Land trust announces Metolius Basin project

The Deschutes Basin Land Trust is bringing an important part of the Metolius Basin under its protective wing.

The Trust announced Wednesday, April 17, that it has secured from Willamette Industries an option to purchase 1,240 acres of forest land on Lake Creek, a principal tributary of the Metolius River.

With 4,260 acres already under its protection, the trust is already a major factor in Central Oregon conservation. The Lake Creek transaction would increase that figure by 30 percent.

Founded in 1995 to protect "special" lands in the Deschutes Basin, the Land Trust made its first acquisition with the Indian Ford Meadow Preserve and has been steadily growing ever since.

The newest project involves important fish and wildlife habitat between the Metolius River and Suttle Lake.

The Trust needs to raise $3 million by July of 2003 in order to acquire the property.

The proposed acquisition is part of the Land Trust's "Back to Home Waters" campaign designed to restore salmon and steelhead to the upper Deschutes River Basin.

Brad Nye, Conservation Project Manager for the Land Trust is optimistic about the group's chances of closing the deal.

"We've received very positive feedback from potential donors and from the Camp Sherman community," he said. "There's a lot of excitement in the community for the project."

The Land Trust's Executive Director, Brad Chalfant, said that Willamette Industries signed the agreement prior to the Weyerhauser takeover, but the contract will remain in effect.

"Willamette has been a very community-oriented Oregon company and has shown tremendous interest and concern to recognize that this is a very special place to be protected," he said.

"We're obviously very pleased that they had the confidence in us," Chalfant said, "and we're excited about where this is going to go from here."

The proposed acquisition is completely surrounded by the Deschutes National Forest and contains remnants of what is often referred to as "old growth" timber.

Nye described it as a mixed forest with several species of conifers.

He indicated that the property is divided into two primary zones, with an upland area dominated by white fir.

The lower portion primarily features ponderosa pine and Douglas fir and gives way to riparian areas near the multiple forks of Lake Creek.

Western larch, incense cedar and white pine are also found in the area.

What seems to have people most excited, however, are the fish. Lake Creek is a key feature in one of only two now-defunct sockeye salmon runs native to Oregon.

"Prior to the (Pelton and Round Butte) dams, salmon and steelhead spawned in the Metolius, Deschutes and Crooked Rivers," said Chalfant.

"The Metolius sub-basin contains some of the best, most healthy habitat in Central Oregon; and this is the most significant piece of private land, in terms of its potential impacts on the fishery."

Chalfant says that the Land Trust hopes to manage the new area "for Chinook spawning habitat, elk winter range and the gateway it provides for what we hope will be Oregon's first sockeye salmon run in 40 years."

Spawning sockeye salmon require a lake in the stream system.

In this case, the lake that gives Lake Creek its name is Suttle Lake, the ancestral home to an historic sockeye salmon population that survives in the form of the landlocked version of the fish -- kokanee.

"It's a big challenge to raise so much money in such a short period of time, but I'm convinced that we can do it, as there's a real magic to the Metolius," Chalfant said.

"Besides, how many times in your life do you get a chance to do something this significant?"

The Trust's initial fundraising efforts for the Preserve are being directed toward various public and private foundations and agencies.

The Trust hopes to provide a variety of recreational experiences for the public "as long as it's consistent with management for fish and wildlife," explained Nye.

"We're in the preliminary stages of establishing a conceptual management plan. The Forest Service road through the property will remain open to provide hiking, cross country skiing and mountain biking."

Interpretive facilities are also planned to serve area schools and the general public.

"While fish are driving the effort, this is about so much more," said Chalfant. "This acquisition will help insure that the Metolius remains one of Oregon's most cherished jewels, for this generation, as well as the next."

The Deschutes Basin Land Trust was established as part of a community-based Land Trust movement and was conceived to help preserve and protect the Deschutes Basin's natural heritage.

Chalfant stated that the Land Trust does not engage in political activity, but works cooperatively with private landowners and local communities to find creative ways to permanently protect important habitat, scenic views and open space.

"Back to Home Waters" is a partnership initiated by the Land Trust to help bring about the successful reintroduction of salmon and steelhead trout to the upper Deschutes Basin for the first time in 40 years.

More information on the Deschutes Basin Land Trust, the Metolius Project, Back to Home Waters and other trust programs can be obtained at 330-0017 or http://www.deschuteslandtrust.org.