The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has started a new parking system on Sauvie Island to manage the high number of visitors. A free parking pass is now required on weekends and holidays through September 1. The system is meant to reduce traffic and improve safety along Reeder Road. Visitors must reserve a pass online at sauvieislandparking.com and also have a valid wildlife area permit, according to KGW.
The dual-permit system is designed to manage parking and help protect the riparian habitats near the beaches, which are being impacted by too many vehicles. "With all the cars, we see damage to riparian habitat along the beaches, and again we see those safety issues,” said Michelle Dennehy, a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Officials also noted that traffic congestion has previously made it difficult for residents to move freely near their homes, as reported by KATU.
A new parking pass system on Sauvie Island is causing issues due to poor cell service in the area. Visitors must often get a pass up to two weeks in advance, but some try to get one upon arrival and struggle without a signal. “If they don't have it and they try to go online, they don't have a cell phone signal. We have a lot of people who are older, who are not tech savvy, and don't have smartphones,” said Cook, a local resident. Cook, who helps look after the area, said, “We're kind of the stewards of the beach, in which I'm very proud of that,” and added, “I'm very protective of my customers and of the island and of this space,” as mentioned by KPTV.
