Residents of Dunes City in Western Lane Co. got together Tuesday, Nov. 1st to discuss the pending auction of the former International Paper Mill site in Gardiner, Western Douglas Co. Industrial Harbor, USA of Ridgefield, WA bought the 335+ acres in 2016 and initially considered leasing it out. The only lessee to use the property; however, has been the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which has stored trailers for emergency housing needs in the region. When I-P closed the mill, it operated from 1963 until 1999, the Reedsport/Gardiner community took a big hit to the local economy as 600 workers lost their jobs. Bids for the property and structures are due Nov. 16, 2022. The reserve is $16.1 million. The concern by the property owners in the Dunes City area is the water rights that come with the property. They have a direct impact on Siltcoos and Tahkenitch lakes, drinking water and recreational water sources for the area. The property is a perfect industrial site with easy access to Hwy. 101, rail, and waterway shipping.
