Metolius meeting reviews projects

Conrad Weiler, Correspondent

Paul Dewey (R.), Sisters Forest Planning Committee, outlines ownership changes in the Metolius Basin as Gregory McClarren (L.), interim President of Friends of the Metolius, holds a map showing locations. photo by Conrad Weiler Interim President Gregory McClarren hosted the annual Memorial Day weekend roundup by the Friends of the Metolius (FOM) at Camp Sherman's Community Hall last Saturday.

A crowd of about 45 people heard Rod Bonacker of the Sisters Ranger District describe the Pelton-Round Butte Dam agreement, due to be signed by 29 parties including federal and state agencies, cities, counties, Warm Springs tribal groups and PGE next month.

An estimated $70 million will fund improvement of fish passage to the Columbia River and the ocean as well as back to the local rivers. As part of the settlement, there will be improvement of mule deer habitat in the area and raptor studies should also help improve eagle populations survival in the region.

Also, since Lake Billy Chinook and Cove Palisades State Park are the busiest and largest recreation sites in Oregon, in the comprehensive plan there will be improvement of campgrounds and recreation facilities.

Bill Johnson, FOM Board member, previewed his Metolius Basin CD that will be distributed free to all Camp Sherman residents next month. The CD will provide computer users with information on wildfire risk reduction and the remarkable values offered by the basin's flora and fauna.

Text, graphics, and maps describing the area are backed up by music of Michael Kearsey on the CD (which may be played on audio CD players). Local residents will receive a postcard by mail this month that may be used to obtain the free CD at Camp Sherman's General Store. Others wishing to obtain a copy of this CD will be charged $10.

Bill Anthony, Sisters District Ranger, updated the group on local activities of his organization. The Forest Service is presently assessing the effects of last year's B&B Complex Fire on the Metolius Basin forest management project.

"There is a lot of interest in that fire area that covered 92,000 acres and we will have tours for local people as well as others interested in visiting the sites and seeing restoration efforts," said Anthony. "Three million dollars has gone into bridges, culverts and road repair."

Anthony noted that "We are also preparing our response to the lawsuit brought by the Blue Mountain Diversity group challenging our plans for the basin."

Fisheries specialist Scott Cotter, Sisters Ranger District, explained efforts to improve riparian areas leading to improved stream conditions for fish and other life forms.

"We have placed 800 boulders at 31 sites to effect road closures or rein in camp sites too close to streams in the area. The hope is to improve conditions for Bull Trout and other species," he said.

Cotter continued, "The water quality is generally good in the area. There are higher nitrate levels at the headwater springs for the Metolius River and some areas showing spiking for E. coli bacteria but the Metolius River remains a pristine system. Redband counts are down slightly but these fluctuations are to be expected" (see Jim Anderson's column, page 33).

Brad Chalfant, Deschutes Basin Land Trust leader, presented slides depicting his group's goals and successes in the area.

"The Metolius Preserve of 1,240 acres, was purchased from Willamette Industries in January, 2002. We'll have the dedication ceremony on Saturday, June 19, and want to invite all interested people to attend and see this special area. We want to thank all of you for supporting this project."

Paul Dewey of the Sisters Forest Planning Committee outlined ownership changes in the Metolius Basin region and their possible implications for growth and development.