On January 14, 2016, the Portland City Council voted unanimously to adopt the River View Natural Area Management Plan.  

The plan protects this valuable 146-acre natural area in southwest Portland, uses a science-based approach to direct management priorities, and outlines a public access strategy that is compatible with protecting natural resources.

In 2011, Environmental Services, Portland Parks & Recreation, Metro and the Trust for Public Land purchased the site from River View Cemetery to protect the natural area’s water quality, habitat and wildlife.  River View is part of the Westside Wildlife Corridor that runs through the West Hills from Forest Park to Tyron Creek State Natural Area. 

River View’s seven streams and multiple wetlands provide clean, cool water to the Willamette River.  Water temperatures in the river are too high for salmon and other native fish, but river water can be up to 10 degrees cooler at Powers Marine Park where River View’s streams enter the Willamette.  Protecting these cool water sources helps Portland comply with water quality regulations and support salmon recovery.

Since acquiring the property, restoration projects have removed invasive vegetation and planted more than 75,000 native trees and shrubs. See photos from some of the restoration work in our past blog post.   

The full plan and more information about the planning process and public involvement are posted on the Parks website. The city will begin implementing the plan this spring.