The start of something wonderful

Cottonwood Canyon State Park will open in 2013. Years off, right? It’s closer than you think.

And it takes years to plan what will probably be the most important new state park in a generation. More than 8,000 acres along the lower John Day River, with sweeping vistas and deep canyons. We’re working with partners — nonprofits, other governments, locals — to start down the planning road, but it’s the sort of thing we need your help to plan, too.

And that’s where this blog comes in. We’ll announce meeting dates for those of you who prefer the personal touch, but as we come up with questions, photos, videos, maps and other documents, we’ll put them here so you can look them over and share your thoughts.

That’s it. Take a look around (start here if you don’t know what to do next), and don’t be shy.

First public meetings April 26-29

Oregon’s new Cottonwood Canyon State Park in central Oregon will open in 2013. The first public discussions about the park’s future will take place April 26 in Moro, April 27 in Condon and April 29 in Portland.