The State of Oregon may soon become the owner of an unusual property listed on the real estate site Redfin: a 92-foot waterfall.
Abiqua Falls, which is framed by towering basalt columns and bright green moss, has been privately owned for more than a century. But last month, its owner put the waterfall and 40 acres of surrounding land up for sale.
The ad on Redfin, a site better known for advertising vacant land, rental properties and homes for sale, features photos of the waterfall pouring into a clear pond, creating an amphitheater-like scene.
“The falls serve as the primary natural feature of the property and define both the landscape and overall character of the land,” reads the ad, which did not list a price.
State Senator Fred Girod, whose district includes the waterfall and surrounding land, said he had pushed to preserve Abiqua Falls, an initiative that grew out of Oregon’s tradition of protecting special places for future generations.
“That idea goes back to Gov. Tom McCall,” Mr. Girod said, referring to Mr. McCall, who was governor from 1967-75 and was known for championing public access to natural areas. “Certain places should be set aside for generations to come. I felt strongly that Abiqua Falls belonged in that category.”
Mr. Girod said on Saturday that he had been surprised to learn that the falls, which is about 30 miles east of Salem, Ore., and the surrounding land were privately owned by the Abbey Foundation of Oregon, the nonprofit fund-raising arm of Mount Angel Abbey and Seminary, according to Marion County property records.
The Abiqua Falls trail leading to the falls is open to the public, despite passing through private property, because of an agreement between the property owners and local officials.
The idea that another, less generous, private entity could buy the site and limit public access did not sit well, Mr. Girod said.
He said a bipartisan group of lawmakers had secured about $2 million to buy and protect the falls and the land around it.
The sellers were cooperative throughout the process and gave the state a good deal, Mr. Girod said, noting that the land could have fetched a higher price from a buyer in the private sector. The falls are difficult to reach, he said, and trail improvements will be needed.
Representatives for the abbey and the foundation could not be immediately reached for comment on Saturday.
The legislative bill to pay for the purchase awaits the signature of Gov. Tina Kotek. Her office could not immediately be reached for comment on Saturday.
Mr. Girod, who has spent two decades in office, largely dealing with infrastructure issues, such as sewer and water systems and building repairs, said this project stood apart.
“This was the most fun thing I’ve done in 20 years,” he said. “Preserving something in nature, in perpetuity, is probably the best thing I’ve done.”
Mark Walker is a Times reporter who covers breaking news and culture.
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