July 21, 2021

Hello East Columbia Neighbors near Flyway Wetland Complex,

The intent of this letter is to provide an update about activities in the seven properties that the City of Portland Parks and the Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) is managing in your neighborhood. Our last update was in February of 2020.

Areas 1 and 2 – These areas have been undergoing enhancement work in partnership with Portland State University’s Indigenous Nations Studies Department. The project includes useful native plants to diversify the existing vegetation and help manage stormwater, engages students and restoration ecologists in Indigenous Traditional Ecological and Cultural Knowledge practices, and provides habitat for pollinators including birds and insects. The area was planted with native camas bulbs and other wetland species throughout 2020. Experiments in non-herbicide weed control on the site include suppressing weedy grasses with mulching and vinyl sheeting.

Area 1: Native tall camas and vinyl sheeting for weed control

Area 3 – In our 2020 update, I let you know that BES completed a property line adjustment to keep most of the parcel as natural area to protect the wetlands. Three outbuilding structures were removed and a parcel that includes the home was created.

Several neighbors have inquired about this new parcel relative to timing for sale and raised concerns about abandoned autos and possible camping on the site. Thank you for your prompt communications with our staff.

Residential property sale (surplus) for 9442 NE 13^th Ave information:

The residential property will follow policies and a process outlined in the Citywide Surplus Real Property website at https://www.portlandoregon.gov/dam/68245. The website allows people to sign up to receive excess and surplus real property notifications and provides general process information.

The current status of property is “Excess to BES needs.” Property is not disposed of until all bureaus identify it as unneeded.  After confirmation that the property doesn’t need to be retained in City ownership, the Real Property Coordinator will begin the public outreach process.   An Ordinance will be scheduled at City Council after the completion of outreach and will include all of the public comments. An estimate of the time to complete the process is January 2022.

Please contact Eli Callison, BES facilities management at eli.callison@portlandoregon.gov regarding the disposition of the property.

Abandoned autos and possible camping information:

We understand that community might have safety and camping concerns. For safety and camping concerns, call City/County information at 3-1-1 or 503-823-4000 or file a campsite report online at the City’s Homelessness Toolkit One Point of Contact at portlandoregon.gov/toolkit/70039. Follow up questions or updates regarding campsites can be emailed to reportpdx@portlandoregon.gov. In case of emergency, call 9-1-1.

In the next few weeks, you may see the placement of concrete blocks to prevent vehicular entry to the property.

Area 4 – BES has demolished all structures. This property will remain as open space and was planted in 2020 with native species.

Area 5 – This site is co-owned by City of Portland Parks and Recreation, Bureau of Environmental Services and Metro. Our bureaus work together to keep eyes on this property and treat weeds around the perimeter.

Areas 6 and 7 – As previously reported, a large, noxious, invasive plant called giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is being managed by BES’ Invasive Species staff. Note that giant hogweed poses a serious threat to your health since it’s sap can cause severe blisters and rashes! Do not touch or attempt to control this plant. Oregon law requires that you report all sightings immediately for assistance. Call Mitch Bixby at 503-823-5922.

We appreciate the dialogue and partnership we have with our neighbors. Please let me know if you have any thoughts or questions.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Devlin, Environmental Manager, Community Engagement

1120 SW 4^th Ave Suite 613, Portland, Oregon 97204

Jennifer.devlin@portlandoregon.gov 503-823-1234