Over the past 75 years Ross Island has been mined by Ross Island Sand and Gravel Company. Portland industrialist and media mogul Dr. Robert Pamplin, Jr., who owns Ross Island Sand and Gravel, donated 45 acres to the City of Portland in 2007. This property will be managed as part of Portland's natural area network. Situated between Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge and planned riverbank restoration in the South Waterfront District, it will provide an important piece of a vibrant urban wildlife corridor.