Public to weigh in on land preservation plan

Sisters area residents can weigh in on a plan that would protect 1,123 acres along Whychus Creek downstream from Sisters.

The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) approved an $800,000 grant last fall to help purchase a conservation easement to protect natural resources by preventing future development on Rimrock Ranch property. Now, the public will have an opportunity to review the proposal.

OWEB will hold a public hearing on Thursday, April 13, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Sisters Fire Hall, 301 S. Elm St. in Sisters, according to Lori Warner-Dickason, OWEB policy manager.

The conservation easement will protect almost two miles of high quality stream and floodplain habitat as well as important upland habitat including several golden eagle nest sites, according to the Deschutes Basin Land Trust.

The Land Trust negotiated acquisition of the conservation easement from property owners Bob and Gayle Baker. As volunteers in the Land Trust, the Bakers expressed interest in preserving fish and wildlife habitat and watershed, restoring native salmon and protecting water quality on their Rimrock Ranch.

The Land Trust used $400,000 from the Wal-Mart-funded “Acres for America” program and contributions from individual donors to combine with the OWEB grant for the easement acquisition. The Rimrock Ranch project was a top priority-one identified by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation that administers the “Acres for America” program.

Under terms of the draft plan, the Bakers will be allowed to build one more residence on the property and continue agricultural and forestry activities.

The property will remain in their name and it can be passed on to heirs or sold, but with the permanent conservation easement in place in perpetuity.

The owner also will allow access to their property for educational activities for 30 days a year, restoration work for 45 days annually and scientific monitoring of fish for 10 days a year.

Since 1995, the Trust has completed seven projects conserving over 5,000 acres in Central Oregon. Two other projects are underway. One would acquire and preserve 33,000 acres of private forest between Bend and Sisters to be named the Skyline Forest. Another proposed project involves 550 acres in the Smith Rock area that will protect a mile of the lower Crooked River and mule deer winter range adjacent to Smith Rock State Park.

OWEB Funds come from 15 percent of Oregon Lottery profits dedicated to state parks and fish restoration work under voter-approved Measure 66 passed in 1998.

For more information,call Lori Warner-Dickason, OWEB policy manager, at 503-986-0046.