Imagine traveling along a 50 mile trail linking the Willamette Valley to the Pacific Ocean, taking in the rich cultural, geologic, and ecological attributes of the landscape that is harder to fully grasp at faster paces. This picture is soon to become a reality, in the form of the Corvallis-to-the-Sea—or C2C—Trail . Jim Golden will present the latest trail development updates at the June 6th MidCoast Watersheds Council Community Meeting, in the Newport Visual Arts Center, starting at 6:30 PM.
The C2C trail’s completed eastern half begins in Corvallis at the confluence of the Marys and Willamette Rivers. Hiking takes place on bike paths, some highway and county road sections, than continues into the lush Coast Range on actively managed forest lands and old growth reserves alike. After passing through more traditional single-track sections being built, the trail will ultimately end at the confluence of Beaver Creek with the Pacific on Ona Beach, within Brian Booth State Park. MCWC has implemented restoration projects throughout the Beaver Creek Watershed, and the trail provides potential for hikers to catch a rare glimpse of restoration sites as they mature.
With both a BS and MS in Fisheries from Oregon State University, Jim is keen on keeping fish, wildlife, and habitat in consideration in trail planning. His career background included 34 years spent with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife as a technician, biologist, and finally as the manager of the Marine Resources Program, based out of Hatfield Marine Sciences Center. Following, he spent 13 years as a consultant with Golden Marine Consulting. “After spending so many years exploring the marine environment, I turned east and started exploring Oregon’s terrestrial and freshwater habitats,” Jim says, which lead him to joining the C2C Trail organization. Over the past four years ago, he has worked directly on the trail, as well as a board member for the organization.
The presentation will begin at 6:30 PM in Room 205 on the upper floor of the Newport Visual Arts Center in Nye Beach, at 777 NW Beach Drive. Refreshments will be provided. A MidCoast Watersheds Council Board meeting will follow the presentation with the following agenda: financial report, restoration report, technical team report, administrative committee report, and action items. We hope to see you on Thursday, June 6th!