May 9, 2011

Last week, Commissioner Fish and partners announced the acquisition of 146 acres of open space from River View Cemetery in SW Portland.

"No matter how long the City Commissioners' careers may be," the Oregonian Editorial Board wrote on Sunday, "few will make decisions with any longer-lasting reverberations than this one."

This purchase represents:

• A unique partnership between Metro, the Trust for Public Land, the Bureau of Environmental Services, and Portland Parks & Recreation

• A legacy acquisition that permanently protects nearly 150 acres from development

• A significant commitment to improving the health of our watershed

• An important addition to what we call the Westside Wildlife Corridor, a chain of green spaces extending along Portland's west side from Forest Park to Tryon Creek

Special thanks to Director Santner for her commitment to this effort: "What a career capper", the Oregonian Editorial Board wrote, "for the Parks bureau's Zari Santner."

Together, we're building a world class, regional system of parks, trails, and natural areas.

"Interrupting the eternal"

Oregonian Editorial, May 8

"Portland Council approves purchase of 146-acre natural area"

Jim Mayer in the Oregonian, May 7

Photo: Thanks to flickr user SoulRider.222 for the beautiful shot of Mt. Hood from the River View property