ALLIANCE FOR RECREATION AND NATURAL AREAS

Marys Peak West Point Project. This is a multi-year project started by the US Forest Service to restore meadows in the US Forest Service's Marys Peak Scenic-Botanical Special Interest Area. It is the highest point in the Oregon Coast Range and a popular recreation area and biological reserve. This is a continuation of a project started by the Forest Service in 2014 to remove trees and other vegetation that were encroaching into the meadows. At least 1/3 of the meadows visible in early (1940s) aerial photos have been lost to invading trees. The US Congress awarded funds for multi-agency projects. Part of the restoration area on Marys Peak is on City of Corvallis property and the rest on Forest Service land. The Forest Service was awarded funds for this project. They chose Cascade Pacific RC&D (a 501(c)(3) organization) to manage the funds for the project. Cascade Pacific hired AFRANA to oversee the work. AFRANA hired the Institute for Applied Ecology (a 501(C)(3) organization) to do the on-the-land work to remove invasive species, grow native species from seeds collected at the project site, and restore the native vegetation.

Marys Peak Fence Project. AFRANA worked with the US Forest Service to design and produce a split rail fence to protect sensitive botanical areas in the Marys Peak Scenic-Botanical Special Interest Area. People were climbing on rock outcrops at the summit of Marys Peak where many sensitive plant species grow. AFRANA paid for the production and installation of fences to keep people off the rocks. The fence design was a USDA approved buck and rail fence. The fences were installed by AFRANA volunteers. The project included placing boulders to block unauthorized trails and signs marking sensitive areas.