About half of the area is located within the Portland Urban Growth Boundary, making it likely to be developed soon.
Developmental pressures continue for land in the canyon.
Most of the current development is taking place along the western and southern fringes of the canyon and has happened within the last five years. Newell Creek runs south to north bisecting the study area. Highway 213 parallels the eastern side of Newell Creek and marks a stretch of land that has been extensively regraded and filled. Highway 213, at the northern boundary of the study area, a 2.5 m diameter culvert was placed to reduce blockage and divert the creek under the highway. There are several other spots along Highway 213 where culverts are needed to replace surface flow.