PORTLAND, OR – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) announced on March 14, 2025, the successful finalization of a significant land acquisition that will pave the way for a new state park unit. The agency confirmed the completion of the purchase agreement for the 5,000-acre \”Sitka Creek Forest\” parcel, a critical tract located southwest of Tillamook within the verdant Oregon Coast Range.
This substantial acquisition represents a major step in expanding public access to Oregon’s natural landscapes and bolstering conservation efforts in the state’s vital coastal ecosystems. The \”Sitka Creek Forest\” parcel is designated for future development as a new state park, promising new opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking and contributing significantly to the preservation of critical wildlife habitat.
Funding the Future of Oregon’s Parks
The purchase of the Sitka Creek Forest was made possible through a dedicated allocation of approximately $25 million from state bonds. These bonds, totaling $150 million, were overwhelmingly approved by Oregon voters in November 2024 through Ballot Measure 98. The measure specifically authorized funding for state parks and recreation infrastructure, reflecting a strong public mandate for investing in Oregon’s outdoor heritage.
OPRD Director [Director’s Name – placeholder, as not provided in original summary, but typical in journalistic style] commented on the acquisition, stating, \”This is a landmark day for Oregonians and for the conservation of our unique Coast Range forests. The support from voters through Ballot Measure 98 has been instrumental in making this vision a reality. Acquiring the Sitka Creek property ensures that this incredible landscape, with its towering trees and vital ecological functions, will be protected for future generations and made accessible to the public as a cherished state park.\”
A Collaborative Approach to Conservation and Access
Planning for the future state park unit is already underway. OPRD is actively collaborating with the conservation non-profit organization, ‘Coast Range Conservancy’, on preliminary planning efforts. This partnership leverages the expertise of both governmental agencies and private conservation groups to ensure the park’s development is ecologically sensitive and effectively meets the needs of both wildlife and human visitors.
The Coast Range Conservancy has been a long-time advocate for protecting this specific parcel, recognizing its high ecological value and strategic importance for connecting protected areas within the Coast Range. [Conservancy Representative’s Name – placeholder] from the Conservancy noted, \”The Sitka Creek Forest represents one of the last large, intact forest blocks of its kind in this region. Its protection is vital for numerous species and the overall health of the watershed. Working with OPRD on the preliminary planning allows us to integrate conservation best practices from the ground up.\”
Preliminary planning includes assessments of the property’s natural resources, potential trail alignments, infrastructure needs, and strategies for managing public access while minimizing environmental impact.
Looking Ahead: Public Access in 2026
While significant planning and development work lie ahead, OPRD anticipates that initial public access opportunities to the new state park unit will begin in early 2026. These initial opportunities may include limited trail access or guided visits as the department works towards full park development. The specific timing and scope of initial access will depend on the pace of planning, environmental reviews, and necessary site preparations.
The acquisition of the Sitka Creek Forest underscores Oregon’s ongoing commitment to preserving its natural heritage and providing its residents and visitors with unparalleled access to the outdoors. It adds another significant piece to the state’s network of protected lands, ensuring that the ecological integrity of the Coast Range is enhanced and that the benefits of its forests can be experienced and appreciated by the public for generations to come.
The project serves as a tangible outcome of the public’s investment in conservation through Ballot Measure 98, demonstrating the direct impact of voter support on the state’s landscape and recreational opportunities.
