The project involved a complicated land swap with the Oregon State Parks Department, giving Keiser some 280 acres within the 878-acre
Bandon State Natural Area south of Bandon.
Citing an "overwhelming public benefit to the state park system," the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission approved an exchange proposal between the state and a private firm that would allow the course to be built on a portion of land currently within the Bandon State Natural Area boundary.
The portion of the Bandon State Natural Area included in the exchange originated with the federal government, and was sold to the state on condition the property remain open to public outdoor recreation, Havel said in a news release.
Keiser, who built the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort just north of Bandon, has for years envisioned a 27-hole golf complex in part of the
Bandon State Natural Area south of Bandon.
The developer already owns land adjacent to the
Bandon State Natural Area, nearly enough to build an 18-hole golf course now.
Those areas include parts of Sutton and Baker beaches near Florence, the Siltcoos Estuary/Dunes Overlook/Tahkenitch Estu ary to the south, Tenmile Estuary, Coos Bay's North Spit, New River and the
Bandon State Natural Area.
Bandon State Natural Area (Bandon) - Located along the Beach Loop Road, there are several locations with beach access, picnicking and unsurpassed views.
The restrictions apply at Sutton and Baker beaches, near Florence, the Siltcoos Estuary/Dunes Overlook/Tahkenitch Estu-ary, to the south, Tenmile Estuary, Coos Bay's North Spit, New River and the
Bandon State Natural Area. The state Parks and Recreation Department's new proposal would ban kite flying and dogs, even if they are leashed, on the wet sand areas of these beaches as well.