Cougars, crime and fire top agenda in Crossroads

Crime prevention, forest fuels reduction, road paving plans and cougars were topics that highlighted the semi-annual meeting of the Crossroads Property Owners Association last Saturday. More than 40 residents attended the meeting at Sisters Community Church,

Corporal Wayne Morgan of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office recommended motion-sensing outdoor lighting and secure doors and window locks as major steps to prevent home burglaries.

“You should also seriously consider reinstating the Neighborhood Watch program in Crossroads,” he added.

He also advised residents to promptly report any crimes and acts of vandalism no matter how small to give his office a better database for increased patrols.

Terry Craig of the Sisters Ranger District displayed maps showing Forest Service plans to reduce fire hazards around Sisters and neighboring subdivisions.

“Over the next 20 years, we will be thinning young stands, mowing brush, and conducting controlled burns,” he explained.

Areas around Crossroads should be high on the list of forests to be treated, he said.

Residents expressed a consensus on the location of a major road paving and crack-sealing project for the coming year. Board member Jerry Sorensen recommended a $40,000 project and the audience supported his proposal.

Discussion on the prohibition of artificial feeding of deer was reviewed. Chair Luann Danforth reminded residents that it is unhealthy for the deer, it tends to have them remain in the area during the winter instead of migrating, and deer will attract cougars. Several reports of cougar tracks and one sighting have been reported this winter in Crossroads.

The semi-annual meeting provides residents an opportunity to hear progress reports and to present questions to the board of directors between annual meetings held each June.