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A U.S. District Court judge has ruled against conservation groups suing the U.S. Forest Service over plans to build a trail for off-road vehicles between Coos County's Riley Ranch and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
The ruling gives Coos County the go-ahead to build a milelong trail that would link the Riley Ranch campground north of North Bend with dune access between Hauser Depot Road and Spinreel.
In the meantime, the county parks service has been shuttling recreational riders and their all-terrain vehicles at no cost.
'That's pretty good news," Commissioner Bob Main said after hearing of the ruling Tuesday afternoon.
The judge ruled in favor of the Forest Service on all points in what Coos County's attorney Ron Yockim called record time.
The parties made oral arguments at the Salem courthouse July 9, and a decision wasn't expected for 30-60 days.
The environmental groups have 60 days to appeal to the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Meanwhile, Coos County can move ahead with its design plans and finish paperwork for the bridge easement.
'We'll hold our breath and continue doing what were doing," said Larry Robison, Coos County parks director.
'We still can't do anything if they appeal it."
Environmentalists argued the gravel road would cut through a sensitive vegetation area currently closed to vehicles under the management plan. They say that because the Forest Service already is unable to control illegal riding that damages fragile plant communities, the trail would make matters worse.
Once the direct-access trail is open -- perhaps as early as next summer -- Robison expects Riley Ranch to generate enough revenue to make the parks department self-sufficient.
With an $835,000 grant and lofty ambitions, the county bought Riley Ranch in 2002 for just more than $1 million in hopes it would become a recreational mecca. Since, the total project has surpassed $2 million, with grants covering about half of the development costs.
But setbacks have slowed progress.
Park personnel intended to have the direct-access trail open by this summer, but it was delayed by the suit.
The trail would include an 180-foot bridge going over the railroad. If rail service begins, that also could slow construction.
'Those are details we have to iron out with the Port," Robison said.
Last year was the first that campers could reserve Riley Ranch's 24 campsites, which are equipped with water and electrical hook-ups.
The facility also has 29 first-come, first-served sites and two cabins, which bunk six to eight people, and a more primitive 42-site overflow area. The county completed indoor restrooms and showers last winter.
The south end of Riley Ranch offers a certified motocross track for quads and motorcycles. It opened this summer but is not fully constructed.
The riding loop stretches one-mile, measures 20 feet wide, and spans about six acres. It will include jumps and starting gates. A separate youth circle gives kids a less aggressive area to ride.
With the new motocross track, Robison hopes to attract sanctioned riding events, another source of income.
Reporter Meghan Walsh can be reached at 541-269-1222, ext. 235; or at
mwalsh@theworldlink.com.
