OPRD release – Sept. 26 Update: The Sept. 28 meeting is canceled because of the proximity of the Anvil Fire to Port Orford and related evacuation levels. The meeting will be rescheduled. Original release: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is working on a Trail Investment Plan for Floras Lake State Natural Area near Port Orford, and the public is invited to an informational meeting and to provide feedback Sept. 28. OPRD has acquired additional land next to the natural area in recent years, and it anticipates increasing visitation consistent with coastal parks statewide – leading the agency to develop a basic plan for Floras Lake. The plan includes improving the trail experience and providing better connections to a nearby Curry County park as well as federal land. “The investment strategy for Floras Lake will aim to improve the visitor experience, especially navigating through the sensitive site, while maintaining the primitive quality that existing users highly value,” said Justin Helberg, south coast district manager. “Resource protection is of particular concern at State Natural Areas, which are typically designated due to the unique plants and animals found in these locations,” he said. “Balancing the need for recreation facilities with natural resource protection is a primary goal of OPRD.” The public can learn about the project in these early stages and provide feedback 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, September 28 at the Langlois Public Library, 48234 Highway 101, Langlois, OR. Information and an online survey are also available at https://bit.ly/floraslaketrailplan.
