Suttle Lake assessment released

Five years in the making, the long-awaited Suttle Lake Resort Master Plan Environmental Assessment (EA) has been completed.

The plan calls for a new lodge, an expansion of the acreage of the resort, additional camping cabins and trails.

Sisters District Ranger Bill Anthony formally presented the detailed EA in a letter inviting one more round of public comment.

This announcement marks the third time an EA on the Suttle Lake project has been presented to the public.

Analysis of a plan for rehabilitation of the Suttle Lake resort began in 1995, and an initial EA was presented in 1997. Various public comments were fielded at that time, the majority of which dealt with concerns over the scope and size of the project.

As a result, the proposal was scaled down, reworked and presented again in 1999 only to face a rehashing of similar objections.

After a series of delays, additional surveys and changes, another revised proposal for a smaller sized development was put together and incorporated into the current EA.

Further measures were added to the proposal in order to minimize ecological impact.

After the current round of public comment, it is anticipated that the EA will be sent to the Ochoco and Deschutes National Forest Supervisor for final action.

The Forest Supervisor will determine whether to approve the Master Development Plan and, if so, at what level.

Three options are presented in the plan.

One option looks at the possibility of no changes, and another presents an even more scaled-down version than that proposed.

The letter clearly indicates, however, that the proposed alternative set forth in the plan is the preferred option, since it best meets the needs of all interested parties.

Public comments will continue to be received through Friday, June 1.

If approved, the assessment would clear the way for the much-anticipated rehabilitation of Suttle Lake Resort.

Among the key actions proposed in the plan is the reconstruction of a lodge similar to one that was destroyed by fire in 1974. That fire marked the third time that the Suttle Lake Resort Lodge burned down. The other blazes occurred in 1929 and 1939.

Specific concerns include the current lack of lodging opportunities for visitors to the lake, a dangerous road access off Highway 20 into the resort area, and the long term health of forest and riparian areas.

Another proposed change for the resort would be the addition of 3.9 acres to the existing permit area of nine acres.

The resort does not own the property and operates on Forest Service land under a permit. Approval of the proposal would place the 20-year special use permit under the control of Suttle Lake Resort and Marina.

The issue of highway safety would be addressed by a new access road that would funnel traffic in and out of the Suttle Lake area in a safer manner.

The proposal would require a new bridge across Lake Creek and also provide for new designated parking areas.

Economic vitality of the resort is also an issue that would be addressed not only by the reconstruction of the lodge but by the addition of more and better quality camping cabins.

The additions would permit the resort to operate on a year-round basis, making the entire facility more economically viable for the resort operators.

Camping at the resort would be phased out as the new lodging opportunities are developed.

Camping is already offered at three National Forest Campgrounds on the lake, and the resort's role will be to offer a different outdoor recreational experience to the public.

Boardwalks and trails are planned, along with interpretive displays designed to foster environmental stewardship.

Copies of the complete EA may be obtained at the District Ranger's Office at the corner of Highway 20 and Pine Street in Sisters or at the Forest Supervisor's Office at 1645 Highway 20 East, in Bend.

Written comments should be addressed to Bill Anthony, District Ranger, c/o Suttle Lake EA, P.O. Box 249, Sisters, OR 97759.

Comments can also be e-mailed to [email protected]

Additional information can be obtained by contacting Maret Pajutee, Project Team Leader, at 549-7727.