Mountain range between Portland, Washington County nets federal funding

Even people who live in Multnomah County might not have heard of the Tualatin Mountains, but the ridge that separates Portland from eastern Washington County is about to strike paydirt.

The U.S. Forest Service has awarded $3.63 million to support the Tualatin Mountain Forest Project through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Legacy Program.

Oregon’s U.S. senators, Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, released the news Wednesday, May 15.

The Tualatin Mountains are informally known as Portland’s West Hills. It’s a ridge about 350 meters high — 1,148 feet — that separates the Tualatin Basin in Washington County from the Portland Basin, which includes Western Multnomah County and Clark County.

The acquisition will establish a 3,111-acre working research forest owned by Oregon State University.

“We thank Sens. Merkley and Wyden for supporting Trust for Public Land’s efforts to convert (an estimated) 3,100 acres of timberland into a climate-smart research forest,” said Mitsu Iwasaki, associate vice president and northwest director at Trust for Public Land. “Managed by OSU, the forest will serve as a hub for studying forestry practices and climate resilience. Additionally, it will feature 24 miles of publicly accessible hiking and biking trails near Forest Park, Portland, for everyone to enjoy. This project exemplifies how we can conserve our environment while enhancing outdoor access for all.”

“It is essential to conserve Oregon’s forests to help ensure this land remains healthy, well managed, and accessible to Oregonians, visitors, and future generations,” Sen. Merkley said. He serves as chair of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds the U.S. Forest Service and secured these funds in the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations Bill.

“These federal resources expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the Tualatin Mountain Forest and invest in OSU’s world-class research into how this natural treasure can keep thriving despite the climate crisis,” Sen. Wyden added.