Camp Sherman embroiled in land use debate

The village of Camp Sherman has found itself on the front line of a battle over land use and the preservation of an idyllic way of life.

As is the case in many battles, the residents are just in the way and have found themselves caught up in a war they never wanted. The stage was set early last year when Jefferson County made the decision to revamp its land use and zoning regulations.

The initial battle to keep the status quo was lost on December 27, 2006, when the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners voted to repeal the county's existing comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance.

Jefferson County's existing comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance were considered by some to the be the model for the state.

"It is all the more of a catastrophe because Jefferson County in the past protected their forest and farm land probably more than any other county in the state, and the changes they are allowing - development in the use of range land and the forest - are such a sharp contrast to what they used to do," said Paul Dewey of Central Oregon Landwatch.

In place of the old plan and ordinance, a new Comprehensive Plan, a new zoning ordinance, destination resort mapping and ordinance provisions were enacted, and the fallout was immediate. The late Becky Johnson, a tireless advocate from Camp Sherman, was one of the first to file an appeal of the decisions made by the Jefferson County commissioners.

Others who joined the fray were The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Central Oregon Landwatch and the Friends of the Metolius. All are taking issue with the changes in four different areas, and a key issue for all is the mapping of two areas for destination resorts in the Camp Sherman region. One tract is just east of the Metolius Basin on Green Ridge, and the second is on the west side of the basin off Road 12.

The general feeling of those concerned about the Camp Sherman area is that commissioners have made these changes in response to a desire to increase the county's tax base, as well as bowing to pressures from developers who see this undeveloped county as a financial gold mine.

"Certain developers and business people are wanting to cash in on the development that is occurring in Deschutes County. They want a piece of the pie as well," said Dewey.

Bill Bellamy, Jefferson County Commissioner, agrees in a fashion.

"If the county were to be bankrupt 10 years from now and we hadn't followed what was happening in Deschutes and Crook Country, people would look back to us and say that we were irresponsible," he said.

It is not just the physical development that is of concern. It is the supporting development that would accompany the creation of destination resorts that also has the potential to create large scale impact.

The whole area would require extensive changes in roads to service the increased population surge. Electrical and communication infrastructures would also require extensive upgrades or additions. Then, there are the problems of water supply and waste water.

One of the locations mapped for a destination resort near Camp Sherman is owned by Dutch Pacific Resources which believes that development is possible while preserving the natural attributes of the area.

"Our intentions and hopes are to work closely with the community to enhance the natural, educational experience of the Metolius Basin through the introduction of a community with a focus on wilderness preservation, if not overall improvement of the environment," wrote Shane Lundgren, president and CEO of Dutch Pacific Resources.

Lundgren and his family reside in Camp Sherman and have a long history there.

Where this all will lead is of concern to anyone who is connected to the area.

"The Metolius Basin as a whole is of special concern to the Tribes. It is a sensitive area, and extensive development could have a series of very adverse effects on the basin as a whole," said Ellen Grover, an attorney retained by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

"To go through such a dramatic change requires a very thoughtful process that assesses what are the capabilities of the land - whether it be fish, wildlife, agricultural purposes, forestry - and a look at the infrastructure and services, then make an informed decision. We think that Jefferson County has failed," said Gregory McClarren, President of Friends of the Metolius.

Under Oregon Land Use Board of Appeal (LUBA) guidelines, the process of appeals can take a significant period of time. The controversy in Camp Sherman will continue in the months to come as the process winds through the system.