The Commission adopted a limited entry parking program for summer weekends and holidays at Sauvie Island’s Beaches to address public safety issues and protect wildlife area habitat.
Commissioners first heard from staff and OSP how high visitation to beaches in summer has created significant safety concerns and wildlife impacts. “The public safety aspect cannot be overstated,” said Oregon State Police’s Lt. Tim Schwartz.
Vehicles outnumber parking spaces by a large margin on hot summer weekends, leading to traffic jams and preventing emergency vehicles from providing timely emergency response.
Under the new program, from June 15-Labor Day, vehicles will need to have a “Sauvie Island Beaches Parking Permit” ($10 daily) to park at Walton, Collins, and North Unit beaches on weekends and holidays. The traditional Wildlife Area Parking Permit will not be valid in these parking areas but can be used at other locations on the wildlife area (Willow Bar, Gilbert River boat ramp, Warrior Rock) and on summer weekdays.
“Sauvie Island is first and foremost a wildlife area supporting migratory birds, fish, mammals, and other species. Managing the volume of vehicles and visitors is essential to protecting these resources,” said Steve Niemela, ODFW North Willamette Watershed Manager.
Last summer’s pilot limited entry parking program showed that even on the busiest days, visitors who planned ahead were consistently able to get a permit and were able to find parking more easily once they arrived. The program does not limit visitors, it only limits the number of vehicles to keep Reeder Road open to emergency access and prevent the gridlock seen in past summers.
“ODFW’s goal is to manage summer congestion to protect public safety and wildlife habitat while keeping the island open for beach goers, wildlife watchers, anglers and all other users,” said Niemela.
ODFW will announce when passes are available for purchase. A limited number of seasonal passes will be available ($30 and allowing parking every weekend and holiday June 15-Labor Day) but most capacity will be reserved for daily pass holders.
Source: Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission