Some traditional native lands were returned to tribal jurisdiction this month, after the Confederated Tribes of the Grande Ronde purchased the Willamette Falls. The change means good things for all: a coalition of organizations and regional tribes will demolish an abandoned paper mill on the site and restore the area, allowing public access to one of Oregon’s natural wonders, something not possible before.
Photo: Courtesy Wikimedia Commons. The old paper mill shown here at Willamette Falls will be demolished and public access restored to this Oregon natural wonder.