Volunteers sought to adopt stretches of Banks-Vernonia State Trail
Work varies from helping with publications to trail improvements
April 25th, 2002
#02-28 For immediate release: Various sections of the Banks-Vernonia State Trail in northwest Oregon are “up for adoption.” The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking volunteers to help develop, maintain and improve the 21-mile trail as part of its Adopt-a-Trail program. “Adopters can help in many ways,” said Connie Bradley, a volunteer coordinator for OPRD. “Besides volunteering behind shovels and pick axes, we need adopters to help develop trail maps, count trail users and patrol segments to deter vandalism and inform visitors about the impact of inappropriate use, litter and illegal fires.” Individuals, families, businesses, groups and clubs can sign up for one year and receive an official Adopt-a-Park sign with their name highlighted at the trailheads. Volunteers receive safety training, liability insurance coverage, supplies and recognition awards. The Banks-Vernonia State Trail is the first “rails-to-trails” state park built in Oregon. It was developed on an abandoned railroad bed stretching between Banks and Vernonia. The trail features 12 bridges and includes an eight-foot-wide hiking and bicycle trail paralleled by a four-foot-wide horse trail. The gentle grade allows hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and people of all abilities to enjoy the scenic mountains, fields and forests of Washington and Columbia counties. Persons interested in volunteering should call 1-877-225-9803, OPRD’s volunteer line, or contact the Banks-Vernonia trail office, 503-324-0606.
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OPRD photos are available for download.
Direct general media inquiries to:
Chris Havel
Director's Office
chris.havel@state.or.us
(503) 986-0722
OR
Jean Thompson
Public Services Division
jean.thompson@state.or.us
(503) 986-0667
Or write:
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
North Mall Office Building
725 Summer St. NE
Suite C
Salem, OR 97301
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