Abiqua Falls, a popular Oregon waterfall, may soon become public land after state lawmakers agreed to fund its purchase from a private nonprofit, the Associated Press reported.
The 28-meter waterfall is located about 30 miles east of Salem and 50 miles south of Portland. It can be reached by driving along an unpaved road and then hiking a steep trail. Mount Angel Abbey purchased the site in 1908, and in 2002, it was transferred to The Abbey Foundation of Oregon, a nonprofit that supports the Benedictine monastery.
Although the organization had long allowed visitors to access the landmark, it said it wanted stronger oversight as visitor numbers to the waterfall increased. Earlier this year, the foundation listed the property for sale on Redfin, raising concerns that public access to the site could be restricted.
In response, Oregon lawmakers from both parties approved $2.1 million near the end of the legislative session to purchase the waterfall and surrounding land. After the funding bill passed, the nonprofit accepted the state’s offer.
With the sale pending, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department must complete due diligence, including environmental and archaeological reviews, before the transfer can be finalized.
Even after those checks are completed, state officials say the property may not become a state park, as that would require additional funding. Instead, it could be managed by a local government, a tribal government or another state agency.
A similar move to bring a nationally significant asset under public ownership was reported in Italy. Last week, the country’s government purchased a rare painting attributed to the Baroque master Caravaggio for $35 million, marking one of its largest state expenditures on a single artwork.
