Columbia conservation groups seek trail links and pond remediation as budgets run short

Chair and local conservation partners used a July 16 meeting of Columbia’s conservation commission to outline plans for regional trail connections, warn of invasive-plant damage at Mono Pond and press for more coordinated management despite a near‑zero municipal open‑space budget.

Speakers described recent land purchases and partnerships that they say could stitch together the Airline State Park Trail, Mono Pond State Park, Camp Laurel and the Hop River Trail. “Combined, I think we have close to 1,000 acres out there now,” the trail organizer who identified themself as vice president of the Airline State Park Trail Alliance said, arguing the connections would bring tourism and economic development benefits when finished.

The Trust for Public Land representative said the organization has no new information yet on a recreation‑trails grant but expects a decision “in the next month or two,” and invited Friends of Mono Pond to table at a July 30 film screening at the University of Hartford. Sarah Lloyd, a newly introduced project associate working on land protection, said she was joining to learn and support local efforts.

Speakers repeatedly flagged funding as a major constraint. Commission members noted Columbia has “absolutely no budget line for our open space” and relies on partners and grants for acquisitions and land protection. They discussed a local land‑status program cited in the meeting as “PA 4 90,” which one speaker described as temporary protection that lasts about 10 years and can be reversed if land changes hands.

Mono Pond’s ecological condition was a focal point. The presenter said the pond had no invasive aquatic plants 30 years ago but became “just full of invasive plants” after the state installed a boat launch; Friends of Mono Pond has applied for remediation grants three times since 2012 without success. The presenter proposed expanding Columbia’s lake‑management committee to include Bridal Pond and to guide remediation efforts.

Panelists also highlighted recent institutional changes that could help: several nearby land trusts merged into Abalone, and Willamette Whitewater Park recently received about $500,000 for upgrades. The presenters urged coordinating acquisitions and easements—particularly trail easements across large private parcels—to link conserved lands at low cost.

When asked whether Joshua’s Trust is pursuing acquisitions in particular towns, a representative present said the organization is “always looking” but did not specify target parcels. The meeting moved into executive session after the presentations; the chair later moved to adjourn. The transcript records the adjournment motion but no vote or final outcome on any policy or funding measures.

An additional meeting step: the Trust for Public Land speaker said she would share event materials and grant updates with Commission members, and several speakers encouraged local residents to assist with easements and local advocacy.