If everything goes according to plan, the United States Congress will designate the first National Heritage Area within the state of Oregon next year.
For more than a decade the Willamette Falls and Landings Heritage Area Coalition has worked toward this special designation for Willamette Falls and the 56 miles of the Willamette River between Lake Oswego and Keizer. Now, with a feasibility study complete in accordance with regulations from the National Park Service, the coalition announced that new legislation, which would create the National Heritage Area, is ready for Congress to consider in 2025.
“A National Heritage Area designation would recognize the historical, cultural, and natural significance of the Willamette Falls & landings region, encompassing areas rich in Native American history, industrial heritage, and environmental diversity,” the coalition wrote in a press release. “The Coalition’s efforts seek to enhance, assist, and promote the region for current and future generations. The proposed legislation highlights the desire of local stakeholders, community organizations, and governmental entities to advocate for the preservation and promotion of the Willamette Falls and river region’s historical and cultural resources.”