Public Input Sought on Three Pools Day Use Area Improvements

Three Pools, the popular summertime attraction east of Salem attracts over 600 visitors on hot summer days resulting in litter, soil erosion, trampled vegetation, and traffic congestion.

Photo: U.S. Forest Service

(SALEM) - The popular “Three Pools” swimming area located just a half hour east of Salem on the Little North Fork of the Santiam is well loved and in fact, attracts so many visitors that the current parking and other facilities can not safely accommodate everyone.

In an ongoing effort to improve safety and resource conditions the Detroit Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest proposes to construct a gravel loop road with parking spaces for about 100 vehicles.

According to Paul Matter, Detroit District Ranger, “Currently, traffic congestion stems from overflow parking on the main road; vehicles block other vehicles, inconveniencing visitors, hindering emergency access, and reducing our ability to respond to emergency and other situations.”

“The goal of the project is to accommodate the existing recreation use and provide for a formal, orderly parking arrangement to reduce congestion,” according to Dani Pavoni, Recreation Planner.

Other improvements being proposed for the site are to reconstruct trails, develop a scenic overlook, install a new toilet, picnic tables, and wooden rails, and increase information and educational signing.

“In conjunction with active law enforcement, these improvements will provide the visitor with a better and safer visit, and improve the area’s character,” says Matter; “right now the site has the appearance of being neglected, fostering vandalism, littering and resource damage. We’d like to see this become a place where families can come and safely enjoy their National Forest.”

People wanting to help or gain more information can obtain a Scoping Notice by calling the Detroit Ranger District at (503) 854-3366 or by going to: www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/manage/nepa/current_detroit.html.

Comments are encouraged prior to December 6th.

The planning team will consider submitted comments during the process of forming alternatives to the proposal described in the Scoping Notice.