Sisters residents to weigh in on creek plan

Local residents are invited to weigh in on an action plan designed to improve stream flows, fish passage and water quality on the Squaw Creek watershed.

The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council will introduce its Squaw Creek Watershed Action Plan at a public meeting on January 14, 7 p.m., at Sisters Community Church.

According to council member Len Knott, the council hopes to solicit community support "to participate in developing and accomplishing projects that will serve to implement the action plan."

Some of the plan's elements can be acted upon quickly, Knott said. Some of the goals will take time. Goals include conserving and enhancing natural stream systems; improving overall watershed health; and promoting public information and outreach.

"This is a very long-range project," he said. "Some of it will depend on government action at the state and federal level."

The council wants input on the goals laid out in the plan and on ideas for how to accomplish them.

That public input will help develop "a framework for further, actual on-the-ground projects."