Another BUMP:
After I had posted my report about this trip; I was still feeling frustrated about the Derby @ Olalla. So, I wrote to one of the peeps in charge at ODFW. I received a very nice reply; and now with her permission have decided to add her response. And I apologized to her, for my harsh remarks earlier. Thank you again, Christine, for your nice reply:
Jay,
I am SO sorry that your leisurely trip to the coast on April 21st turned
into such a frustrating and stressful situation! This was the second
year of our Olalla event, and the first year that we've had to get buses
(due to the high turnout last year). This event is organized by Georgia
Pacific (as they own the property and the reservoir), and ODFW plans and
operates the family fishing area that includes a rainbow trout enclosure
where kids can learn how to fish. William Worman with Georgia Pacific
did an excellent job advertising this event throughout Lincoln County -
newspapers, multiple radio broadcasts, flyers and press releases
(including a ODFW Press Release on -April 17th) - but it sounds like we
should have done more advertising in the valley. We will take this into
consideration for next year, and you can mark your calendar for April
20, 2013.
As the Mid-Coast STEP biologist, I strive to provide the most youth
fishing opportunities as possible in Lincoln County. Unfortunately,
parking is an issue at every single location - with the exception of two
events organized by the Salmon River Hatchery and Oregon Hatchery
Research Center. We just don't have reservoirs with great parking
around here. Olalla Reservoir has the biggest parking lot for fishing
events in the Newport area, but even that parking area completely
overflowed last year. We did have Newport Police volunteers stationed
at the intersection of Olalla Rd and Highway 20 to provide information
and transportation assistance, but I think you probably arrived before
they got there. I think it would be a good idea to post additional
signs along the Olalla Rd to inform people about the event next year.
We never had any plans to tow vehicles, and Georgia Pacific locks the
access gate to the reservoir every single night, so you must have gotten
lucky or arrived later for the last 25 years. There was also no fee to
participate in the derby, so I'm sorry that you were misinformed. The
entire event is free to the public, including the derbies, family
fishing area and kayak tours.
I was glad to hear that your day turned better in the afternoon and your
grand-nieces had a great time fishing. I truly apologize for your
experience and frustration, and we will definitely take your comments
and suggestions into consideration next year. Thank you for your input!
Christine Clapp
Asst District/STEP Biologist
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (Newport)