Many thanks to Specialized and the Bike Peddler for helping us fund this project. We’d also like to thank Scott’s Cycle and Fitness, Santiam Bicycle, Venti’s Cafe+Taphouse and the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association. Jill Van Winkle from IMBA’s Trail Solutions conducted the study and drafted the report. You can read the entire document here.

A few highlights:

Opportunities:

• Numerous parcels of open space follow the Willamette River’s edge along its west bank near Salem. Isolated portions of the open space see low use and some illicit activities (primarily camping and dumping). However, combined, these lands have the potential to create a contiguous system of open space with trails for non‐motorized use.
• Opportunity for trail‐based events and tours with wineries/vineyards and associated facilities.
• Trails and facilities could be accessible directly from downtown Salem, providing front‐ country access to backcountry quality experiences.

Constraints:

• Connecting open spaces for a large trail system will involve partnerships and agreements with city, state, county, and private landowners.
• Trail proposals on state lands require environmental reviews, which may be costly and/or lengthy.
• Proposal involves connections through several privately‐owned properties. Land‐owner agreements, easements, acquisitions or other means are needed to provide trail access through these areas.
• Proposal involves connections on roadways. It may be a challenge to provide suitable roadway conditions and way finding along these routes.

SATA’s Board of Directors will meet in Feb 2012 to draft a strategic plan and set goals for the next three to five years. We will also have the build schedule set for Spring Valley Greenway very soon. Stay tuned and thanks for your support!