This week Western Rivers Conservancy announced plans to purchase the Minam Store, a critical parcel at the confluence of the Minam and Wallowa Rivers that provides access to the Wild and Scenic Grande Ronde River.

The Grande Ronde is well known to paddlers as one of the most spectacular family-friendly multi-day river trips in the region. Those who float the river have long used the access at the Minam Store as a put-in to begin their journey down the river, a trip that starts with 10 miles on the Wallowa before it joins the Grande Ronde.

The state has long sought to bring this critical access point into public ownership as an addition to the Minam State Recreation Area. We are thrilled that Western Rivers has stepped in to sign a contract to purchase the property with the ultimate goal of conveying the land to Oregon State Parks.

The property consists of two acres that includes 350 feet of river frontage. Under the current agreement the Minam Store will continue to serve the paddling community at this site through fall of 2011. While we will miss the convenience this business provided, keeping this site accessible to the boating public is worthy of celebration.