Who owns the land and why isn't it a park already?

The challenge is that this land is currently owned by a number of entities: Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon State Parks, Portland Bureau of Transportation, and private property owners. Multiple owners makes it challenging to connect a trail through multiple jurisdictions.

Is it safe to hike, bike or climb there?

In recent years, many individuals have been living on the east side of Rocky Butte. Without services such as trash removal and sanitation, a significant amount of waste and trash have accumulated. We envision a land transfer to an agency that has the resources to establish public access and includes a public-private partnerships that cleans up and maintains the area free of trash and waste. We also believe that the best way to make Rocky Butte safe is to activate it with walkers, hikers, runners, climbers, and bikers who will take responsibility to keep the area clean and safe.

How many trees will be removed for the trails?

None! In fact, we envision minimal changes to the landscape. We want to maintain the woodland by building on the already-present dirt trails and without removing trees. After years of neglect, Rocky Butte, especially the trees and the rock walls and fences built by the Works Progress Administration, has become overgrown with invasive English Ivy. We envision extensive ivy removal with the goal of restoring biodiversity.

What are the next steps?

  1. Unify land under one owner

  2. Extensive clean up of trash and human waste

  3. Develop trails

  4. Public activation

  5. Steward and manage the land