Many of you in our community fondly remember my Grandpa, Paul Houk. To me, he was a real-life John Wayne. Paul was among the Coast Guard's early divers, and his service brought him to Astoria, Oregon. After his retirement, he embarked on a new journey, diving into the world of logging at the age of 40. Eventually, he discovered a passion for quads and, inspired by boredom one day, he took his chainsaw, gas, bar oil, and knowledge of the woods to cut his own trails on Nicoli Mountain for his quad adventures. Word of these trails spread, gaining popularity within the community.

Paul Houk was the founder of the OHV riding trails up Nicoli Mountain. His passion and dedication to promoting outdoor activities left a lasting impact on our community. After Paul passed away, the owner of L&D Race Tech honored his memory by commissioning a custom bench. This bench was placed at Paul's favorite trail lunch spot, a site that held special significance to him and his contributions to OHV and outdoor recreation in Oregon.

However, the legacy of my grandfather is under threat. Recently, a new official from the Department of Forestry in Oregon has initiated efforts to dismantle this bench, despite it being a symbol of community history and reverence. This action not only disrespects Paul's legacy but also squanders taxpayer money in the process.

Paul Houk's bench is more than just a seat; it represents a legacy of dedication, adventure, and community spirit. Removing this tribute wastes public resources and erases a piece of local heritage that inspires countless outdoor enthusiasts.

I urge the Oregon Department of Forestry to reconsider their decision. By keeping Paul's bench, we not only honor a pioneer of our community but also promote the love for outdoor recreational activities he so passionately championed. Help us preserve this piece of local history and respect the memory of a man who was truly larger than life.

Please sign this petition to save the Founder's Bench and keep Paul's legacy alive for future generations.