Oregon Buys Abiqua Falls, Keeps It Public

0:00This is Cory, and here's what is making news across Durham right now. Oregon lawmakers have approved buying the stunning Avacoa Falls to keep it as public land. This 92-foot waterfall over a basalt cliff in the state has been privately owned for more than a century, but always open to visitors. The state is set to spend $2,100,000 on the property and surrounding land. The falls belonged to Mount Angel Avie since 1908, and later went to a non-profit foundation supporting the monks. Earlier this year, they listed it for an open auction with no set price, hoping for better stewardship amid growing hiker traffic. Fans of the spot grew worried it might close off to the public after seeing it pop up on real estate sites. Conservation groups, like the Willamette River Preservation Trust, jumped in with their own bid and pushed for protection. A bipartisan group of legislators acted fast at the end of the session, securing the funds and getting the foundation to accept the state's offer. Lawmakers promised the falls will stay accessible for generations.

1:03Now the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department needs to finish due diligence on environmental and archaeological reviews before closing the deal. It might not become a full-state park right away and could be managed by locals, tribes, or another agency. This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, See the episode description. What is cooler than cool? A pillow that plays your sound.