Look for further information on the www.linkriver.org website. Like us on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Link-River/416300471368
Recent Developments:
As an update on the North Conger project, Klamath Greenways has continued to pursue support of a plan to protect the canyon, working with the City, Mortgage holders, and various community and regional agencies. Our interest is to pursue grants (specifically ODOT grants, though possibly others) for the ultimate purchase of the property, with the intended future use of it as a Vista/Interpretive Center area. We recently garnered support from the City parks board in our efforts, and petitioned the City Council to make this a priority project, or at least a concurrent grant with that of the Lake Ewauna trail at the Council meeting February 21, 2012. We feel our opportunity is of an extremely time sensitive nature. The City Council approved funds, in conjunction with Klamath Greenways, for an appraisal, one of the first steps prior to grant applications. The nature of the appraisal has made this a slow process, and we are currently working with the city to address how best to proceed at this juncture.
Background:
The 28-acre subdivision of Linkriver Estates sits atop a ridge that overlooks the entire Link River canyon, most of which was set aside from development years ago. “More than 100 acres along the river have been preserved through the generosity of earlier residents,” ad hoc chairman Eric Nelson said. “This little subdivision is the last piece of the puzzle. It has the potential to become the crown jewel, or to stick out like a sore thumb.” Several homes in the subdivision would be perched on a high bluff directly overlooking the falls for which Klamath Falls was named. The vistas go from Klamath Lake and the cascades to the north, to Mount Shasta to the south.
Members of the Klamath Greenways Foundation estimate they’ll need to raise $1.5 million through grants and donations to acquire the Link River Estates subdivision and remove it from development. Its stunning geographic location and cultural/historic nature lend it to the use as a Vista/Interpretive sight, and this aspect has brought the attention of groups like ODOT. As a Vista sight, it would be accessible to people traveling through Klamath, drawing them to stop and learn more about our area. Because funding will be a challenge, KGF will examine numerous possible sources, as well as any alternative solutions that would save critical portions of the subdivision. Already pledges of support and interest have been forthcoming from residents and interested individuals. Local businesses and organizations are also involved in the efforts to see this property protected.
Historically, the work to protect the Link River Canyon as open space date started in the early 1900s, when the entire west side of the canyon was donated to the city of Klamath Falls by the Moore family, for whom Moore Park is named. Much of the east side of the canyon, known as Conger Heights, was protected in the 1970s when Dr. George Nicholson purchased the land from developers. The city proposed selling the Conger Heights tract to a developer in 2006, but shelved the plans after a group formed to protest the sale. (For more information on this, click the link. ) www.klamathgreenways.org/page8.php
The proposal to build the Link River Estates subdivision, just north of the Conger Heights tract, was already platted and permits obtained when the open space on the rest of Conger Heights was protected in 2007. What is little known to most is that a large scenic easement was established on the west side of the Conger North tract in the 1970's. That easement was stated to be binding on future owners, the city, and heirs of that property. In 2006 the City Council was petitioned by the developer of Linkville Estates to alter that easement so that the western lots could be more generously plotted over the canyon, and the City Council approved this motion. There is no record that this was brought to the public's attention and no mention of this action ever surfaced until a title search was made in 2011. The Linkville Estates development has been stalled by the economic downturn; no lots in the subdivision have been sold and the market remains gloomy. Nelson added, “The people who originally invested in this subdivision have suffered a great loss. However, their loss provides us with an opportunity to create a legacy for the community. It provides one last chance to preserve the area for all to enjoy,”
Although the subdivision is relatively small at 28 acres, it sits on high ground that overlooks the entire canyon.“The nice thing about the Link River Trail is that it gives you the feeling you are a long way from town,” Nelson said. “That feeling would be lost if the subdivision goes through.” Link River Estates is owned by Grants Pass-based Rogue River Mortgage, which foreclosed on the original project developer in 2009. Nelson said the mortgage firm is open to the idea of seeing the land being used for a Vista Center/Interpretive area as long as the company can recoup its investment. A paved street loops through the subdivision, and utilities have been installed for each of the 50 lots in the project. The only major remaining cost is installation of a water pump for the hilltop home sites. The street detracts from the site’s natural setting, Nelson acknowledged. But the road might also be a benefit from the standpoint of providing easy visitor access to the hilltop that offers a 360-degree vista of the entire city and surrounding countryside. “We hope everyone in Klamath Falls will take the time to visit the site, and decide what it might be worth to them to see this important piece of ground remain a public place available to all.” For further information, call: 541-883-3141.
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