Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge on earth and one of
the most spectacular canyons in the country, may one day resemble
Disneyland, warns one critic. “Envision this place,” says Ric
Bailey, director of the Hells Canyon Preservation Council. “It’s a
backcountry place with dusty unpaved roads. The Forest Service is
going to turn it into a tourist trap.” Bailey is concerned about
the Hells Canyon Overlook Project, a $1.4 million plan to create
restrooms, overlooks and paved roads on the west rim of the canyon.
Bailey’s group filed a complaint in federal court Sept. 30, which
sought to block the project proposal on the ground that it violated
the agency’s management plan. The Forest Service then withdrew its
proposal. Ed Cole, the ranger who is shepherding a new overlook
plan, says it won’t change much but will better explain the
agency’s rationale. “We’re trying to provide a quality experience
for everybody,” he says. “We’re creating one corridor of highly
developed road and closing others to still provide some
backcountry.” Cole would like to see the construction begin in
mid-June, but Bailey warns that his group will go back to court to
protect the area from development. To obtain a copy of the final
plan, due in January, or to make comments, call Tom Glasford at the
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area office, 503/426-4978. Ric
Bailey and the Hells Canyon Preservation Council can be reached at
503/432-8100.
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Raising hell.
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