Help us protect the serenity & beauty of Rilee Park
A special interest group
wants to carve up the park
with mountain bike
tracks and jumps.
We want to safeguard this sanctuary.
Mountain Bikes cause issues for hikers and Nature
We tried this; it didn’t work. Other parks have banned bikes.We need to protect Rilee hikers, too.
For a period of about 3 years, the district experimented with mixing mountain bikes and hikers on these trails. The results were deeply problematic, and ultimately the board voted to keep bikes out. Now, a new board—one that did not experience those years firsthand—is again considering opening the door to mountain biking. We cannot allow past mistakes repeated. There are still no rangers at the park. Adding more bikers to the increased number of hikers will result in disaster.
During the years bikes were allowed, hikers consistently reported serious safety and environmental concerns:
- Mountain bikers often came around corners at high speeds, leaving hikers little time to react and creating dangerous near-collisions.
- Children and elderly visitors especially felt unsafe sharing trails with fast-moving bikes.
- The speed, noise, and shouting associated with biking disrupted wildlife and diminished the peaceful experience people sought in nature.
- Dogs on leashes were put at risk when startled by approaching bikes, creating situations where pets or owners could easily be injured.
- Sensitive bird populations and nesting areas were disturbed, threatening the rich wildlife habitat many visitors value and want protected.
- Bikes carved deep ruts into trails, causing erosion, damaging tree roots, and making trails difficult or impossible for walkers to use safely.
Rilee has increasingly become a treasured nature preserve—a place for hiking, birdwatching, jogging, dog walking, and quiet connection with nature. Since bikes were removed in 2023, hiking use has multiplied dramatically. Reintroducing mountain biking would not improve the park; it would fundamentally change it.
Mountain biking is a legitimate and popular sport, but it does not belong in every landscape. The district is already evaluating eight alternative sites that are far more compatible with bike use. The responsible solution is simple: choose another location and preserve Rilee in its natural state.
Community members should also ask why the district is considering spending substantial public resources on facilities serving a relatively small number of specialty bike users, while many existing parks and programs still need maintenance and improvement.
Please write to the district and urge the board to protect Rilee’s original mission as a peaceful natural sanctuary for hikers and the broader community.
Save Rilee Park - A Gift of a Historic Natural Preserve
“This is so sad and I regret gifting to CPRD, which is a dishonest organization.
The gift was to honor all the people of Oregon with a living history farm, education to youth and all ages, and to preserve the land in its natural beauty. CPRD missed the commitment completely.”
—Kristi Bitz Carnes
Original member of Crystal Dawn Smith Rilee Foundation, which gifted Chehalem Parks and Rec $5.5million in property to honor Crystal Rilee and her wishes.
“My Aunt & Uncle would be so disappointed and disgusted with their actions. These are historical homes and land. A total lack of respect and responsibility on CPRD.”
—Kathryn Brow, niece of family & former resident the Parrett Mountain Farm/Rilee Homestead
Keep Rilee Park serene, sustainable and safe for hikers
Crystal Rilee created her foundation to share her homestead and its rural and natural spaces.
It is difficult to understand why members of the Chehalem Parks and Recreation Board would consider a proposal that would, quite literally, bulldoze a generous woman's vision and gift to her community.
Crystal Rilee understood the value of this land. She envisioned a place where people could experience nature in its simplest, most peaceful form—and where that experience would be protected for generations to come.
The proposed mountain bike tracks would require land development. The Board agreed to no development, and specifically to the preservation of the property's trees. The proposed mountain bike tracks would fundamentally alter that vision. Developing these trails often results in removing trees, importing boulders, and dramatically reshaping the forest floor. In wooded terrain like this, tree roots are actually incorporated as technical features, which leads to repeated impact, erosion, and long-term damage to the very structures that sustain the forest.
A parks department should be stridently protecting the land, not using it as a high-speed amusement park. These aggressive tracks are often found on reclaimed land that was previously logged. To use pristine forest land is unscrupulous and irresponsible. Certainly, it is a basis for extensive and expensive public outcry and lawsuits.
When Chehalem Parks and Recreation accepted this gift, they specifically promised to protect the family's forests and farm. The departure from this promise, led by Jim McMasters, is unscrupulous. Jim's involvement as a mountain biker raises concerns about political self-dealing in this case. This irresponsible and unethical behavior has recently come to light in an investigation by the YamHill County News. Members of the park department have a responsibility to protect and preserve our public lands, and this situation calls their ethics into question.
Jim McMasters' proposal would involve carving into the hillside, disrupting the peace and natural beauty that hikers, dog walkers, and nature lovers currently enjoy. This space was intended to be preserved and made accessible to everyone—not altered for high-speed use by a limited group (Jim McMasters' clubs or friends?). Again, see the article about self-dealing cited above.
When bikers briefly used this Park in the past, these conflicts prompted public outcry, leading the previous Board to discontinue allowing hikers and bikers to mix. Now that Jim McMasters has the potential for a majority he has reopened the issue, causing public distrust and upheaval.
Without funding for park rangers or enforcement, conflicts are not just possible—they are inevitable. Encounters between fast-moving bikes, hikers, and animals create significant safety risks. The conflicts between hikers and bikers are well documented: dogs struck or tangled in leashes, people startled by cyclists coming around blind corners, getting hit or injured, jumping out of the way of a speeding bike. It's not the bikers' fault; it is simply that riders cannot physically stop in time. Of course, children and older visitors are especially vulnerable.
THIS IS NOT SIMPLY A CHANGE IN USE--IT IS A FUNDAMENTAL SHIFT IN WHO THE PARK SERVES, AND HOW SAFE IT WILL BE.
This quiet sanctuary is the gift that Crystal generously offered as part of her legacy.
Join us in protecting and preserving the beauty, safety, and diversity of this quiet hillside.
Better Options for Mountain Bike Trails
There are 8 other sites for a district mountain bike course, if one is necessary
It is hard to believe that Jim McMasters (possibly Brandon Slater and Nick Konen will follow their lead) are pushing to radically change a peaceful and much-loved park that is valued as a nature and rural sanctuary, when there are 8 other sites available—one with a donation to build a park per riders specifications. Furthermor, there are
It is hard to believe that Jim McMasters (possibly Brandon Slater and Nick Konen will follow their lead) are pushing to radically change a peaceful and much-loved park that is valued as a nature and rural sanctuary, when there are 8 other sites available—one with a donation to build a park per riders specifications. Furthermor, there are other great riding trails close by. See All Trails https://www.alltrails.com/us/oregon/portland/mountain-biking
CPRD has named the Park after Crystal Rilee, and yet her specific wish was that the property reflect the joy of rural and natural spaces.
The District has eight other locations where mountain bike trails can be built. Given that the public outcry has been immense. It is irresponsible for the Board to pursue this agenda, especially when professionals have warned of the dangers of mixed use. Hikers get hurt.
Fast-paced sports are fun, but they don't belong in a quiet park with soft soil trails that bikes will destroy, leaving it rutted, eroded, and devoid of wildlife.
The Riverfront Plan is far more accessible to the community. The Riverfront Site is a Win/Win Situation
The Riverfront Site is in town and accessible by bike. Rilee is miles outside of town and only accessible by car.
With the Riverfront Site, Newberg and Dundee will benefit from all the tourist dollars. With the Rilee site, Sherwood & Wilsonville will get the money.
The Riverfront property proposal is on county land, with a vendor willing to develop it at no or minimal cost. The Rilee land will cost upwards of $200, 000 a year to maintain properly.
The choice is clear. Jim McMaster's plan is expensive, inaccessible to most of the District, and destructive to a hillside and its wildlife. Hopefully, the. council members will make a fiscally and environmentally sound decision to protect our public land better and use district funds wisely.
Your letters could help. Joining our mailing list will help us keep you informed about next steps.
The Riverfront Plan is far more accessible to the community
The Riverfront Site is a Win/Win Situation
- The Riverfront Site is in town and accessible by bike. Rilee is miles outside of town and only accessible by car.
- With the Rverfront Site Newberg and Dundee will benefit from all the tourist dollars. With the Rilee site Sherwood & Wilsonville will get the money.
- The Riverfront property proposal is
The Riverfront Site is a Win/Win Situation
- The Riverfront Site is in town and accessible by bike. Rilee is miles outside of town and only accessible by car.
- With the Rverfront Site Newberg and Dundee will benefit from all the tourist dollars. With the Rilee site Sherwood & Wilsonville will get the money.
- The Riverfront property proposal is on county land with a vendor who is willing to develop it for no to minimal cost. The Rilee land will cost upwards of $200, 000
The choice is clear. Jim McMaster’s plan is expensive, inaccessible to most of the district and destructive to a hillside and its wildlife.Hopefully Clay Downing and at least one of the other council will make a fiscally and environmentally sound decision to better protect our public land and use district money wisely.
Your letters could help. Joining our mailing list will help us let you know next steps.
Email the Members of the Board
Help Preserve Crystal’s Vision
Click here to email the board. All interested parties can email the board.
We have provided a sample email but feel free to express your own feelings. If we work together we can keep this park and its trails open of hikers, dog walkers and horseback riders.
Reasons to Preserve Rilee Park as the gift was Intended
Electric Bikes and Mountain Bikes do not belong in this wild space.
The Park is Serene and Safe for Hikers, Joggers, Dog Walkers, Naturalists and Horses
The Park is Serene and Safe for Hikers, Joggers, Dog Walkers, Naturalists and Horses
- Safety Risks & Collisions
Parks with mixed-use trails regularly report incidents in which cyclists round blind corners at speed and encounter hikers or dogs with little reaction time. The injuries range from cuts and bruises to severe injuries, and the result is fear and a lack of safety for hikers. These users quit visiting the Park. Hike
- Safety Risks & Collisions
Parks with mixed-use trails regularly report incidents in which cyclists round blind corners at speed and encounter hikers or dogs with little reaction time. The injuries range from cuts and bruises to severe injuries, and the result is fear and a lack of safety for hikers. These users quit visiting the Park. Hikers are the largest user group. They need to feel safe.
Land managers in places like Forest Park, Tryon Creek, and now even Ewing Young Park have long restricted bike use due to sightline limitations and user conflict risks. Why should we import these same problems into a quiet, remote hillside that has so many happy users?
- Dog Leash Accidents
Emergency room and veterinary reports have documented injuries where cyclists collide with or become entangled in dog leashes—causing sudden stops, falls, and injuries to both rider and pedestrian, as well as injury and death of pets.
Trail etiquette guidelines from organizations like the American Hiking Society specifically warn about leash hazards in multi-use environments.
- Trail Damage & Erosion
Studies show that repeated tire traffic concentrates force into narrow tracks, accelerating rut formation—especially on soft or wet soils.Once ruts form, water collects and flows through them, deepening erosion and exposing tree roots, which can permanently damage trails.
- Wildlife Disturbance
Research summarized by Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics shows that fast, sudden movement (like biking) causes more wildlife disturbance than slower activities like hiking. The birds and animals are forced to leave. Foresters have come
Animals perceive a rapid approach as a threat, leading to increased stress and displacement from their habitat.
- Impact on Ground-Nesting Birds
Ground-nesting species such as killdeer and juncos are particularly vulnerable because their nests are camouflaged and easily crushed by bicyclists.
Conservation groups note that disturbances during the nesting season can cause parents to abandon nests, exposing chicks to predators or extreme temperatures. Nests can easily be run over by bicycles, killing all the chicks in a nest.
- User Experience & Accessibility
Surveys in multi-use trail systems consistently show that hikers report feeling less safe and less relaxed when high-speed users are present.
This is a primary reason parks restrict electric bikes as well as mountain bikes —to preserve access for families, older adults, and casual users.
These are not theoretical concerns. Land managers across the country—from the U.S. Forest Service to local parks like Forest Park in Portland and Tryon Creek have documented the same safety conflicts, trail damage, and wildlife disruption that this proposal would introduce here.
The Park is Serene and Safe for Hikers, Joggers, Dog Walkers, Naturalists and Horses
The Park is Serene and Safe for Hikers, Joggers, Dog Walkers, Naturalists and Horses
The Park is Serene and Safe for Hikers, Joggers, Dog Walkers, Naturalists and Horses
Since the park opened, dog walkers, hikers and naturalists have discovered a favorite place to enjoy nature and get away from the hustle of modern day life.
Hikers, joggers and dog walkers make up the largest user group in the park. Because of the varied terrain, many athletes use the 12 miles of trails to prepare for events and marathon
Since the park opened, dog walkers, hikers and naturalists have discovered a favorite place to enjoy nature and get away from the hustle of modern day life.
Hikers, joggers and dog walkers make up the largest user group in the park. Because of the varied terrain, many athletes use the 12 miles of trails to prepare for events and marathons. Others enjoy the ability to choose different trails each time they come to the park. Though the park doesn’t have as many miles as some it still offers a marvelous chance to experience nature and see wildlife.
NONE of these trails and wildlife habitat should be scarred by adding the threat of bikes.
Mountain Bikes Destroy Wildlife Habitat creating “Dead Zones”
The fast and loud movement of groups of mountain bikers has proven to scare off wildlife, unlike slower, more predictable foot traffic. Animals flee suddenly, abandoning feeding areas and habitat.
Ground-nesting birds are especially vulnerable. Nests and chicks are often camouflaged and easily crushed if riders leave the trail or if trails
The fast and loud movement of groups of mountain bikers has proven to scare off wildlife, unlike slower, more predictable foot traffic. Animals flee suddenly, abandoning feeding areas and habitat.
Ground-nesting birds are especially vulnerable. Nests and chicks are often camouflaged and easily crushed if riders leave the trail or if trails widen into habitat areas.
Repeated disturbances can push animals out of otherwise suitable habitats, reducing biodiversity over time. Even when animals aren't directly harmed, stress and displacement can affect feeding, breeding, and survival.
Honoring the Intent of Crystal Rilee's Gift
Crystal Rilee had a generous nature and a generous dream. She wanted to share her farm, her land, and the surrounding forest with posterity. She wanted to offer opportunities for learning as well as space for respite from the busy world. She saw all the development on the hillside and knew she wanted to preserve the farm's peacefulness a
Crystal Rilee had a generous nature and a generous dream. She wanted to share her farm, her land, and the surrounding forest with posterity. She wanted to offer opportunities for learning as well as space for respite from the busy world. She saw all the development on the hillside and knew she wanted to preserve the farm's peacefulness and the beauty of the trails around her family farm.
TO BE CLEAR, THE FAST DOWNHILL TRAILS PROPOSED BY JIM MCMASTER AND CLAY DOWNING ARE MOST CERTAINLY A BLIGHT ON THIS DREAM OF CONSERVATION AND PRESERVATION.
The Rilees had a long-standing tradition of sharing their farm and its trails with neighbors. Upon her death, Crystal's wish was for this tradition to continue and be expanded to include her entire community. Her dream was to preserve her farm & trails as a rural, natural site where people could visit, relax, and enjoy the plants and variety of wildlife—the slice of paradise that had been her family home, and in the press release announcing the District's acceptance of the $5,000,000+ gift of the Rilee property CPRD specifically stated that this traditon would continue. The use of this land for hikers and equestrians is a historical use of this property. When the District accepted the gift, they promised to honor the history.
A noble gift
Bob and Crystal Rilee Park
A place to escape, to enjoy Oregon's rural history & to spend quiet time on secluded trails. This Park is a legacy given to our community by Crystal Rilee. Her dream was to leave a natural & rural sanctuary.
The Board does not have the right to trample her dream or destroy her generous gift for posterity.