Overview of Minto-Brown Island Park 

Minto-Brown Island Park is a large natural area that covers 1,205 acres in the Willamette River floodplain. It is located near downtown Salem. The park aims to protect and preserve wildlife habitats while allowing for quiet recreational activities that do not harm the environment. The park features various ecosystems, including sloughs, creeks, ponds, wetlands, forests, prairies, and open fields. It is home to many animals, including amphibians, reptiles, native fish, mammals, and over 200 bird species, including a nesting pair of bald eagles. 

Importance of the Conservation Area

The Minto Island Conservation Area, or MICA, is a 307-acre section located in the northern part of Minto-Brown Island Park. The main goal of MICA is to protect and improve the natural habitats and species that live there. A special agreement with the Bonneville Power Administration requires that MICA be managed for wildlife and allow only limited access for quiet recreation. These restrictions help ensure that the area remains a safe home for wildlife while still allowing people to enjoy nature responsibly. 

Minto-Brown Island Park Conservation Area Restrictions for Events [PDF Download]

Year-Round Restrictions

The following restrictions apply to all events held in MICA: 

• Fees: Additional fees will be charged based on the size of the event and its potential impact. All fees collected will go into a special Stewardship Account for MICA. 

• Event Route: The City must approve the event route in advance. The route should start and finish outside of MICA to reduce impacts on other park visitors. 

• Spectators: No spectators are allowed in MICA during the event. 

• Trail Use: All participants and spectators must stay on the paved trail. Exceptions may be made for City-approved habitat enhancement projects that align with the MICA Management and Conservation Plan. 

• Temporary Items: All temporary items, such as restrooms, garbage cans, recycling bins, water stations, and lighting, must be placed outside of MICA. 

• Noise Restrictions: No horns, musical instruments, amplified sound, or noisemakers are allowed inside MICA. 

• Signage: Additional temporary signs to encourage staying on the trail may be required. Small signs or cones may be used with prior approval from the City. Other signs, flags, and banners are not allowed in MICA. 

• Fencing: The City may require temporary fencing inside MICA. If this is necessary, the event organizer will cover the costs of setting up and removing the fencing. 

• Responsibility: The event organizer must inform participants about the restrictions in MICA. They are also responsible for leaving the paved trail and its surrounding area in good condition. Any extra costs for damage or maintenance will be charged to the event organizer. 

• Wheeled Events: No event involving wheeled vehicles, such as bicycle races, are allowed in MICA. However, wheelchairs and mobility devices for individuals with disabilities are permitted. 

• Event Timing: Events must start no earlier than 8a.m. and end no later than 4p.m. Setup and takedown can occur outside these hours with prior approval. If setup or takedown happens on days other than the event day, it will count as additional event days for fee assessment. 

• Trail Monitors: Event organizers must provide up to three trail monitors in MICA. These monitors will ensure that participants, spectators, and support staff follow the event restrictions. The City will determine the minimum number of monitors needed and their locations. 

• Event Scheduling: Reservations, scheduling, and prioritization will follow the City's current practices. 

Bird Nesting Season Restrictions (March 1 - August 31)

In addition to the year-round restrictions, the following rules apply to events held in MICA during the bird nesting season from March 1 to August 31: 

• Participant Limit: The maximum number of registered participants for any event is 500. 

• Event Frequency: Only one event can take place each week, and events must be scheduled at least five days apart. 

• Large Events: Twice per season, a large event with up to 3,000 participants may be allowed. These large events must be spaced at least three weeks apart. 

• Event Route Design: The event route must be designed so that participants pass through MICA no more than twice, once going out and once coming back. Additional passes may be allowed with prior approval from the City, but this may increase impact fees. 

Definitions

• “Event” any planned activity that requires one or more permits from the City of Salem. 

• “Event Day” any event occurring on a single day. Setup and takedown on different dates may count as partial or full event days. 

• “Event Organizer” the person or group responsible for managing the event. 

• “MICA” the Minto Island Conservation Area, a 307-acre natural area located at the northern end of Minto-Brown Island Park. 

• “Paved Trail” the hard-surface path inside MICA that runs approximately 0.8 miles between the southern landing of the Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge and the rest of the trail system in Minto-Brown Island Park. 

• “Week” a period from Monday to Sunday.