CHSRA Interpretive Site Materials

The USDA Forest Service, Siuslaw National Forest, intends to issue a sole source firm fixed price contract for Cascade Head Scenic Research Area Interpretive Site Messaging to Salmon Drift Creek Watershed Council (SDCWC). For the past eight years, the SDCWC has been a key partner in a vital area, facilitating the implementation of multiple large scale restoration projects within the Salmon River Estuary. This implementation was developed via a series of facilitated public meetings keeping the local community and constituents informed and valued as the area was experiencing significant change; and through collaboration with two local Native American Tribes, The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and The Confederated Tribes of Siletz, to provide opportunity for review and input. Additionally, during this timeframe and through grant funding and partnership with the Siuslaw National Forest, SDCWC completed multiple unprecedented estuarine restoration projects such as: full removal of the Pixieland Amusement Park, full removal of the Tamara Quays trailer park, and a boat basin that was carved into the tidal marsh at Crowley Creek. All of these projects which had impeded the tidal hydrology and altered the freshwater systems and are now fully restored. There are several critical and technical aspects required in managing the placement and artistic elements of all the interpretive materials at the Cascade Head Interpretive Site, including: 1. The ability to hold and manage public meetings with diverse constituents with differing views, all while ensuring forward progress toward proper language and messaging for the interpretive signs and interpretive artistic components. 2. A foundation or proof of success in working through a complex process from start to finish with specific measurable outcomes. 3. Knowledge of the area, constituents and political complexities of the tribal relationships. 4. Knowledge of the 35 years of restoration in the Salmon River Estuary. 5. Knowledge of the Cascade Head Scenic Research Area Act (1974) and the Siuslaw National Forest Cascade Head Scenic-Research Management Plan (1977). Given the importance of the relationships in this area it is critical that we continue to build on those established relationships between all parties. The SDCWC also led a community effort, via public meetings, to determine the best and most accepted location, as well as the scope and scale of the Cascade Head Interpretive Site. Our ability to find common ground throughout the past eight years of implementing complex restoration projects is the foundation of our partnership with the SDCWC to develop the sensitive interpretive material that this site deserves. This is a unique area with a unique and diverse set of partners and the Siuslaw National Forest feels strongly that the partners should lead this effort. The Siuslaw National Forest's intent is not to build another Forest Service Interpretive Site, but to build the Cascade Head Interpretive Site. There is no other designated Scenic Research-Area in the country and this site requires a unique approach to achieve common vision among our diverse partnerships. The Salmon Drift Creek Watershed Council's mission is conserving ecosystems and empowering the local coastal communities, ensuring the preservation of resources (natural and cultural). This action is taken pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 253(c) (1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy the agency requirements.