Sisters Ranger District presents projects

Local Forest Service staff discussed plans for the Suttle Lake Resort, as well as other forest projects, with over 30 residents from the Sisters area at a recent open house held at the Sisters Ranger District.

District Ranger Bill Anthony and the district staff hosted their annual open house on Thursday, January 22, to educate the public about the past year's events as well as current and upcoming projects.

Anthony said that most public meetings staged by the Forest Service focus on specific forest issues but that this forum presented a different opportunity.

"It was a great chance to talk to people from the community about anything they wanted to talk about," Anthony said.

The redevelopment of the Suttle Lake Resort was the most popular topic of the two open house sessions, according to Anthony and District Lands Forester Jeff Sims.

Sims said resort managers have shaped the resort master plan to reflect feedback received from the public and the Forest Service. The Forest Service is currently exploring three alternatives for the project which include no action and two alternatives with varying amounts of development.

The Sisters Ranger District also used the open house to thank the community partners who have cooperated with the agency over the past year. Partnerships exist for areas such as permit sales, wildlife surveys, and stream and river projects.

Exhibits displayed the district's latest efforts in fire and vegetation management, watersheds and fisheries, and recreation.

Camp Sherman resident Bill Johnson enjoyed the opportunity to learn about ongoing projects in the forest, but he believes that more residents should participate in such events.

"I wish there would be more people here," said Johnson. "It's good to meet the folks managing our forests around here."