Minutes of Sept. 6th meeting:

The September meeting of the MRWC took place outdoors on the grounds of Newton Creek wetlands, behind Philomath's caboose, at our usual time, 7pm. This departure from our usual meeting spot also involved a departure from our usual meeting procedure.

The evening began with Jeff Mitchell, introducing the Marys Peak Natural Resources Interpretive Center (MPNRIC). He explained the history of the idea for a local natural resource interpretive center, which took shape in 1995. Two years later Philomath received funding from the U.S. Forest Service to study the feasibility of such a Center, and the conclusion was positive. The location chosen was the site of the former Willamette Industries mill, where old log ponds and a wetland teams with abundant wildlife. Professional planners and the Philomath Community Response Team took part in developing the vision, mission, goals and key messages. Goals include: youth education; life-long learning; increased communication; recreation; community pride; tourism; design compatibility; economic opportunity and financial viability.

After touring the ponds and wetlands, Van Hunsaker updated us on the project's current status. Most importantly, the Center has been formally incorporated as a non-profit corporation, which gives it tax exempt status. Direct negotiations are now taking place with the property owners to purchase the entire 124 acres of Lakeside Industrial Park for a price similar to the original price for 20 acres. Pledges of donations are encouraged from the community to indicate their support for the project.

The tour included a stop at the site of the Newton Creek dam on the property of Andrew Martin. The Council has received funding from National Fish & Wildlife Foundation and Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board to remove the dam to allow fish passage for Cutthroat trout and replant the riparian area with native plants. The riparian planting will be a project of Jeff Mitchell's Philomath High School ecology students.