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Talent creek plan gets boost Park Service will help plan greenway on Wagner Creek TALENT -- The dream of a network of creekside parks and trails, including the possibility of a Wagner Creek Greenway, is a small step closer to reality this week with the award of planning assistance from the National Park Service. After completing a management plan for a woodland trail project in the hills above Jacksonville, representatives from the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program of the National Park Service will turn their attention to this little town at the confluence of Wagner and Bear creeks. The planning assistance, along with a $32,000 grant from the U.S. Forest Service awarded in September, will allow the city to begin assessing the possibilities for parks and trails along Wagner and Bear creeks. "It's not just a trail project," said city planner Nancy Kincaid. "We are looking at a lot of different characteristics of the creek that are important to protect ... It's permanent open space, habitat, flood protection, an outdoor classroom. "The planning process is really about deciding what makes sense for the citizens of Talent." Kincaid expects to begin public meetings early next year. She is still looking for interested individuals to serve on a citizens advisory group -- particularly someone from a bicycling background. After a year and a half, Kincaid hopes to have a map of the area, along with some recommendations for rehabilitation projects. With this plan in hand, the city will be able to apply for grants to do actual project construction. Much of the land is currently in private ownership and the city doesn't have the funds to purchase land for parks. Despite these obstacles, Kincaid is excited about beginning the planning process. "It's a good opportunity now because there is open space on one or more sides of the creek. So it's good to plan now before there are any conflicts (with development)," she said. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA