Commissioners and port staff also flagged biological constraints: Commission member Lucas reported finding species on the port property that are “only in a couple places in Oregon,” a point the port noted but asked commissioners to document clearly. No formal action or commitment to convey property was recorded at the meeting; commissioners described the port’s responses as preliminary interest and direction to continue planning.
The commission asked staff to prepare a packet for the June joint meeting that explains the reserve concept, identifies potential parcels, summarizes environmental constraints (notably the riparian setback), and lists the questions for port/city decisionmakers.
