Wyden & Merkley staff visit Jackson-Frazier Wetlands Boardwalk Project

Benton County Commissioners Xan Augerot, Nancy Wyse, and Pat Malone, along with County Administrator Rachel McEneny and Interim Natural Area Parks and Events Director Jesse Ott, visited the Jackson-Frazier Wetland Boardwalk in Corvallis. They were joined on July 24 by Molly McCarthy and Sophia Roberts, staff for Oregon State Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley to learn about the Jackson-Frazier project and explore funding options.

Benton County is actively seeking state and federal funding for local projects.

“We need to preserve this local gem,” said Benton County Administrator Rachel McEneny. “Making the boardwalk more accessible and ADA compliant is a priority. This place also serves as an outdoor classroom where our kids can learn and be close to nature.”

The Jackson-Frazier Wetland is a 144-acre natural area in NE Corvallis, owned by Benton County and managed by the Natural Areas, Parks & Events Department for public recreation and environmental preservation. Benton County and the Alliance for Recreation & Natural Areas (AFRANA) are working together to raise funds to replace the Bob Frenkel Boardwalk, built in 1997. The deteriorated floating wood timber foundations and treated wood planks are now at the end of their design life.

Watch a video of Jackson-Frazier Wetlands Boardwalk replacement project:

Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact Cory Grogan at 541-745-4468 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov