Bear Creek flows through Medford on its way toward Central Point. The Central Point Parks and Recreation Commission on Thursday is scheduled to review a master plan on Thursday for trails, natural areas and public areas in a mile-long stretch along the creek, next to Interstate 5 and north of Table Rock Road.

Rogue Riverkeeper, an environmental organization, is urging people to speak up for a healthy Bear Creek by turning out for a Thursday evening meeting about a draft master plan for a mile-long stretch along the creek in Central Point.

“If you are a Central Point resident, someone who lives in the Bear Creek watershed or someone who understands the importance of flourishing riparian areas and wants to speak up for it, please consider joining us,” Frances Oyung, program manager for Rogue Riverkeeper, said in an advisory. “Salmon and steelhead are present in Bear Creek and require cold water to thrive and compete with introduced fish. A multi-story canopy of native trees and shrubs shades streams and helps keep them cool.”

Oyung said riparian areas featuring native plants have been shown to be more fire-resistant than those with heavy blackberry growth. Ongoing maintenance is key, she said.

“The need for a robust riparian area is becoming even more critical as we see hotter summers in the valley,” she said.

The plan, formally known as the Central Point Bear Creek Greenway Master Plan, covers a 52-acre area between the creek, Interstate 5, Table Rock Road and East Pine Street. The plan is due to be reviewed by the city’s parks and recreation commission at 6 p.m. at Central Point City Hall, 140 S. Third St.

In addition to a host of new amenities such as walking paths, pedestrian bridges over the creek and access to ponds and the creek, the plan addresses the importance of caring for vegetation.

“Restoring the natural vegetation is a crucial objective of the park design,” the plan states. “Much of the property will be restored to native upland vegetation with drought-tolerant trees and shrubs set within a re-seeded meadow of native grasses and forbs. Riparian vegetation will be utilized in wetter areas and large patches of reed canary grass will be planted with willow that will shade out the grass over time. Two pollinator gardens are planned ….”

Other new amenities include a dog park, bicycle pump track and mountain bike skills course, in addition to new parking, picnic and nature play areas, according to the draft plan. Construction costs for a first phase are estimated at $3.64 million.

To view details about the plan, visit bit.ly/3HY0Jx3. For more information, contact Dave Jacob, parks planner, at 541-423-1012 or dave.jacob@centralpointoregon.gov.

Fish for free on Saturday and Sunday

Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 17-18, are free fishing days in Oregon for state residents and non-residents alike. They may fish, clam and crab for free, without the need for fishing or shellfish licenses or tags.

Depending on water levels and conditions, fishing could be good for winter steelhead, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, go online to MyODFW.com.

Ski area creates runner-biker endurance team

Mt. Ashland Ski Area is starting a group for trail runners, mountain bikers and road cyclists called the Mt. Ashland Endurance Team. Applications to join the group are open until March 17.

The team, which will be active mainly during warm weather, will initially include up to 10 men and 10 women. It’s open regardless of a person’s experience, pace, race results and distance.

Team members are asked to participate in at least two service days and to help with at least three local events each year. Apply online at bit.ly/4bw3WBD.

Learn about NW Forest Plan revisions

Learn about the impacts of the 1994 Northwest Forest Plan and revisions to it during a Feb. 22 online panel presentation organized by the Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center of Ashland.

The 1994 plan is undergoing revision to reflect current issues, including climate change. Panelists include Susan Jane Brown of Silvix Resources, Nikcole Whipple of Save California Salmon and Alexi Lovechio of KS Wild.

The presentation is set for 6:30-7:30 p.m. Register at kswild.org. For more information, contact Allee Gustafson, events and volunteer manager, at 541-488-5789, ext. 1014.

Learn about animal tracking during talk

Learn how to recognize animal tracks during a Feb. 23 talk offered by Friends of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. The talk takes place 6-7:30 p.m. in room 161 in the Science Building at Southern Oregon University. Space is limited.

The presentation, led by naturalist and South Medford High School biology teacher Nolan Richard, will cover local mammal species and how to identify their tracks, trails, signs and scat. Register at cascadesiskiyou.org. For more information, call 541-378-3039.