Mapping and Signage Project Description

Dibblee Point, Rainier Oregon

 

Location and site description:

 

Dibblee Point is a 110-acre parcel along the Columbia River, located just outside the city limits of Rainier, Oregon - west of the Lewis and Clark Bridge that connects Rainier and Longview Washington.  River mile 65. The site is owned by the State of Oregon and managed by the Division of State Lands.  Columbia County owns a small parcel, within the 110 acres.  Approximately 60 acres is leased by a local sand quarry operation, BC Excavation.

 

A confusing network of trails runs throughout the site.  These were at one time, “unofficial” roads, created by 4-wheel drive and ATV use of the site.  Off-road vehicles are no longer allowed at Dibblee Point, per the Division of State Lands.  Now these trails are popular with the horse community and local folks looking for a good nature walk.  The majority of the area is cottonwood forest and other native vegetation one would expect to find along the Columbia; some invasive plant species also occupy the area.  A small lake is located on the site.  Three "major" roads dissect the site.  Two roads are considered public access roads; one road is the "haul road" for the leasee.  This "haul road" is to be gated at some point in the near future.  These roads are maintained by BC Excavation, much to the public's benefit.

 

Historical and current uses:

 

Historically the site has been the location for dredge spoil disposal from maintenance dredging and local recreation and river access.

 

The current land uses include the sand quarry operation.  Recreational uses have changed over the years.  Public access is allowed between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.  The site is a very popular fishing location.  Horseback riding, walking, and picnicking are also popular activities. 

 

 

Mapping concept:

 

The Friends of Dibblee Point are interested in mapping the site digitally.  FDP would use this information to produce a directional sign to be located at the entrance to the site and a handout map to distribute to local users and groups.  The map would include the major roads, side trails, and other interesting features.   Major trails need to be selected from those that exist based on their usability.  These trails need to connect the east and west end of the site and avoid the quarry operation.  Assistance in these components of the project would be a tremendous help to our group.

 

A sign will benefit both the public using the site and the local industry located at the site.  Public use of the “haul” road is potentially dangerous due to the high use by heavy equipment and dump trucks.  Public access to portions of the leased area is of benefit to the community. A partnership between the leasee, the Division of State Lands, and Friends of Dibblee Point—on behalf of the community—is great for everyone.

 

Considerations/ overlays to the map:

1.     BCX lease. Current restricted areas include "the pit."  Future restricted areas may include the haul road, leasehold change, and a second pit.

2.     City of Rainier The city is looking at the site as a possible location to relocate the City's wastewater treatment plant.

3.     Lewis and Clark water trail.  Potential exists to include Dibblee Point and/or Dibblee Island within the water trail currently being developed by the Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership.

4.     Birdhouse locations.  FDP has sponsored installation of approximately 55 birdhouses along trails on the east end.  A map that includes the locations of these birdhouses would be helpful to the birdhouse project and to volunteers monitoring the status of the birdhouses.

 

Resources available to student internship:

1.     Aerial map available via the Division of State Lands.  (I haven't seen the map, so I'm not sure how visible the network of trails is.)

2.     County tax lot maps.

3.     Guided tour of the site is available.

4.     Mileage reimbursement.

 

 

 

 

For more information contact Lori Baker 503-556-2457