Blue Heron Mill Site Demolition Started By Grand Ronde Tribes

OREGON CITY, OR – Overlooking Willamette Falls, one of the largest falls in the world by several measures, the Chairwoman of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, Cheryle Kennedy, proclaims, "This is a special time for our people as we begin our work as stewards of the falls.

"We are excited to begin the healing process for this land as well as take the first steps towards real progress in bringing our vision for this site to life."

Live in Oregon City? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free mobile app on Android or iPhone.

Kennedy is standing at the site of the former Blue Heron paper mill above the falls. Blue Heron was just the latest in a series of paper mills that had stood above the falls since 1866.

As far as the tribes – more than 30 are members of the confederation – are concerned, that has been far too long. For hundreds of years, their people had called the land their home, hunting sustaining themselves on salmon, eel, and other fish from the river and the falls.

"This is a major step forward for the project and to reintroducing the general public to this special place," the vice chair of the Confederated Tribes, Chris Mercier, says as she participates in a ceremony marking the very beginning of demolition at the site.

The tribes bought the property in 2019 and laid out their vision for the 23-acre site earlier this year.. First and foremost on the list is restoring the ecology, fixing the riparian habitat for the native fish, birds, and other animals that have long frequented the site.

They also plan a mixed-use development that could include an educational space that celebrates the histories of the tribes and the area, as well hospitality, retail, and office space.

They say that a major part of their plan centers on guaranteeing public access to the falls.