Ladd Hill CPO Meetings

Agenda

Tuesday, March 24, 2026
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM – Terra Vina Vineyard – Tasting Room
Note: 6:00 to 7:00 join us for set-up and social hour.
ZOOM:  Opens at 6:45 PM 
Meeting ID: 503 319 3011
No Password; There is a Waiting Room 
Stan(c)503-319-3011 

Welcome, Introductions – Carole Dinger & Cole Presthus

1. Secretary Report –Rosi Marshall
   1. Minutes from Oct General Meeting  - Any edits? Vote to approve as edited.

 

3. Treasurer’s Report – Barb Whitaker
   1. Updates of financial activity and balance 
4. Guest Speakers:
   1. CPRD Crystal Rilee Park Update – Tamra Busch-Johnson
5. Special Topic:  Magness Memorial Tree Farm (MMTF)
   1. Minutes from Jan 27 Special Zoom Meeting (Attached to this email) 
   2. Update on discussions with World Forestry Center -Carole/Jesse
   3. Updates on MMTF donations – Barb 
   4. Results of the Opinion Poll – Rosi 
6. Committee Reports: 
   1. Social committee  - Carole Dinger 
      1. Spring plant exchange – April 11 at Terra Vina – Carole  
      2. Call out for any special interest groups to support and encourage community members to form groups of like-minded individuals to build stronger bonds in  our community.   Contact Carole to form a group. 
      3. Annual Picnic Planning Team – Carole and Jenni Jeronimo 
   2. Road Cleaning events –  Paul Welty
   3. ODOT By-Pass – Cole Presthus
   4. LHNA-EP Team – Stan Halle
      1. Update from Hoodland CPO visit; Communications Methods 
7. New Business: 
   1. Rosi: Open slots  for Oct. Elections - Term 1/1/2027-12/31/2029
8. Dates for Next General Meetings:
   1. June 16, 2026  (Clackamas County Sheriff Invited) 
   2. Oct 20, 2026 (vote for next term’s board members)
9. Adjourn

Attachments to the Invitational email to all members

              Minutes of Special MMTF Meeting 1/27/2026

              Minutes of General Meeting  10/21/2025

Minutes

LHNA Special Meeting on Magness Status and Current Plans

Jan 27, 2026 

Zoom only (Board in person)
Attendees: N=30 zoom windows (some with multiple attendees; Listed in Appendix A 

In Person: Cole Presthus, Carole Dinger, Stan Halle, Rosi Marshall, Barb Whitaker, Carol Parks, Eve Stevenson, Paul Welty, Sharon Halle, and Travis Williams. N=10

The purpose of this special meeting of Ladd Hill Neighborhood (LHNA) was to provide an update on the Magness Memorial Tree Farm (MMTF). LHNA invited Jesse Buss, the principal at Willamette Law Group. Jesse  is representing LHNA. LHNA also invited Travis Williams, founder of Willamette River Preservation Trust (WRPT). Travis’s wife Erica joined the meeting on zoom. 

In summary, in September 2025, the World Forestry Center advertised the sale of MMTF for commercial development and logging. LHNA is in the process of fighting this sale, to preserve this important site for the neighborhood and to ensure the intention of the Magness Family’s charitable donation of 1977. This meeting provides an update on our work. Action items from this meeting are in Appendix B. 

Attendees were asked to submit questions in advance of the meeting for efficiency, but this meeting will encourage an  interactive Q&A. The questions sent are shown in Appendix B. 

These minutes try to capture all the comments of all parties. If we misstated any, let our secretary know so we can edit and distribute an amended document at lhna2015@gmail.com.

Legal Status

After assessing this case, Jesse engaged the Oregon State Department of Justice  (DOJ). The DOJ sent a letter of demand to WFC with lists of the charitable trust laws being violated. The letter called for a delay of the sale, to give time to work out a legal transfer to an organization willing to preserve the site in perpetuity. 

At this time, WFC has not engaged any non-profits, and was unsuccessful in getting a public organization interested in MMTF. The efforts of Jesse and Travis will be to get WFC to transfer the property to WRPT at no cost, or an acceptable negotiated price, though WFC has not agreed to any negotiation so far. We believe that WFC has recently received a $3 million donation, which might open up this discussion.

Jesse discussed the potential legal and procedural implications if current negotiations with the World Forestry Center fail and the property is sold on the open market. A temporary restraining order would be filed in Oregon State Circuit Court, with a resolution period of a few weeks to a month, followed by six to eight months for the entire case. Appeals from the circuit court case could extend the process by years. This litigation would be expensive and take years to complete.

Jesse emphasized the importance of finding a transferee with a clear vision for the property avoiding logging, and ensuring public benefit. As you will hear, LHNA and Jesse believe that WRPT fulfills this vision. 

Willamette River Preservation Trust

Carole  introduced Travis Williams of Willamette River Preservation Trust. He is present with his wife, Erica, a professional fundraiser. Travis described his background, including his 24-year history as the Riverkeeper and executive director of Willamette Riverkeeper. Travis explained the formation and mission of the Willamette River Preservation Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land trust. Travis reiterated the mission of the Willamette River Preservation Trust which is to conserve ecologically significant land. This land trust works from the mid-Willamette Basin to the northern suburbs, and focuses on the whole watershed, not just the mainstream Willamette. 

The organization has acquired three properties and is in the process of acquiring a fourth which will bring a total of 500 acres under preservation  He highlighted the importance of finding a transferee with a clear vision for property management. He and Jesse have worked together for many years along the Willamette River. The website is https://wrtrust.org.

DISCUSSION TOPICS

Jesse and Travis address additional questions from the community, emphasizing the need for collaboration and transparency in the management of Magnus Memorial Tree Farm. (Appendix C – Questions Submitted)

 WRPT’s  Vision for Magnus Memorial Tree Farm

• Travis reiterated the mission of the Willamette River Preservation Trust which is to conserve ecologically significant land along the Willamette River.
• The Magnus Tree Farm fits the WRPT mission, having ecological value, community connection, and historical significance. 
• Travis highlighted the importance of transparency and institutional capacity in land trusts. 
• The importance of maintaining infrastructure, trails, and educational facilities is emphasized.
• He discussed the potential for a resident caretaker to provide security and maintenance.

Valuation and Logging Concerns

• A  question was raised about the valuation of the property, noting that educational logging would lower its value compared to a complete clear cut.
• Clear cutting is not allowed under the trust documents but discusses that there is potential for limited logging.
• Jesse stressed the need for a written agreement to avoid logging and to ensure the property is used for preservation purposes.

Fundraising and Collaboration

• A question was raised about the organization's willingness to partner with other nonprofits for fundraising. Travis confirms their openness to collaboration and the importance of financial support. 
• Travis emphasizes the need for a comprehensive assessment of the property's needs, determining the cost of repair,  and the potential long-term costs of maintenance. Fundraising is crucial to secure the property's future.
• Travis and Erica have experience in raising funds. An endowment would be needed through a structured fundraising campaign to raise $2.5 to $3 million (very early estimates). If there was an actual dollar value for the sale, it would make sense to include an endowment amount and fundraise for the whole package. 
• The discussion touches on the importance of a collaborative relationship between LHNA and WRPT.

Role of LHNA and Community Involvement

• A question was raised about the role of LHNA in the next few months and potential actions to support the property.
• Travis supports the idea of community outreach, including signage and media engagement, to raise awareness and support.

Management and Stewardship of Magnus Tree Farm

• Travis outlines the organization's approach to managing Magnus Tree Farm, including a hybrid of staff and volunteers.
• He discusses the potential for a resident caretaker to provide security and maintenance.
• The importance of repairing the infrastructure, trails, and educational facilities is emphasized. Travis will provide an estimate of the costs of this repair work.
• Ongoing operations could cost on the order of $350,000 per year. 

Legal and Policy Considerations

• Jesse emphasizes the need for a written agreement to ensure the property's preservation.
• Jesse clarifies the legal requirements and potential interpretations of the trust documents regarding forestry education and wildlife preservation.
• The discussion includes the possibility of limited logging as a legally permissible use.
• The importance of public benefit and the role of the Oregon DOJ in the legal proceedings is highlighted.

Community Concerns and Final Questions

• The community is concerned about the cost of maintaining Magnus as a public park and the potential financial obligations.
• Travis reassures the community that the property is manageable and that initial assessments can provide a clearer picture of the needs. 

Financial Report 

• Barb, LHNA Treasurer provided a financial report, noting $17,099 in donations. As of Dec 31, 2025, $10,920 was paid in attorney fees, leaving $6,144 remaining. 
• It was key to use additional outreach channels, including the new Facebook page Friends of Magness Tree Farm, the      GoFundMe app and enabling Zelle, all contributed to the donations we have received. 

Concluding Remarks:

Carole outlined next steps, including continued fundraising, community awareness, and legal updates.

Carole reminded everyone of the importance of supporting this property as a wildlife sanctuary for future generations.

Thank you everyone for joining tonight. Thank you to our donors. Thank you, Jesse, and Travis, for your work to get us to this point.

Action Items Appendix B (combined after meeting ended) 

Ladd Hill Neighborhood Association (LHNA)

Co-Presidents, Cole Presthus and Carole Dinger

Appendix A: List of Zoom Participants

Appendix B: Action Items

Appendix C: Questions Submitted prior to meeting 

Appendix A

Special Meeting on Magness Memorial Tree Farm

Zoom Attendees (zoom window names) 

LHNA Jan 27, 2026

Appendix B

Special Meeting on Magness Memorial Tree Farm

Action Items 

LHNA Jan 27, 2026

Action Items

• [ LHNA] Post signs on local telephone poles to raise awareness and ask for neighborhood contact/donations for saving Magnus Tree Farm (use signs to reach neighbors not on email/Facebook). No posters allowed on MMTF property. 
• [Jesse & Travis] Continue outreach and follow-up with the Western Forestry Center to request direct communication or a sit-down meeting regarding Magnus and potential transfer options.
• [ LHNA] Keep the group informed promptly about legal developments and status of interactions with the World Forestry Center (legal updates and next steps).
• [LHNA ] Continue fundraising to support ongoing legal work. Plan fundraising for      future operations of the property. Plan and support donor outreach.

Appendix C

Special Meeting on Magness Memorial Tree Farm

Questions submitted by neighbors prior to the Meeting

LHNA Jan 27, 2026

1. Is the Oregon DOJ going to force/recommend that the WFC donate, not sell, the land to a qualified non-profit who will responsibly take care of the land, water and structures and keep the park accessible to the public? 
2. I am hesitant to ask for donations or have the newspapers publish any info until we know what the dollar amount is. What will WFC accept for the purchase?
3. We need a target for fundraising. Is WRPT willing to partner with other nonprofits (if necessary) to accomplish the transfer?
4. Should we be seeking other nonprofits that may have the financial capability to purchase? Will WRPT do the fundraising? How does WRPT do fund raising? 
5. What do you need LHNA to do in the next few months? 
6. What role do you see LHNA do after you acquire ownership of the land? 
7. Any idea how you will replant the land around the log cabin, which has been clear cut? 
8. What is the estimated cost for reviving the property, to be able to open it again? Will you gather volunteers to help?
9. What is the estimated annual cost after it opens? How will it be raised? 
10. After the transition from World Forestry Center, what would you want LHNA’s role to be? 
11. How do you foresee managing Magness after it opens again? 
12. Will you likely use volunteers? How will you manage volunteers?
13. Although the primary concern I have is keeping Magness intact and open to the public, a secondary concern I have is Magness falling into stewardship which believes in minimal management. I am curious how a group such as WRPT would steward Magness going forward? sent by Matt Erickson 

For Travis: 

1.  What is stated Mission Statement of the WRPT? Didn’t see it clearly stated on website
2. Who are the Board members?
3. How many staff members? What positions do they fill?
4. Do you have a business plan for WRPT?
5. How will you raise money to pay for renovations/repairs at Magness Memorial Tree Farm?
6. What is your plan for how to revitalize Magness Tree Farm?
7. Are your finances transparent for the public to see?
8. Why do you want Magness Tree Farm as part of WRPT?

___________________________________________________________________________________________

In summary of all the feelings from the neighborhood:

Earl Weber and Sandra Petersen said:

We live very close to Magness as a crow flies, and have for over 30 years. As organic farmers, we relish the habitat and creature landscape of Magness. The thought of clear cutting and development would break our hearts. We don't really have a specific question, just want to enforce just how valuable it is to maintain Magness habitat for climate, air  and water quality sustainability.