Meadow restoration includes vehicle ban

As part of an effort to restore Glaze Meadow near Black Butte Ranch, the Sisters Ranger District will soon begin enforcing a ban of off-road vehicles from the meadow.

The cornerstone of the Glaze Meadow rehabilitation project was the district's first-ever prescribed burn in a meadow habitat. Although the fire set a precedent in the district, Forest Service biologists say the project requires a multi-faceted approach to undo the impact of more than 100 years of cattle grazing.

According to district ecologist Maret Pajutee, one of the primary obstacles to restoring the meadow is use by off-road vehicles (ORVs).

"The reason we don't want ORV use is (to avoid) introducing noxious weeds and because of noise disturbance and trampling of vegetation," she explained.

"We're worried about the unauthorized use of ORVs," Pajutee said. "There's been an 'unofficial closure' for years but several individuals are using the area."

Driving off-road vehicles through Glaze Meadow became illegal with the decision notice released in December 1997 on the "Glaze" environmental analysis. Pajutee said the ORV closure was never officially filed, so the Forest Service has been unable to enforce the decision.

"We anticipate the final closure will begin in October," Pajutee said. "It will give us the ability to ticket and fine people for using ORVs in the area."

Sisters Ranger District wildlife biologist Laurie Turner said the closure will reduce disturbance to unique plants and animals that utilize the meadow habitat.

According to Turner, surveys over the last five years conducted by Forest Service biologists and volunteers with the Oregon Breeding Bird Atlas Project have confirmed the nesting of birds such as eastern kingbird, sora and northern goshawk in or near Glaze Meadow.

The meadow may also host the world's largest population of the endangered wildflower, Peck's penstemon.

Turner said the Forest Service will locate and rehabilitate former ORV trails across the meadow as part of the restoration effort.

In the meantime, Pajutee explained, the agency will begin enforcing its original ORV ban.

"We will be implementing a legal closure and people will be fined," she said.

According Pajutee, the Forest Service will start writing tickets in November.