Land Trust dedicates Metolius Preserve on Saturday

The Deschutes Basin Land Trust will dedicate its new Metolius Preserve on a 1,240-acre forest tract just west of Camp Sherman on Saturday, June 19, at 1 p.m.

The Metolius Preserve contains over three miles of Lake Creek, a primary tributary to the Metolius River, including habitat critical to efforts by Portland General Electric, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife to reintroduce salmon to the upper Deschutes River.

Prior to the construction of Pelton and Round Butte dams, spring Chinook once spawned in the several forks of Lake Creek on the property, while sockeye salmon historically swam through the preserve to their spawning gravels above Suttle Lake.

The Warm Springs Tribes and Portland General Electric (PGE) have shown a commitment to reintroduction of steelhead.

The new preserve supports a variety of wildlife including a large herd of elk, and is a way-stop for songbirds migrating between Latin America and Canada.

The Land Trust will manage the reserve for the benefit of fish and wildlife, forest health, education and compatible public recreation. The formal dedication on Saturday will include brief remarks from State Senator Ben Westlund and Ochoco Lumber Company executive John Shelk, both of whom were instrumental in the creation of the preserve.

The remarks will be followed by tours, hikes, bike rides and family activities.

"This isn't about locking land up; quite the contrary," Land Trust director Brad Chalfant said. "What we're trying to do with Community Preserves like the Metolius Preserve is invite the public out and help them connect with a very special place. It's an overused phrase, but ultimately what we're trying to do is build a stronger sense of place and community."

While the Land Trust has begun restoration and management efforts at the Metolius Preserve, it has continued raising funds for the long-term stewardship of the preserve.

"With the acquisition accomplished, we need to convert roads to trails, restore disturbed areas, reduce the risk of wildfires and improve wildlife habitat," he said. "However, we've got limited funding to start that work, so we'll continue raising funds and will ask local folks and businesses to help with many of these projects."

The Deschutes Basin Land Trust was founded late in 1995 as part of America's community-based Land Trust movement. The Land Trust acquires land or development rights to help conserve and protect the Deschutes Basin's natural heritage and scenic vistas.

For directions to the dedication ceremony, visit www.deschuteslandtrust.org.