Whychus Creek plan approved

Deschutes National Forest Supervisor John Allen has signed the Whychus Creek Wild and Scenic River Plan, setting in motion important new protections and guidance for the management of National Forest lands on this little-known river, southwest of the City of Sisters.

No private lands are affected.

"In many ways Whychus Creek is being rediscovered as its flows and fish return after many decades," said Sisters District Ranger Bill Anthony. "It is a significant accomplishment to put this plan in place to establish a long-term stewardship philosophy that protects and restores this wondrous place for the people of today and tomorrow. We need the help of the community, and encourage people to get involved in helping us take care of this beautiful river."

Whychus Creek was designated by Congress as part of the Omnibus Oregon Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1988. Wild and Scenic Rivers are part of a national program to protect selected rivers or segments of rivers with outstandingly remarkable values for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.

The plan provides guidelines for managing public use and enjoyment of the creek and protecting and enhancing the aspects of the river found to be unique on a regional or national scale called the "outstandingly remarkable values."

For Whychus Creek these values are: geology; hydrology; fisheries; scenic resources; cultural - prehistory and traditional use. The designated area includes 15.4 miles of the creek and an adjacent land corridor beginning at its source on the glaciers of the Three Sisters mountains and ending approximately four miles southwest of the City of Sisters.

The creek is an important stronghold for ocean-going steelhead which are finding their way back for the first time in 40 years with the new fish passage provided at Pelton-Round Butte Dam.

The Whychus Creek area has experienced increasing vandalism, unauthorized trail and road building, and graffiti, threatening both natural resources and recreational experiences. The plan provides a green light for the planning of new resource protections such as restoration of impacted streamside areas, redefining sustainable hiking trails, and increasing awareness of low impact practices and the area's ecology and history.

A partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, and other local groups has been launched to create a volunteer bank to help further community stewardship as part of NFF's Treasured Landscapes Unforgettable Experiences Conservation Campaign. The conservation campaign is also helping generate funds for restoration work on Whychus Creek.

For more information contact Maret Pajutee at the Sisters Ranger District, 541-549-7727.