August 19, 2008
Contact:
Vanessa Vaughan, The Conservation Fund, 703.908.5809
Astoria, OR – The park honoring America’s most famous explorers just grew a bit bigger. With key bipartisan support from Oregon’s congressional delegation, the National Park Service (NPS) acquired last week from The Conservation Fund roughly six acres adjacent to the Fort Clatsop unit of the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park in Clatsop County.
The Fund purchased the property from the O’Casey family, which had approached the National Park Service about its interest in adding the land to the park. Although the family’s property sat outside the park’s congressionally-authorized boundary, NPS determined that it would be an important addition to the park and would provide expanded access for hiking the Fort-to-Sea Trail, which connects Fort Clatsop to the Pacific Ocean.
“In 2006, dozens of partners and hundreds of volunteer hands completed the Fort-to-Sea Trail at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park and gave a gift to the nation,” said National Park Service Director Mary A. Bomar. “In the few years since its dedication, the Fort-to-Sea Trail has become an anchor for a network of community and city trail efforts. This small addition will make certain that generations to come have access to the historic trail. We would like to thank The Conservation Fund for helping the park and the community to realize their goals for the trail.”
The Conservation Fund acquired and held the O’Casey property. Sens. Ron Wyden and Gordon Smith and Rep. David Wu secured federal funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and supported a minor boundary expansion that would allow NPS to add the land to the park.
“This addition will expand opportunities for the public to enjoy the Fort-to-Sea Trail and learn about Lewis and Clark’s winter encampment at Fort Clatsop,” said Sen. Wyden. “It is important that we continue preserving Oregon’s rich heritage and making these cultural resources more accessible for current and future generations.”
“The park is a pioneering symbol of Oregon’s rich history,” said Sen. Smith. “Expanding the park will help preserve the heritage of Lewis and Clark along with our state’s abundant natural resources that have endured for nearly 150 years.”
“I am proud of all of those who work to share Oregon’s rich history, culture and environment with the millions of Americans who come here to learn more about our country’s westward expansion,” said Rep. David Wu. “The Columbia River plays a significant role in our national heritage, and this expansion is another step in making our region’s resources accessible to millions of Americans.”
Honoring the dramatic journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, in a landscape popular for its sweeping vistas, outdoor recreation and native coastal legacy, the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park encompasses 12 sites along 40 miles of the rugged Pacific coast in Oregon and Washington.
The recent acquisition builds on the Fund’s previous work at the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. The Fund worked in partnership with NPS to implement the 2004 congressionally-authorized boundary expansions and has helped protect more than 1,100 acres at the park, including 920 acres critical to the completion of the Fort-to-Sea Trail, 80 acres at Netul Landing and 154 acres at Dismal Nitch, the legendary site where Lewis and Clark survived days of perilous weather. In addition, through its Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Initiative, the Fund and its partners have protected nearly 30,000 acres along the famous route extending across the northwest.
“Sometimes smaller conservation deals leave a big legacy – and the Lewis and Clark trail is surely a prime example,” said Mark Elsbree, vice president and northwest director for The Conservation Fund. “We thank the Oregon congressional delegation and the National Park Service for recognizing the value this property would add to the park, and we also thank the O’Casey family for being a good friend and neighbor to the park and wanting to add to the park’s legacy.”
“National Parks have always held a special place in our hearts and now our hearts have been blessed through giving back to the National Parks,” said Terry O’Casey on behalf of the O’Casey family.
Wild Havens. Vibrant Communities.
Today, America faces tough decisions about our economy and our environment. Working in communities, The Conservation Fund is finding solutions. Join us »
From government agencies to corporations, from private landowners to land trusts and local communities, the Fund's partners seek our expertise to:
Powered by: Phase2 TechnologyThe Conservation Fund National Office
1655 N. Fort Myer Drive, Suite 1300
Arlington, Virginia 22209-2156
Phone: 703-525-6300
Fax: 703-525-4610
Email: postmaster@conservationfund.org
