Park Acquisition

Klamath Sportsman Park Acquisition; $375,724

With the sale of PacifiCorp to Mid-America Energy the ownership status of the Bill Scholtes Klamath Sportsman Park, a 25-year old outdoor sports park came into question. Since the mid-1970s, leased under a long-term agreement with PacifiCorp, thousands of residents and visitors from Klamath and neighboring counties used the park for outdoor recreation.

While employed by ORE-CAL RC&D James assisted Klamath County and the Bill Scholtes Klamath Sportsman Park (BSKSP) board in successfully planning and securing a state-funded, $375,724, grant for the acquisition of the 345 acre outdoor sports park. A total of $750,000 was needed to purchase the property.

Working with the BSKSP Board, James (Ore-Cal RC&D council) developed a funding strategy and wrote grant applications, helping to raise $674,808 in secured funds from Klamath County ($150,000), State Motorized Vehicle grant ($84,181), State of Oregon Parks and Recreation grant ($375,724) and local contributions ($64,903).

“Buying the park will insure it remains a haven for shooters and riders,” said Tom Harris of Keno, sportsman association board chairman.

Related Testimonies/Recommendations:

• Rennie Cleland, President, Ore-Cal Resource Conservation and Development Council
• Phil Doddridge, President, Bill Scholtes Klmath Sportsman Park Association
• George Wright, President Emeritus, Ore-Cal Resource Conservation and Development Council