Imagine one of Oregon’s most cherished natural treasures, a breathtaking 92-foot waterfall nestled in the heart of the state, suddenly being locked away from the public forever. That’s the alarming possibility that sparked a rare bipartisan effort in Oregon’s legislature—and it’s a story that’s both inspiring and, frankly, a little controversial. Abiqua Falls, a beloved landmark near Mt. Angel, is up for sale, and two lawmakers from opposite sides of the aisle are teaming up to ensure it remains accessible to all Oregonians. But here’s where it gets complicated: while their mission is noble, the path to public ownership is fraught with questions about funding, management, and even the role of government in preserving natural wonders. Let’s dive in.
State Senator Fred Girod, a Republican from Stayton, and House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, a Democrat from Tigard, are leading the charge to purchase the 40-acre property where Abiqua Falls sits, along with an adjacent 160 acres owned by timber giant Weyerhaeuser. Their goal? To prevent the falls from falling into private hands and potentially being closed off to the public. For Girod, this fight is personal. ‘I grew up in the woods,’ he shared, ‘and I’m one of the few senators actually born in Oregon. Places like this are deeply important to me.’
The property, currently owned by the Abbey Foundation of Oregon (AFO), has been privately held but open to the public for over a century. However, when AFO listed the land for auction-style sale on Redfin earlier this year, alarm bells went off. Bowman, who first learned about the sale through news reports, was quick to act. ‘The idea that this natural wonder could be lost to the public was unacceptable,’ he said. After raising the issue in the House, he discovered Girod shared his concerns, and a rare bipartisan partnership was born.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While both lawmakers agree on the need to preserve public access, the question of how—and at what cost—remains open. Girod suggests using a bond authorized through this session’s bonding bill to fund the purchase, but the price tag is still unclear. Additionally, if the state acquires the property, one of three agencies—the Department of State Lands, Oregon State Parks, or the Oregon Department of Forestry—would manage it. Oregon State Parks has already estimated the cost of improving infrastructure for safer public access, though Girod hasn’t disclosed the figure. This raises another question: Would public access need to be temporarily restricted while these improvements are made? And who decides what ‘improvement’ really means?
Bowman sees the falls as a natural fit for a state park but emphasizes that his ultimate goal is simply to keep it open to the public. ‘The Abbey Foundation deserves credit for preserving this place for over 100 years,’ he noted. ‘But what happens in the next 100 years? My preferred answer is public ownership, ideally as a state park. But that’s not the only solution.’
And this is the part most people miss: This isn’t just about one waterfall. It’s about setting a precedent for how Oregon values and protects its natural landmarks. Both Girod and Bowman point to historical figures like Tom McCall and Mark Hatfield, who championed public access to natural wonders. ‘This isn’t a partisan issue,’ Girod said. ‘It’s about preserving Oregon’s legacy.’
The effort has already gained support from conservation groups like the Willamette River Preservation Trust, which had previously tried to purchase the falls directly. ‘We fully support Senator Girod and Representative Bowman’s efforts,’ said CEO Travis Williams. ‘State ownership will ensure greater ecological protection and recreational opportunities for everyone.’
But here’s the bigger question for you: Should the government step in to buy and manage natural landmarks like Abiqua Falls, or is this a step too far? Is public ownership the best way to preserve these spaces, or are there other solutions we’re overlooking? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation worth having.
