Ash Island (Oregon)

Ash Island is an uninhabited convert|137|acre|km2|sing=on island at river mile 52 [cite web |url= http://www.oregonstateparks.org/images/pdf/will_river_guide.pdf |title= Willamette River Recreation Guide |publisher= Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department |accessdate= 2008-04-07] on the Willamette River, in Yamhill County, Oregon, United States, near Dundee. The island is accessible by boat year-round from any nearby Willamette River landing. A private ferry carries agricultural workers to the island from Marion County, on the other side of the river.

Geography

Most of Ash Island is covered in sandy fields and, on the shores and southern end, forest. The elevation of the island ranges from around convert|50|ft|m at shoreline to, the islands highest point, a "peak" around convert|80|ft|m. There is a wooden dam located at the south end of the channel on the left side of the island. cite web | title = Willamette River Recreation Guide | publisher = Oregon State Marine Board | format = PDF | url = http://www.boatoregon.com/Library/WillametteGuide.pdf | accessdate = 2007-01-21]

History

In 1950, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) water level station cite web | title = Index of Oregon Water Level Stations | publisher = NOAA Center for Operational Products and Services | url = http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/station_index.shtml?state=Oregon&id1=943 | accessdate = 2007-01-21] ran from April 3 - April 13.

Today, Ash Island is primarily used for farming and beach camping.

Wildlife

The island is home to a number of animals, including deer, fox, geese, ducks and bald eagles. The nearby river is a popular fishing spot for salmon, steelhead and bass.

Current status

In January 2007, Ash Island was being considered as site for Dundee to discharge its wastewater. This use could affect the island's ecosystem,Fact|date=October 2007 however, Ash Island is also being considered for a new state park by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.cite web | title = Dundee sewers are an issue | publisher = Newberg Graphic | url = http://www.newberggraphic.com/news/archive/1-20-07/NewsStory2.htm | accessdate = 2007-01-21] [citeweb |last=Duderstadt |first=Dee |url=http://www.newsregister.com/news/story_print.cfm?story_no=226638 |title=State park in the works |date=September 292007 |publisher="News-Register" |accessdate=2007-10-02]

References