Neighbors review ranch proposal

Five Sisters area residents asked some detailed questions at an April 13 public hearing in Sisters to review a proposed conservation agreement on 1,233 acres on the Rimrock Ranch along Whychus Creek north of Sisters.

Most were neighbors to the ranch along Wilt Road and all who commented supported the proposed agreement. The purpose of the grant award is to protect and conserve the property’s ecological values in perpetuity.

The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board conducted the hearing at the Sisters Fire Hall. Last September the board agreed to award the Deschutes Land Trust $800,000 to purchase the easement from owners Robert and Gayle Baker. Total cost of the purchase will not exceed $2 million with the balance raised from other sources. Attorneys are working out final details of the agreement that should be signed by all parties in the next two months.

Lori Warner-Dickason, policy specialist for the board, conducted the hearing. Brad Nye, conservation project manager for the Land Trust, was present to answer questions about the proposal and to explain the Trust’s plans for implementing it.

The board is the state agency funded by Measure 66 Oregon lottery dollars to protect and restore native salmonids, fish and wildlife habitat, watersheds, and water quality. “We expend some $25 million annually to purchase key properties in fee title or to secure conservation easements similar to this one,” Warner-Dickason said.

The Wilt Road area property owners asked detailed questions about how the agreement will operate and its impact on fish and wildlife in the area.

“This is a great thing for those of us living along that road,” said local resident Jim Reiss. “I support what you are doing here.”

In 1971, previous owners subdivided the ranch into 13 40-acre parcels and one 80-acre parcel. However, none of the parcels were sold individually. After the Bakers acquired the ranch, they became active as volunteers in the Land Trust and eventually proposed developing the conservation agreement to restrict future development to protect the habitat.

“The Bakers also will provide an endowment under the terms of the proposed agreement to fund the overseeing of the application of the agreement in the near future and in the long term no matter who owns the property,” Nye explained.

Under terms of the proposed agreement, the Bakers may replace a current residence on the property, but no new development may occur in perpetuity. The Bakers can continue to raise livestock and conduct forestry activities. Limited access to the ranch by the Land Trust is provided for educational tours and for others to enhance fish habitat.

The hearing was scheduled for only an hour, but questions and discussion of plans for the ranch extended it for another hour.

“We appreciate the turnout for this hearing,” Nye said.