What a fascinating 'find'- thanks for sharing!! I never realized that it
was accessible. Is it possible to walk in? There are just a few places
within R-burg that are available for those of us who try to tuck in some
before work/lunchtime birding. This one sounds promising.
-------Original Message-------
From: Matthew G Hunter
Date: 07/18/15 22:10:42
To: ub
Subject: [Umpqua Birds] Birding Elk Island
Hi Folks,
I have been wondering for a while what the status is at Elk Island and the
surrounding river-bottom alluvial riparian. Elk Island is located in
Roseburg just downstream of the Washington and Oak Avenue bridges at the
east end of Harvard Blvd. The Island was closed for a while when the owners
began working on it, but I wasn't sure now. My calls and emails were not
returned, so today as I was driving by late morning I went down there to
encounter" someone. I talked to Andy, one of the onsite managers of the work
going on. He said yes I/we/anyone could go down there and go birdwatching,
picnicking, fishing, etc., as long as we are respectful of the place; i.e.
don't tear it up (some people do damage with their cars, etc.). They will
eventually charge a fee for camping; not sure about any eventual day use fee
In any case ... THIS IS GREAT NEWS FOR A GREAT BIRDING PLACE in central
Douglas County, and IN THE MIDDLE OF ROSEBURG!!!
I walked just a small part of the SW part of the island and found 20 species
in less than 15 minutes; most were heard only birds but still a good number
given the rising heat: http://ebird
org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S24304592
I would recommend early morning or evening while the days are warm.
The access to the area is a little tricky. Coming E on Harvard Blvd, E of
I-5, you have to dive off a gravel road on the right (starts with a paved
entry) just after the Travel Lodge and before entering the Oak Ave bridge.
This road goes down then under the bridges. You can park under the bridges
or take the native surface road (including a rough cobble bar) out to the
island, which is to the NE. To exit, drive up W between the bridges, at
which point you have to turn left and go over Oak Ave bridge before going on
your way in whichever direction. Really low clearance vehicles not advised.
In higher water the island is not accessible by car or walking. To read more
about what is going on see their facebook page https://www.facebook
com/pages/Elk-Island-Eco-Retreat-Resort/1508046189475276?fref=ts
Personally I'm disappointed in the extent of development they plan out there
(60 yurts???) , but I think they generally intend to keep it ... kind of
outdoorsy (?), and I think it will always have plenty of wild patches. They
uncovered a nearly hundred-year-old tennis court out there. Lots of
interesting history.
If you get a chance to check out the island and area, let us know what you
see!
Matt Hunter
Melrose
P.S. I found it interesting that they are "paying" some homeless folks to do
some of the land/brush clearing, in return for "camping" for the time being
(and I don't recall any other $$ arrangements).
