Camp Sherman businesses revive

Metolius River Lodges is up and running, as are other Camp Sherman businesses shut down by this summer's B&B Complex Fire. photo by Conrad Weiler

Camp Sherman is home to several businesses that suffered during the fires as visitors were warned away and residents were evacuated.

Visitors, vacationers, tourists and locals seem to have gotten the word that Camp Sherman is up and running again after the B&B Complex Fire.

Leslie Grina-Lutz of McMinnville said, "I was surprised. I expected the area to be really charred but only the mountain pass was (charred)."

Diane Varner of Yamhill said she "expected to see everything burned between the pass and Bend from watching the news. It's gorgeous, just beautiful out here. Very pretty."

So is this turning out to be a normal fall season for area resorts and small businesses? Some are back on track and some are still struggling.

Flyfishing guide John Judy said his woes are small, especially compared to many that took a big punch. He missed only one trip. When Camp Sherman residents were allowed back in for two hours he grabbed equipment for fishing and camping as well as a raft and was back in business.

Pam Lovegren with Metolius River Lodges said, "It took a week for people to realize we were up and running and to fill back in because we had canceled everybody. We had evacuated twice.

"As of this week occupancy is to our normal level," Lovegren said. "This week until mid-October we are 80 to 100 percent full. That is 100 percent full on weekends and about 80 percent weekdays. From mid-October on we need to figure out creative ways to get people here."

That is exactly what the Metolius River Association wanted to do at their meeting on Monday, September 22. Roll call for the meeting included President Cheryl Scott, Roger White, Gordon Jones, Vicki Hornbeck, Robert McLean, Tammy Patterson and Debbie Dezotell.

The big news for this recreation area is birding. According to Roger White at the Camp Sherman Store, birding is the number one fastest growing sport in the country. He said white-headed woodpeckers, which tear up people's houses here, are "the Joe Montana of birds."

Camp Sherman will soon be designated a portal city in the birding world. A portal city is one where there is lodging, food, recreation -- and access to birds.

The Metolius Recreation Association has an annual budget for advertising. They plan to beef up advertising in travel sections of various newspapers as well as advertising in Sunset Magazine and Cascades East.

They would also like to do some special events such as the Bamboo Rod Fair that has been so successful the past two years and a Welcome to Fly Fishing Event based on the one in Salem.

It is often difficult to find the "bright side" when the news regards destruction to the forests and damage to area businesses.

But sometimes even bad publicity makes good advertising.

Pam Lovegren mentioned that a couple actually drove in because of the fire. They had driven past the Camp Sherman sign many times but now decided to take a look and discovered how beautiful the area is. They took a brochure and are planning to return during the winter months.