DLT introduces preserve to the public

Over the last several weeks, the Deschutes Land Trust (DLT) has begun introducing the public to the newest acquisition in its lineup of protected conservation lands in the Deschutes Basin.

Since it was established in 1995 to accommodate the donation of a 145-acre portion of Indian Ford Meadow, the land trust has been responsible for the preservation of 8,200 acres of land in Central Oregon - with even more planned.

The new Whychus Canyon Preserve is a previously unprotected 450-acre parcel straddling a two-mile stretch of Whychus Creek. The land trust recognized that this was the largest single private landholding of Whychus Creek frontage and had been working for some time to preserve the area.

Amanda Egertson is the stewardship director for the land trust, and the creation of this new preserve has had special meaning for her:

"Whychus Canyon Preserve has been 10 years in the making! And now I have the fun job...of exploring every inch of it, discovering and documenting what is out here, planning restoration projects, conceptualizing hiking trail layouts, collaborating with the BLM and other partners, and getting to know our new neighbors. It's a very exciting time and an exceptionally beautiful property, and we encourage folks to come join us at our newest community preserve!"

Thus far, public access has been limited to guided tours conducted by the land trust for relatively small numbers of registered guests; but that all changes in just a few days. On Saturday, June 18, DLT will be hosting a "grand opening," which will include a dedication ceremony, immediately followed by a series of guided hikes and nature walks. From that time on, the preserve will be generally open to the public.

Following the dedication ceremony, Egertson herself will lead a difficult five-mile hike - billed as the "Whychus Canyon Extreme Hike" - into the heart of the canyon and preserve; but that is only one of at least eight hikes and walks that will be offered.

Other hikes will range on down to an easy nature walk of less than a mile, designed for children. Others vary from one to four miles and will feature mountain and canyon views, wildflowers, Santiam Wagon Road history, geology and fish.

The fish hike will be led by Forest Service representative Rod Bonacker. The land trust is one of several organizations leading a longstanding effort to restore salmon and steelhead runs to the Deschutes Basin, and acquisition of this preserve is considered a key step in reaching that goal. Bonacker will explain the restoration goals and process as he leads visitors on a difficult hike down to the creek, where the fish spawning and rearing habitat will be seen firsthand.

There is no charge for attending the dedication ceremony or any of the tours, but DLT is asking visitors to register beforehand in order to manage what is expected to be a big turnout for the event.

After the dedication, the preserve will be officially open to the public; and a temporary information kiosk and maps will be available at the public entrance. All of the land on the eastern edge of the preserve borders public lands operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The entrance to the preserve is actually located on BLM land, and the BLM has worked closely with the land trust to help develop the site.

Following the dedication, DLT will continue to offer tours. "Folks who want to explore Whychus Canyon Preserve are encouraged to sign up for one of the land trust's many free guided tours," said Egertson. "The tours provide a great introduction to the property, and the leaders offer insight into local flora, fauna, and the historic wagon road along the way. Beginning June 18, the preserve will open for independent exploration as well."

"After June 18, the land trust invites you to enjoy the property on your own," said Sarah Mowery, outreach manager for DLT. "The preserve is open to all foot traffic, including dogs on leash. Other rules of use and maps of the property are available at our temporary kiosk...."

Egertson explained that a trail system has been generally conceived, and a permanent plan is expected by fall. In the meantime, however, routes have been temporarily laid out and marked. Visitors are encouraged to stick to the marked routes in order to limit habitat impact.

"Be sure to stop by the kiosk and grab a map before you set out on your adventure," Egertson said.

The entrance to the preserve is located at the end of Goodrich Road, which is 4.5 miles east of Sisters on the way to Redmond. After turning left (north) onto Goodrich Road, continue 1.5 miles to where the pavement makes a 90-degree right turn. Goodrich Road, however, turns to gravel and continues straight from this point. It is another 1.6 miles to the road's end and the information kiosk on BLM land.

Those wishing to attend the grand opening or participate in any of the day's guided tours should register in advance by going to http://www.deschuteslandtrust.org and clicking on the events button. Scroll down to the June 18 dedication in order to RSVP for the ceremony or any of the related tours. Further information may also be obtained by calling 541-330-0017.