State may tighten resort rules

Just as three developers are seeking to build destination resorts in the Sisters Country, the state is looking at tightening up the rules governing such developments.

The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development has expressed new concerns over the unanticipated impacts of destination resorts and intends to ask the governor for changes in current regulations. Joining in the call for changes is the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The agencies believe destination resorts are failing to follow mitigation plans, resulting in loss of fish and wildlife habitat. Also at issue is the concern that destination resorts are not serving their primary purpose of improving tourism; rather, some believe they have become choice locations for high-end second homes.

The apprehensions are not based on the actions of any particular resort but rather on the cumulative effects of the high concentration of destination resorts in Central Oregon, most of which are located in Deschutes County.

Limitation of the number of destination resorts is one of the points of discussion, along with changes in the ratio of the number of overnight stay locations versus the number of permanent residencies. Further environmental impact studies may also be required to insure that there is no, or at least very minimal, impact to fish and wildlife habitat.

Senator Ben Westlund sees the request for changes as another way to skin the cat after his failed Senate Bill 30 (SB30).

"The idea behind SB30 gave impetus to a more comprehensive look at the old destination resort siting issue. That is what started this discussion and a more in-depth review," said Westlund.

The red flag tossed in the air does not seem to be a cause of worry for either of the proposed destination resorts in the area to the west of Sisters. Ponderosa Land and Cattle Co. is proposing a destination resort on the 30,000 acres that are privately owned on Green Ridge. The proposed Metolian, is located near Suttle Lake on slightly over 600 acres. Developers do not see the changes as problematic.

"The limitation of the number of resorts is not a concern for us (Ponderosa Land and Cattle Co.) at this time. Jefferson County has the least amount of available land mapped for destination resorts of any county in Central Oregon. It shouldn't be a problem for Jefferson County at this time," said Rick Allen, a lobbyist for Ponderosa Land and Cattle Co.

The developers of the Metolian have a different outlook entirely and are not opposed to some changes.

"We have believed for a long time that the present model for destination resorts is flawed. The golf course idea to create tourism infrastructure is often an environmental disaster and frequently not a good source of revenue either," said Jim Keen, co-manager of the Metolian development.

The main goal of destination resorts is to attract tourism, and many resorts fail to accomplish that goal.

"Most destination resorts in Central Oregon only draw crowds during about two-and-a-half months out of the year. Our goal is to use a different model where we will still be attractive during the shoulder seasons when golfers are thin on the ground," said Keen.

High-end second homes are also not a worry for the developers of the Metolian.

"The whole premise for the Metolian is an eco-friendly environment with compact and clustered energy efficient homes. There will not be any McMansions located in the development," said Keen.