Camp Sherman celebrates Memorial weekend

Camp Sherman residents and visitors turned out for a big holiday barbecue. Photo by Conrad Weiler

A trio of community events highlighted Memorial Day weekend in Camp Sherman.

Saturday morning brought a large turnout to the Community Hall for updates on local programs.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Metolius (FOM), the two-hour meeting featured Bill Anthony, Sisters District Ranger, describing this as "a most challenging weekend" because of the influx of young people partying throughout the vast area.

He also assessed local fire conditions: "We've had a dry winter and a damp May. June will be critical as to the length of our fire season this year."

There will be about the same coverage as last year with four field rangers and a fire prevention technician. Three engines and a hand crew will be available for fighting local fires, according to Anthony.

"There's also a lot of restoration work necessary after last summer's two large local fires," he said.

Other public safety officials spoke about the continuing problems in the Deschutes National Forest areas. Jefferson County Deputy Sheriff Dave Blann and others described damage from Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) use in the area.

The Forest Service has produced some educational brochures that highlight roads in the area for OHV use and restricted areas and they are being distributed to OHV users.

Sergeant Mark Foster, Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, distributed Metolius Basin evacuation information in the event of fire or other natural disaster.

"White means flight. Please tie something white to the door handle most obvious from the road so that we know you have left," said Foster.

Acting Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Chief Ken Enoch described debris-burning regulations. Depending on weather conditions, burning will continue until about June 1 (see related story, page 3).

Brad Chalfant, Deschutes Basin Land Trust leader, described his organization's accomplishments and gave a brief update on the Metolius Preserve project.

"We have collected over $1.9 million towards our goal of $3 million needed for purchase of the 1,280-acre parcel between Suttle Lake and Camp Sherman. This is a resource for the community," he said.

Kent Gill, FOM Secretary, updated the audience on ongoing water quality testing in the Metolius River.

"We still have relatively pristine river water. Tests for E. coli, orthophosphates and nitrates indicate water quality has not changed," said Gill.

Toni Foster, FOM Head, mentioned the possibility of using part of the Allingham Guard Station, near the Metolius River, for an educational and information center.

At the meeting, updates on possible development plans at Lake Creek Lodge were discussed. Presently, this resort on Road 1419 has 17 cabin sites. A proposal has been made for new ownership and adding 24 new cabins.

Some local citizens have raised serious concerns and a meeting of the Local Area Council (LAC) will be held on Friday, June 6, at 7 p.m. in the Camp Sherman Community Hall to discuss the matter.

Walt Ponsford, Jefferson County Commissioner, after the meeting discussed the recent purchase of 29,000 acres in the Green Ridge area.

"Apparently, the new owners plan to build four homes on the land," said Ponsford. Local resident Phil Fernandez raised concern of possible light pollution at night from house lights on Green Ridge.

Others raised concerns about larger development on the property including the possibility of a destination resort. Ponsford said that a resort might bring tax benefits to Jefferson County but did not see any employment benefits for the local population.

A traditional holiday barbecue was held Saturday evening at the Camp Sherman General Store.

A mellow crowd of over 200, listening to the music of Tony Lompa under the stars, enjoyed burgers, chicken and wursts.

Sunday morning offered the holiday pancake breakfast treats at the Community Hall. Sponsored by students from Black Butte School, donations were put towards UNICEF boxes containing materials to help children in Afghanistan and Iraq. Along with the pancakes, ham, eggs, juice and coffee were enjoyed by the large crowd.