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85 °F Forecast | Road Cams Wednesday, August 4, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Prime Times Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Rogue Valley's Finest EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend July 2, 2004 Mike Barreras of Medford fishes on the Rogue River at Nugget Falls upstream from Gold Hill. The falls is one of the scenic places that would be accessible from a proposed 20-mile extension that would link the Bear Creek Greenway to Rogue River. Mail Tribune / Jim Craven Green, and growing Multiple entities push for extension of Bear Creek Greenway, all the way to Rogue River By SANNE SPECHT Mail Tribune From a U.S. congressman to the Rogue Valley Audubon Society, support is growing for a 20-mile bicycle and pedestrian path that would extend the Bear Creek Greenway all the way to the city of Rogue River. Supporters say the trail would promote alternative modes of transportation, stimulate the local economy, provide health benefits and improve air quality. It would begin at the Depot Street Bridge in Rogue River, head through Valley of the Rogue State Park, wander past Del Rio Vineyards and through the city of Gold Hill, follow the Rogue River into Central Point and link with the Greenway at Upton Road by the Jackson County Expo. In addition to a safe and scenic place to bike and walk, the trail would also offer an "emerald necklace of parks, public access areas and water trails along the Rogue River," says Shayne Maxwell, executive director of the Rogue River Greenway Foundation. Users could fish, picnic, boat, bird and kayak along the way, she says. Advertisement "This will be a world-class recreation trail," says Maxwell. "To be able to ride from Ashland to Rogue River along the scenic Rogue River is phenomenal." U.S. Rep. Greg Walden submitted requests for federal funds in March. If granted, the $250,000 will be used to develop an engineering and feasibility study and a master plan for adoption by Rogue River, Gold Hill and Central Point as well as Jackson County. The engineering stage of the project is expected to take two years to complete. Joy Olson, executive director of the Bear Creek Greenway Foundation, says the Rogue River trail is a natural extension to the $20 million Bear Creek trail. "We’ve just completed a 20-mile corridor that was a huge investment," says Olson. "Now is the time to build on that 30-year investment." Olson says the Rogue River trail’s biggest challenge will be funding. But, she says, it can be done. "People asked us how we were going to raise $3.5 million (to complete the last segment) in economic times like these. But we raised $4 million," she says. In a letter of support, Olson wrote that an Ashland-to-Rogue River trail could boost potential tourism dollars by as much as $25 million annually. Michael Cavallaro, executive director of the Rogue Valley Council of Governments, says the project has his complete support. RVCOG has set aside $8,000 of its budget to assist in grant writing and creating a transportation plan. "I think it’s a great way to tie the county together," he says. "I can’t think of any part of the county that won’t benefit from this." Maxwell says the trail would not only take advantage of the Rogue Valley’s natural beauty, but also create a safe area for families to exercise — a key goal for her. "I grew up in Marin County (Calif.)," she says. "It has one of the most stunningly beautiful bike trails. "But here in our end of the valley, we don’t even have sidewalks, much less bike paths," she adds. "I’ve had to jump into the ditch on numerous occasions just walking to the store." Cavallaro agrees. Alternative transportation, public safety and enjoyable outdoor recreation are spurring his support of the project. "It helps our (federal) mandate to improve our array of transportation," he says. "It’s direct enough to be useful and attractive enough that people are going to enjoy it. "And it might end up saving some lives," he adds. "We have such beautiful scenery here, but we pass it at 60 mph." Oregon Parks and Recreation Director Michael Carrier says he has discussed the new Greenway project with a representative of Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s office. Carrier says the trail has been identified as a "high priority need" in Oregon’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. "Typically (problems) are always overcome when people see the benefits," says Carrier. "At that point, trail projects become wildly popular." For more information, visit www.roguerivertrails.org or call 582-4488. Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. 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