HomeMy WebLinkAboutOpen House Summary Rd 1Deschutes County Open House Round 1 Summary Page 1
Deschutes County
Comprehensive Plan Update
Summary of Open House Engagement Round 1
February 6, 2023
INTRODUCTION
Deschutes County is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan. A robust engagement effort,
with a wide range of County residents and stakeholders is a fundamental part of this process.
This memorandum provides a high-level summary of engagement conducted in the first round of
this comprehensive plan through in person and online open house formats. It aims to describe the
breadth and diversity of opinions shared so far, but does not purport to include all ideas that might
not have been shared with County staff or the project team. The comments are presented as heard,
and have not yet been vetted as policies or goals. This concepts will continue to be refined
throughout the process. The intent at this stage in the process is to make sure that all of the ideas,
issues, and perspectives are represented. Specific comments are captured in the Appendices to this
summary, while themes representing the ideas and directions, as well as differences of opinion
related to specific topics are presented here.
OVERVIEW OF OPEN HOUSE ACTIVITIES AND TOPICS
This round of open house engagement focused on the vision for the County’s Comprehensive Plan
and the opportunities and constraints associated with various topics. Other open-ended input was
welcomed as well. These topics included:
• Population Growth and Housing
• Economy and Jobs
• Agricultural and Forest Land Uses
• Natural Resources
• Natural Hazards
• Water Use
• Public Facilities and Parks
• Transportation
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IN-PERSON OPEN HOUSES
Engagement activities included several in-person open houses at various locations in the County,
including the following.
BEND AREA OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, October 19, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Deschutes County Service Center
SISTERS AREA OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, October 20, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Sisters High School – Lecture Room
SUNRIVER AREA OPEN HOUSE
Monday, October 24, 4:00 – 6:30 PM
SHARC – Benham Hall
REDMOND AREA OPEN HOUSE
Tuesday, October 25, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Redmond City Hall
In total, approximately 175 people attended the open houses and/or RSVPed via the Open House
Eventbrite page. These four open houses provided the opportunity for community members to
share their vision for the future of Deschutes County
County staff and members of the consultant team facilitated the open houses. Attendees had the
opportunity to learn about the project through a series of poster boards and conversations with the
project team. Feedback on the posters was welcomed via comments on post-it notes comment.
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 3
Throughout each open house, four small group conversations were held to gather more specific
feedback on the following topics, with each group meeting up to three times, depending on the level
of attendance during the events:
• Population growth and housing
• Economic and job opportunities, including agriculture, forestry, and other resource-based
activities
• Natural resources and hazards
• Public facilities, parks, transportation, and infrastructure
ONLINE OPEN HOUSE
An online open house was conducted in parallel with these in-person events, allowing community
members to provide feedback on the vision and topic areas at a time that worked best for them.
An Online Open House and Survey was conducted concurrently with the in-person open houses to
offer those unable to attend an in-person event the opportunity to provide their input in other ways.
The online open house was live from October 19 through November 18, 2022 and received between
150 and 200 responses, with the number of responses varying by survey question.
KEY THEMES AND SENTIMENTS
Key themes drawn from comments and conversations as part of the initial round of open houses are
listed below. A number of these themes are interrelated. More detailed discussion of community
feedback and themes from each individual open house can be found in later sections of this
summary.
• Water availability, use and management. The supply and management of water is an
important issue that has implications for a variety of other planning topics as well. Specific
comments and concerns include perceived decreases in groundwater supply and impacts on
individual wells, impacts of irrigation including strategies to improve irrigation efficiency (e.g.,
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 4
piping), decreasing snowpack and increasing incidence of drought, and the impact of water-
intensive uses such as golf courses and destination resorts on water supply.
• Potential impacts of growth on County character and livability. Participants voiced
concerns about the impact of continued residential growth on the rural nature of the
unincorporated areas of the County, demand for access to recreation, rising homelessness,
potential increases in wildfire risks and impacts, and potential growth related to climate
change and impacts in other parts of the country.
• Destination Resort impacts. Participants noted that destination resorts have an impact on
water use, access to recreation, demand for County services, and population growth in rural
parts of the County. Many questioned the need for, or benefits of, continued destination
resort development or expansion.
• Wildlife populations. Participants noted the importance of protecting wildlife for the sake of
the wildlife, as well as their positive impacts on quality of life, an intrinsic element of the
natural environment, and a draw for visitors to the County.
• Recreation and access to nature. This is a key component of life in Deschutes County and a
primary attraction of both residents and visitors. Participants noted concerns about
increasing recreational use or overuse, conflicts among different users, and the need for
permitting or other strategies to manage use, particularly in popular locations.
• Disaster prevention and preparedness, particularly related to wildfires. Continued efforts
to help reduce the risks of, and improve responses and mitigation of natural disasters and
hazards is a key issue for any participants, particularly related to wildfires but also including
potential earthquakes, pandemics, and impacts of climate change.
• Dark skies goals and requirements. A number of participants voiced support for additional
requirements to help maintain dark skies in the County, particularly in rural areas and
advocated for a new dark skies ordinance, as well as public education to achieve this goal.
The remainder of this report describes the
key themes and sentiments received
through public engagement activities. This
report attempts to highlight differences of
opinion, especially if there is an apparent
difference based on the location of the
participant. Themes and sentiments are
grouped by topic and sub-topic, though
there is significant overlap in some cases.
Online open house respondents were given
the opportunity to rank their highest
priority of topics. These are shown in the
figure below – Housing was the issue that
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 5
more participants wanted to address than any other.
Figure 1. Online Open House Topic Importance
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VISION
Participants were asked to reflect on the Community Vision that has guided Deschutes County since
the creation of the 2010 Comprehensive Plan, shown below:
The high quality of life in Deschutes County stems from:
I. The beauty, bounty and richness of a healthy natural environment,
II. A community of caring people,
III. A strong and diverse economy,
IV. Access to a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities,
V. The rural character of the region, and
VI. Maintaining a balance between property rights and community interests.
In the online open house, respondents could rate their support for the Vision. The average score on
a scale of 0 to 10 was 5.7. An overall summary of the ratings and several representative comments
on the vision are included here. A more complete list of comments can be found in the appendices.
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 6
Figure 2. Vision Statement Results
POPULATION GROWTH AND HOUSING
Deschutes County has been growing rapidly for many years, and the topic of growth and its impacts
were clearly on the minds of those who participated in engagement activities and events. Open
house participants frequently mentioned:
• Need for support services for residents experiencing homelessness.
• The need for more housing, especially more affordable options.
• Balancing the need for more housing with protection of natural areas that are so valuable to
the community.
More detailed comments on this topic are provided below. A full list of comments can be found in
the appendices.
Online open house respondents were asked to rank housing issues in order of importance, 1 being
the highest most important ranking, and 5 being the lowest, least important ranking. Figure 1 shows
the summary of those rankings. “Housing affordability” and “Supporting housing in appropriate
locations” were the top two highest priority items. “Limiting housing in inappropriate locations” was
also ranked as important by many participants. Online open house participants were also asked to
score their support for the housing goals “as written.” The average support score was 79.1 out of 100
– a fairly high score.
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 7
Figure 3. Ranking Housing Issues
URBAN FORM AND DEVELOPMENT
Comments about the location and type of housing to support future
growth included the following.
• Develop a housing plan that slowly radiates out from a
town/city center.
• Development of taller/denser housing in urban areas will help
protect rural areas and natural places.
• Thoughtful planning for new developments to ensure access
to open space and nature for residents.
• Increase housing where infrastructure can support it, and where risks of natural hazards are
lower.
• Explore tiny homes, cottage clusters, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and other innovative
housing types – including in areas outside of city limits.
• Sprawl is not an answer.
• The development process should include dedications/offsets for conservation/natural
preservation.
• High cost of housing due to building code, development code, zoning requirements.
• Rural ADUs will result in more lost habitat,
more traffic, more crowding.
• Loosen restrictions on ADU’s and second
homes.
• We should avoid robust development on most
high-risk areas of wildland urban interface.
“Smart growth is crucial to
preserve and support healthy
wildlife populations. We must
avoid sprawl.”
Online Open House comment
“ADU’s in rural land is permitted by state
law. Proposed regulations by
Commissioners are too strict, especially as
to size (too small) location on property, etc.
Must be used to expand our housing supply
for rentals (not vacation rentals).”
Online Open House comment.
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 8
• Consider impacts on wildlife and habitat – infill
development is better for environmental impacts.
• There will always be a high demand to live here – we can’t
accommodate everybody.
• Cottage development can help by reducing the number of
wells/septic areas needed.
• Keep new housing inside Urban Growth Boundaries.
• When moving the UGB boundaries, use existing man-made boundaries like paved roads and
rivers as boundaries. This help provide a fire break between subdivisions and the WUI.
• Not everyone wants to live within the UGB.
Encourage more options for rural residential living,
which makes Deschutes County great.
• Mis-designated EFU land may be appropriate for
residential growth.
• Preserve rural character of Deschutes County.
HOMELESSNESS
Participants had a lot to say about homelessness in Deschutes County, both about the negative
impacts of illegal camping and the need for more services and “safe parking” areas for people. Some
comments and topics are shown below.
• [We need] a strong plan to get the homeless population under control and off of our streets
and BLM lands. [Consider] drug treatment facilities, mental health services, Re-locating out
of the area.
• No more RV and tent cities/communities, they don't pay taxes and use abundant resources
in our community at the taxpayer expense.
• Lack of available “Safe parking” areas for people in cities. Provide facilities for people living in
vans/RVs.
• Not enough services/shelter locations in
Deschutes County.
• Address homeless camps on public land, this is
a huge hazard on many levels.
• Find a way to keep homeless out of our forests
beyond the 14 day limit, which could mean
gates on forest service roads.
WORKFORCE HOUSING
These comments address the need for housing of people in the Deschutes County workforce
generally earning the area’s median income or lower.
• There is not enough housing at prices that teachers, healthcare workers, emergency
responders, service industry workers, and public sector employees can afford.
“[Deschutes County needs]
better preventative measures
for houselessness.”
Online Open House comment
“We need slow, managed,
careful growth.”
Online Open House comment
“Grow up, not out. Do not allow
Central Oregon to sprawl like the
Denver area.”
Online Open House comment
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 9
• Destination resorts should be required to have employee housing (dorms, apartments) to
reduce traffic/emissions.
• Missing middle housing and workforce housing should be developed.
• Affordable housing is critical. Consider county-owned properties.
RURAL HOUSING
Forms of development in rural areas was mentioned, as summarized below:
• Rural housing development is mimicking urban development, which is a problem.
• Look to other communities for sustainable/appropriate rural development.
• Rural zoning should recognize local CCRs.
ROLE OF THE COUNTY
Many comments addressed the importance of Deschutes County’s governance system and their
ability to enact the Comprehensive Plan’s goals.
• The Commission structure is not functioning well/is problematic.
• The County should enforce existing rules.
• Work with partners (UDWSC, USFS, others) to address issues.
• The county should monitor/track development and other metrics.
• Advocacy bodies are a problem for sensible regulations in Central Oregon.
WATER USE
The issue of water use in Deschutes County is connected to most others addressed in the
Comprehensive Plan. While participants discussed water rights in relation to Population Growth and
Housing, the topic is described in its own heading in more detail later in this document.
ECONOMY & JOBS
Open house participants had a broad range of thoughts about economic development and jobs in
Deschutes County. The figure below shows a high level of support from online open house
participants for the County’s existing economic goal in the Comprehensive Plan.
Figure 4. Online Open House Support for Jobs & Economy Goal
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 10
Participants in engagement activities frequently mentioned:
• The need for a strong and diverse economy overall.
• Tensions between economic uses of land (tourism, urban development) and other priorities
such as natural resources.
• Need for more job training/education opportunities in Central Oregon.
• Opportunities for County incentives in particular industries to support strategic economic
development.
• Workforce housing and childcare as an impediment to economic development.
More detailed comments on this topic of Economy and Jobs are provided below.
ECONOMIC STRENGTH AND DIVERSITY
Participants in engagement events cited strong interested in a robust local economy, though they
differed in opinion about the emphasis the County should have and the economic and other
tradeoffs that ought to be made.
• A more diverse economy is needed.
• Maintain rural lifestyle by supporting rural economic sectors like Outdoor Recreation and
Agriculture on rural lands.
• Dense urban areas are a strong economic driver.
• Aerospace is an opportunity.
• Development of more housing is an economic driver.
• Urban development does more harm than good in terms of the economy.
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 11
• Short-term rentals are an economic driver, bringing tourists and commerce to the county.
• Wildlife is an economic asset – bird watchers, hunters, etc.
• Natural resources (especially dark skies) are an economic asset.
• County should be more of an advocate for businesses.
• More public and private partnerships.
• The high cost of living is an impediment to economic development.
• Improvements to the airport are an economic opportunity.
• Destination resorts are not a source of sustainable economic development.
• The recreation-themed economy is a major strength of the county.
• Small businesses/home occupations should be supported by the County.
JOB TRAINING/EDUCATION
Respondents mentioned opportunities to educate and train the labor
force in Central Oregon with high quality universities and job training.
• Improve education opportunities for the local labor force,
including emerging sectors and continuing education.
• Target sustainable sectors/greenhouse gas reductions for
growth in the county.
• A diverse economy is important.
• Be strategic about business recruitment in the County.
AGRICULTURAL JOBS
Deschutes County has a long tradition of agriculture. The topic of agricultural jobs was mentioned
frequently in open house comments. These comments included:
• Jobs related to agriculture are a foundational part of Deschutes County.
• Hobby farms can be a small-scale economic driver and support restaurants.
• Support Community Supported Agriculture.
• Vegetable farming isn’t very profitable in the county – greenhouses, and livestock are.
• Agricultural tourism/ecotourism in smaller communities.
• Local support for family farms.
“East Oregon will need a
university center in par
with U of O and O State to
anchor future technologies
development.” -Online Open
House comment
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 12
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST LAND USES
Deschutes County is comprised primarily of agricultural and forest lands, and how this land is used
was a key topic for open house participants. Participants frequently mentioned:
• Need for changes to the “Exclusive Farm Use” zone that better align with the growing
capacity of the land.
• No new development on EFU land.
• There need to be more allowances for development on EFU land.
• Water conservation and preservation practices.
More detailed comments on the topic of Agricultural Land and Forest Uses are provided below. A
full list of comments can be found in the appendix. In addition, there is some overlap between these
comments and those related to agricultural jobs in the previous section.
FARMLAND AND FARM PRACTICES
Respondents mentioned the preservation of farmland and discussed key farm practices.
• Identify good farmland for preservation. Reassess the current criteria for “high value”
farmland.
• Prioritize farmers and ranchers farmland.
• Improve and modernize farming practices.
• Farmland is beneficial to wildlife for feeding, even if they generally live on BLM/Forest
Service land.
• Rezone marginal farmland.
• Create more opportunities for hobby farming.
• Small hobby farms are better suited for residential uses.
• Forest land should not be used for logging.
• Support sustainable/organic agriculture.
• High desert soils are unsuitable for crops.
• Educate urban residents about rural land use.
• Preserve and foster healthy farm land, forest land, and
water.
• Low value crops (hay) versus other crops.
• Re-evaluate irrigation/water rights.
• Think about water conservation for farmland. (vertical farming).
• Development on farmland is a problem.
FOREST LAND AND FORESTRY PRACTICES
Deschutes County has vast forest land and a long tradition of forest practices. The topic of forest
land was mentioned frequently.
• Focus on forest thinning in the Wildland Urban Interface.
“The County needs to partner
with K-12 and post-secondary
schools, farming organizations &
businesses, and researchers to
promote ag skills, science, and
opportunities to children, teens
and college students.”
Online Open House comment
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 13
“Create an incentive
based program for juniper
tree removal. They are a
major fire hazard and
removal could help with
groundwater recharge.”
Online Open House comment
• Do not approve development in forest areas.
• Forest land that is not high quality may be a good area for new residential development.
• Forest management is important for wildfire prevention.
• Forest areas are important for recreation.
• Skyline Forest should be protected from development.
• Loss of forest land is occurring too quickly.
• The County should manage its own forest land and harvest its forest resources.
JUNIPER TREE REMOVAL
Many comments mentioned removal of Juniper trees as a
solution to water problems.
• Remove Juniper trees to alleviate water issues and
improve biodiversity. Pay landowners to remove
these trees.
• Incentives for removing junipers for water reasons.
• Greatly reduce juniper on public and private lands to
improve water table and biodiversity.
DIFFERENCES OF OPINION: FARMS AND FORESTS
• A range of opinions were expressed on the best use of farm and forest land. In particular,
many respondents said that farm/forest designations use allows too much development, too
many hobby farms, etc.; while other respondents indicated that farm/forest designations are
applied to land that is unproductive and could be better used for urban uses.
• It was not clear that any particular location or other characteristic was associated with a
particular opinion on this topic.
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 14
RECREATION AND TOURISM
Recreation and tourism are important parts of what makes Deschutes County great. Online open
house participants were asked to rank their level of support for existing recreation goals in the
Comprehensive Plan.
Figure 5. Online Open House Rating of Recreation Goals
Participants in engagement activities frequently mentioned:
• Tourism draws of natural resources, wildlife, dark skies, and scenic views.
• Negative impacts to wildlife and habitat of heavy recreational in natural areas.
• Concern about the development of destination resorts and their impacts.
More detailed comments on the topic of Recreation and Tourism are provided below. A full list of
comments can be found in the appendices.
DESTINATION RESORTS
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 15
Numerous comments about destination resorts were received – many of them are included as part
of other topics in this report. Comments included:
• Balance protection of wildlife while expanding recreational access.
• Do not build more destination resorts, golf courses, etc.
• We need more destination resort development.
• Remember, Mt. Bachelor is a destination resort.
• Destination resorts are a water issue. The County should impose restrictions on
operations/development.
PRESERVING NATURAL RESOURCES FOR RECREATION
The tension between recreational use and natural resource protection is evident among
participants.
• Fish and water conservation are key for recreation.
• Maintain open space and protect wildlife for recreation.
• There are increased demands on recreation areas without declining natural habitat.
• Not all areas are recreational – protect natural habitat.
VISITORS
The impact of visitors on the County’s natural areas and recreation sites was a concern for
participants.
• More permits could mean too many visitors and cause a serious impact to wildlife.
• Infrastructure maintenance and expansion is needed with population increase.
• Our county is overly reliant on recreation/tourism.
• The hiking permit system needs refinement.
• Floaters in the Deschutes River are a problem. Specifically, because of bathroom needs.
• We need to balance the need for tourists and the need for environmental sustainability.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
Participants had some ideas for new recreational facilities that the County could support, and issues
with current facilities.
• The current mountain bike trails are great, keep improving them.
• Electric bikes/quads are a problem on trails. Rider education is important.
• Sharing trails with horses is problematic.
• We need better parking at Tumalo Falls.
• Access to recreation is important for Deschutes County.
• Preserve Skyline Forest for habitat and recreation.
• We should have more community events (arts fairs, etc.).
• County should encourage USFS and BLM to provide recreational facilities.
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 16
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
Acknowledging previous landowners and preserving the
County’s historical and cultural resources are both important,
as noted by respondents.
• Land acknowledgement of previous landowners,
native tribes, indigenous cultures is important.
Especially at historic sites. A signage program would
be appropriate.
• Preserve Worrel Wayside.
• The High Desert Museum is a great asset and should
continue to support indigenous culture.
• The dry climate helps preservation.
• Less emphasis on white settlers.
• Deschutes Historical Museum is a cultural resource.
DIFFERENCES OF OPINION: RECREATION AND TOURISM
• Online open house participants who gave their zip code as 97707 (the Sunriver area) had a
higher level of support for the County’s existing recreation policies (an average rating of
48/100) than respondents from other areas, though the number of respondents was small.
• Respondents generally appeared to appreciate recreational opportunities but most
comments that mentioned recreation and tourism were in opposition to new destination
resorts.
“Develop modern cultural
resources, [don’t] just preserve
old ones. Bend and surrounding
communities need performance
space and large venues for
sporting events.”
Online open house comment
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 17
NATURAL RESOURCES
Deschutes County’s natural resources are a key component of its high quality of life. Participants in
engagement activities frequently mentioned:
• Impacts of human activity such as development, fencing, and recreation on wildlife habitat
and migration.
• Dark skies as a natural resource.
• Scenic views as a natural resource.
• The County has a role in preserving wilderness and dark skies by conducting inventories and
creating/enforcing regulations.
More detailed comments on the topic of Natural Resources are provided below. A full list of
comments can be found in the appendices.
WILDLIFE AND HABITAT
Many comments addressed the importance of Deschutes County’s wildlife and their habitat.
• Loss of habitat is harming all wildlife in Central Oregon.
• We need education for natural habitat management on private properties.
• Fencing is a big issue for habitat migration.
• Residential and commercial development
have a large impact on birds.
• Preserve native species, including plants.
• Identify and protect wildlife corridors
throughout the County.
• Update wildlife inventories.
• Build more wildlife passages beneath roadways.
• Construction with glass causes bird collisions.
• Partner with USFS for firewood cutting permits to help with thinning.
• Protect Sage Grouse habitat.
• Protect mule deer and their migration routes.
• Reduce cougar predation.
• The goals in the Comprehensive Plan are good, but we are not doing a good job of meeting
them.
• No ADUs, no solar power development in wildlife areas.
• We need to protect trees, they provide ecosystem services.
“We can lead the way in preserving our
wildlife and natural spaces by not allowing
them to be destroyed despite pressure."
Online open house comment
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 18
Dark Skies lighting ordinance.
DARK SKIES
"Dark skies” refers to implementing
ordinances or policies that reduce the
amount of light pollution caused by
development. Many community members
shared interest in the County enforcing a
• Dark skies are an important amenity and important for wildlife migration.
• Require dark skies design and enforce current standards (Code provision 2.15.2400).
• Provide funding for dark skies improvements.
• Educate the public about rules and the importance of dark skies.
WATER USE
The issue of water use in Deschutes County is connected to many other topics addressed in the
Comprehensive Plan. While participants discussed water rights in relation to Natural Resources, the
topic is described in its own heading here and elsewhere in this document.
DIFFERENCES OF OPINION: NATURAL RESOURCES
• Dark Skies. These comments were most prevalent at the Redmond Area and Sisters Area
open houses, though it is hard to infer that dark skies matter more to community members
in any particular location.
“We have done a poor job of considering and
planning for actual habitat connectivity
that facilitates animal movement."
Online open house comment
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 19
NATURAL HAZARDS
Participants in engagement activities were very interested
in the topic of Natural Hazards, including local events such
as fire, drought, and winter storms, as well as the impacts
of global events such as climate change and habitat loss.
Participants frequently mentioned the following:
• The Comprehensive Plan should other address
other hazards, including:
o Climate Change
o Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake
o Drought
• Development in hazardous areas should be
avoided.
• Development poses a strain to the water system in
Central Oregon.
• Loss of agricultural land (soil, nutrients) is a hazard.
More detailed comments on the topic of Natural Hazards are provided below. A full list of
comments can be found in the appendices.
CLIMATE CHANGE
• Climate Change is a natural hazard and should be addressed in the Comprehensive Plan.
• Climate change will affect temperatures and snowfall in Central Oregon.
• We should do more to address the causes of some of these hazards and become carbon
neutral as a County.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
These comments address the need to prepare
for emergencies that were identified in
Deschutes County. These include earthquakes,
wildfires, climate change, droughts, etc.
• Surprise that “Winter Storm” ranked
highly.
• Community events and drills for disaster preparedness are a good idea.
• Need to ensure emergency evacuation routes in rural areas.
• Create inventory of properties with backup power.
“We cannot continue to build in the wild
land/urban interface.”
Online open house comment
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 20
• Education about defensible space, landscaping, and water use is important. Especially for
new residents.
• Stop rezones to rural residential, this leads to hazardous development.
EARTHQUAKES
Even though direct seismic impacts of a Cascadia
Subduction Zone earthquake are likely to be low for
Deschutes County, commentors noted that there will be
significant economic and other impacts following such an
event.
• No mention of Cascadia event in current materials.
• Need for stricter building standards (steel-
reinforced cement) for safety.
• We need to prepare for the Cascadia event which
will make our region the center for much of
Oregon.
WILDFIRE PREVENTION AND MITIGATION
Deschutes County residents are aware of the need for wildfire mitigation and prevention.
Commentors noted threats and offered suggestions for decreasing fires.
• Dry forests near residential areas are a problem.
• Education and standards for defensible space and evacuation are important.
• More coordination between federal, state, and county is needed to address wildfire
prevention.
• Insurance against wildfire is costly.
• Many people (elderly and vulnerable
people especially) need grant funds to
help with fire mitigation.
• Crooked River Ranch area needs
better evacuation signage.
• Fuel breaks for homes are a problem for wildlife.
• Need county coordination and enforcement of wildfire mitigation.
• Illegal camping is a wildfire threat.
• Direct development away from areas of high risk. Especially resort development.
• Fuel reductions are important.
• Direct resources to home hardening, not fuel reductions.
• Wildfire smoke is also a threat.
“Wildfire is our biggest issue.”
Online open house comment
“Earthquakes are not common here, but
they can destroy large areas and population
centers. All new buildings should be built to
withstand these events.” Online open house
comment
“While not a direct impact seismically,
Deschutes County will be the statewide
response center, impacting traffic, airport
use, and fairgrounds.” Online open house
comment
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 21
REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT
The following comments relate to the requirements for new development that participants in
engagement activities suggested.
• Mandate sprinklers, fire resistant construction, fire department access, for all new
development.
• Fire-safe design should be required in all new buildings.
• Change the building code and landscaping requirements.
• New rural development (homes, ADUs) should pay for needed roads.
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 22
WATER USE
Drought, water conservation, and the role that Deschutes County plays were frequently mentioned
by participants in engagement activities. This topic touches on many aspects of the Comprehensive
Plan. This was not identified in engagement materials as a primary topic for the Open Houses, but
comments related to water are summarized here, given the extent of discussion around it.
More detailed comments on the topic of Water Use are provided below. A full list of comments can
be found in the appendices. Generally:
• Access to water is the biggest issue for the County.
• Education about the important of water conservation is important.
• Education about how abundant the aquifer in Deschutes County is important.
• Don’t allow wells for new recreational purposes. No new manmade lakes or golf courses.
• Reuse and conserve water.
• Remove Juniper trees to help aquifer.
• Pipe the canal to conserve water.
• Piping the canal will negatively impact homes. Only few will benefit.
• Piping canals will benefit all – use reclaimed land for paths.
• Access to well water for rural residents is a serious issue. Wells are drying up.
• Protect water rights for farmers.
• Look to other arid locations for examples.
WATER RIGHTS
Water use is governed by a system of water rights in
Deschutes County. Participants in engagement activities
participants expressed interest in changing this regime.
• Water rights system is outdated and run counter to
the County’s goals. The law needs to be rewritten to
encourage conservation.
• Wickiup Reservoir protocols can help the County.
• Hobby farms are a problem for water use – their water
rights are valuable even if not used.
• County needs to ensure water availability to allow new development.
• Incentives are wrong in current water regime.
• Deny development to preserve water for other uses.
• New residential development will increase domestic water needs.
“Rethink how water is
distributed get away from
"use it or lose it" mentality.
Reward farmers for
conservation and sharing.”
Online open house comment
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 23
PUBLIC FACILITIES AND PARKS
Public facilities and parks were a topic of discussion during the open house. Participants mentioned
infrastructure investments such as internet service in rural areas, and the need for a parks and
recreation department. Comments are summarized below:
• A need for a parks department and more recreation opportunities, including campgrounds,
trails, indoor pool facilities, etc.
• Support the expansion of high-speed internet to rural communities. This supports residents
and enables residents to work from home.
• Support more funding for our school systems and opportunities for our children.
• Parks are needed in Tumalo specifically, Cook + 4th irrigation district owned property.
• Access to Whychus Creek needed.
• Maintain Dusty Loop.
• E-bikes on trails - friction between users.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation was a major topic of discussion during the engagement events (characterized as
“Getting Around” in open house materials). The topic of transportation includes personal vehicles,
freight movement, and transit, as well as bicycle/pedestrian transportation in urban areas as well as
rural areas. Participants frequently mentioned:
• Heavy congestion on rural roads and on county highways.
• Desire for bicycle connectivity between cities and access to recreational areas.
• Conflicts between transportation and access for vehicles/bicycles and wildlife.
• Desire for expanded regional public transportation and access to recreation via transit.
• Desire for more electric vehicle charging locations and other alternative transportation
options.
• Suggestion that special accommodations for e-bikes (which may increase the range of riders
and can also lead to greater conflicts on bike paths/trails) are needed.
• Recognition that not everyone can ride a bike everywhere – safe, efficient, and reliable
transportation via cars is still very important.
• Plan for future growth and traffic congestion.
More detailed comments on the topic of Transportation are provided below. A full list of comments
can be found in the appendices.
WALKING, BIKING, AND EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES
Community members expressed the need for upgrades to facilities for walking and biking as a mode
of transportation and recreation. Commenters expressed a desire for safety related improvements
and regional connections. Separation between users, such as equestrian users and cyclists, or e-bike
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 24
users and non-motorized bikes was also noted as a community concern. Participants frequently
mentioned:
• Safe bike routes along major highways are needed (since there aren’t many alternative
routes). Some of these are scenic bikeways and warrant wider pavement or their own paths.
• Sidewalks and bike lanes needed Eagle Road at Neff/Butler Market Road.
• Ways to cross Highway 97 (in Bend specifically) are needed.
• Rickard Road is a popular cycling route, but it was
recently re-paved without a bike lane.
• Off-road paths for bicycles, e-bikes, and electric vehicles
would be beneficial. Especially connecting urban areas
and connecting communities in Sisters Country.
• Bike path from Lava Butte to Bend.
• More bike and horse trails, and paved pathways to
walk/roll.
• E-bikes are going to become increasingly popular and
will change transportation needs in the County. More types of users on trails will require the
need for more trails.
• Create e-bike paths on road shoulders (rather than new paved paths in the forest).
• Updating roads to handle our increased traffic and provide bike lanes on newly paved roads.
For example, roads out east, like Rickard Road, have recently been updated and paved, but a
bike lane was not included.
• Bike paths linking crossroads and Sisters and outlying communities to each other and to
Metolius and Black Butte.
• Bike lane and sidewalk on Eagle Rd between Neff and Butler Market.
TRANSIT
Participants had comments about bus and rail transit opportunities in the county to help move
people around without relying on personal automobiles. The comments are below:
• Consider a passenger rail to Hood River, Bend, Redmond.
• Transit from La Pine to Madras is needed.
• Transit to population centers,
employment centers, and recreational
areas is needed, better transit will reduce
congestion on roadways.
• Add park-and-ride facilities in key
locations.
• Passenger rail is possible and needed in
the County, there are rail rights-of-way
that can be used and expanded.
• Transit from Bend to Redmond, including
the Airport.
• Need for a reliable and convenient bus system.
• Regional train from Klamath to Bend to Portland, Bend to Boise.
• The limited bus service in Bend is quite successful and offers rides within the city limits. The
neighboring communities like Tumalo, Sisters, Redmond, and La Pine would benefit from
“Support non-gas powered
modes of transportation: bikes,
walking, etc. How might these
be a priority for how we design
our community?”
Online Open House comment
“1 in 3 Redmondites commute to
Bend daily (I'm one of them). To
maintain regional economies,
inter-city access needs to be
possible for workers without a
vehicle.”
Online open house comment
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 25
good public transportation as well. If the service were coordinated with the same times that
traffic is bad in Bend, like at 7:30 am, 10 am, noon, 3 pm and 5:30 pm, it would help with
congestion as well.
• Consider park-and-ride places for those in outlying areas like Tumalo, La Pine, and Sunriver
to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads.
• Acknowledge that not everyone rides a bike or is comfortable using public transportation.
• Transportation needs to be integral and coincide with development. New development
should come with a transportation plan to accommodate it.
ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS
Participants had comments about specific roadway improvements, noted here.
• 97 Bypass needed (though probably impossible now).
• Highway 97 and Baker Road needs improvements.
• Planning for future increased travel on the roads; 97 cannot handle the traffic volume and
that overflow is being pushed onto Old Bend Redmond Road.
• Need to improve 97 for through traffic (Sisters specifically).
• Roads are often too narrow for the amount of traffic they see.
• Hemholtz/126 interchange needs improvement; there is currently no way South on
Hemholtz.
• 126/Camp Polk Rd needs turn lanes.
• Cloverdale/Fryrear and 126 need better sight distances.
• Don’t make Hamby another 27th (Bend).
• Commuter traffic between Redmond and Bend is increasing.
• Wickiup Junction improvements.
• Need better connections between Redmond Airport and
Bend (bypass Bend to the east).
• Transportation improvements have not kept pace with the
rate of growth in the County.
• Over/under crossings of rail lines needed.
• Prepare roads for snowfall.
• Take the traffic around the city, not through it. Create another
east/west access crossing.
• Make Wall and Bond in old town pedestrian-only.
• Repair and maintenance of roads, focused on the east side of town and less on the west side
of town.
• Consider alternate planning system, many roads are dead ends or zig roads. This is from
years of lack of planning for future growth. The amount of money spent on traffic circles is
ridiculous when roads are not maintained.
ACCESS TO RECREATION/NATURE
Getting to the County’s many natural areas and recreation sites is an important role of the
transportation system, as noted by respondents.
• Consider opportunities for enhanced connections to BLM and national forest.
• Better transit access to recreation would reduce number of cars and parking needs.
“Acknowledge that not
everyone rides a bike or is
comfortable using public
transportation. [We need]
safe roads and
enforcement of traffic
laws.”
Online open house comment
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 26
• Pollution from transportation has negative effects on the environment and dark skies.
• Improving access to nature and to the Deschutes River in particular can have negative
impacts.
• Parking areas at major recreational attractions are needed for safety (Tumalo Falls
specifically).
• Mt. Bachelor Ski Area should provide a bus service to and from the mountain throughout the
day, as the road in winter can get crowded. This reduces the huge carbon footprint too.
FUNDING
Participants provided input on how to weigh the costs and
benefits of transportation improvements.
• Funding should be allocated to road improvement
and maintenance.
• Local gas tax or vehicle registration fee can offset
funding costs.
• Save money and let congestion happen.
• Sprawling development patterns lead to higher road maintenance costs.
SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE
Transportation safety and maintenance of existing facilities was mentioned by participants, as well
as the need for safer roads for all users. Comments included:
• Speeding is dangerous to pedestrians and other road users.
• Irresponsible behavior from some recreational users (ATVs, cyclists, e-bikes).
• Too many deer are getting killed on roads.
• The County can do a better job with plowing during the snow season.
• Safer systems and routes and multi-modal transportation options.
• We need safer roads with reduced speed limits.
ONGOING ENGAGEMENT AND NEXT STEPS
This was the first of two major pushes for public engagement as part of the Deschutes 2040
Comprehensive Plan Update. Additional meetings with the Planning Commission and Board of
County Commissioners are underway regarding Comprehensive Plan policies, and another phase of
outreach will be conducted in Summer 2023.
Additional input is always welcome at the project website.
“Get rail mass transit
easements set now for Bend to
Redmond (including airport) to
Sisters and La Pine.”
Online open house comment
Open House and Online Survey Summary Page 27
APPENDIX:
A. OPEN HOUSE POSTERS
B. OPEN HOUSE COMMENTS
C. ONLINE OPEN HOUSE RESULTS
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix A
APPENDIX A. OPEN HOUSE POSTERS
DESCHUTES COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
OPEN HOUSE RESULTS, FALL 2022
WELCOME
Project Timeline
What challenges do you see? What opportunities do you see?
Getting Around
Deschutes County regularly updates its
Transportation System Plan, which serves
as the component of the Comprehensive
Plan addressing walking, rolling, driving,
and other forms of transportation in the
County.
The majority of roadways within the
County are owned and operated by the
County, US Forest Service, Bureau of
Land Management (BLM), or ODOT. As
of March 2021, the County maintained
approximately 41% of the lane miles of
roadways within the unincorporated areas,
ODOT maintained approximately 10%,
and the US Forest Service/BLM maintained
approximately 12%.
The County is currently updating the
Transportation System Plan, and
more information is available at the
Transportation System Plan Update
website and Virtual Open House 1.
Key Issues for the Comprehensive
Plan Update:
• Topics surrounding transportation are being
reviewed and addressed through current
Transportation System Plan (TSP) Update. The
TSP will be adopted as the Transportation
component of the Comprehensive Plan.
H:\24\24964 - Deschutes County TSP\gis\Roadway Jurisdictions.mxd Date: 3/11/2021
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Data Source: Deschutes County
Figure 2
Functional Roadway ClassificationsDeschutes County, Oregon
[0 8 Miles
What challenges do you see? What opportunities do you see?
Housing is a foundational issue for
Deschutes County and its residents.
The County plays a variety of roles to help
meet housing needs, as follows:
• The County partners with incorporated
communities to coordinate land in the
vicinity of Urban Growth Boundaries
• Rural Residential developments in
Resort communities such as Sunriver
and Black Butte are under the
jurisdiction of the County.
• Deschutes County provides building
permit services for some jurisdictions
• Deschutes County partners
with NeighborImpact, Housing
Works, Veterans village, and other
organizations to address affordable
housing.
New housing in Oregon is generally limited
to areas within Urban Growth Boundaries.
In Deschutes County, this means the cities
of Bend, Redmond, La Pine, and Sisters.
Other “Rural Residential” areas outside
of Urban Growth Boundaries face strict
limitations - therefore most growth in
the County is expected to occur within its
Urban Growth Boundaries.
Housing
23,100 30,442
62,142 74,958
115,367
157,211
187,621 199,793
244,018
289,225
334,042
385,803
432,930
-
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
350,000
400,000
450,000
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2018 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060 2068
Key Issues for the Comprehensive Plan Update:
• Continued strong overall
population growth, coupled
with significant rural residential
development is creating rural
residential growth pressures
and concerns about impacts on
County character and resources
• Increased growth and
development in cities likely will
continue to lead to urban/rural
conflicts and pressures on rural
facilities
• Relationship to wildfire risk and
impacts (see natural hazards)
• Increased growth may impact
wildlife and their habitat
Historical and Forecast Population for Deschutes County
What challenges do you see? What opportunities do you see?
Informed by an understanding of natural
hazards, Deschutes County can reduce the
risks to property, environmental quality,
and human safety by planning for land use
patterns and site- specific development. The
County’s policies provide the framework for
evaluating land use actions for their exposure
to potential harm from natural hazards.
Deschutes County, along with regional
partners, developed a Natural Hazards
Mitigation Plan in 2021.
Wildfire
The last 10 years have seen a dramatic
increase in homes and communities building
farther into the “Wildland Urban Interface”
(WUI) throughout the West, and Deschutes
County is no exception. While Oregon’s land
use and zoning laws limit WUI building more
than most Western states, the County has
still seen a significant increase in building and
population growth – statistically increasing the
chance of property damage and/or loss of life
due to wildfire.
Drought and Water Use
Recent years have seen “exceptional drought”
levels which have led to irrigation shutoffs
especially in the less senior North Irrigation
district. Increasing temperatures, longer
growing seasons, and earlier snowmelt peak
are all likely to exacerbate this problem.
Deschutes County is in collaboration with
Oregon Water Resources Department staff
to better understand and address this issue.
These measures include capping and piping
irrigation canals in the Central Oregon
Irrigation District and transferring rights
between the districts while maintaining
delivered volumes.
Winter Storms
Deschutes County is susceptible to extreme
winter storms and rainfall. High rainfall
accumulation in a short period of time
increases the probability of landslides. Models
predict that the changing climate will result
in more extreme winter storms and rainfall
in the Pacific Northwest. However, many of
the climatic factors that drive those extreme
storms are confined to the west side of the
Cascades.
Natural Hazards
Key Issues for the Comprehensive Plan Update:
• Most significant hazards: winter storms,
wildfires, windstorms, drought
• Significant attention on wildfire
prevention and mitigation strategies,
given increasing prevalence and impacts;
exacerbated by rising temperatures and
water supply impacts
• Strong relationship between water
supply, water infrastructure, and wildfire-
related impacts
• Increasing growth in rural development
and housing leading to increasing risk and
proximity to wildfires (wildfire urban interface)
• Winter storms are most significant hazard
identified in county; policies needed to address
• Continued increases in temperature likely to
lead to decreasing snowpack
• Hydrologic conditions in most of County
indicate continued adequate supply of water
(some debate)
• Availability and access of well water for
residential uses.
• Interest in incentives and policies surrounding
water conservation for all users.
What challenges do you see? What opportunities do you see?
Deschutes County does not directly
provide parks and recreation services.
The County partners with local parks and
recreation districts (such as the Bend Parks
and Recreation District, La Pine Parks and
Recreation District, Redmond Area Parks
and Recreation District, and Sisters Parks
and Recreation District), as well as the
federal Bureau of Land Management to
provide recreation opportunities.
The only public parks the County
maintains are a section of the County
Fairgrounds and the Worrell Wayside in
downtown Bend. However, although there
is no County parks department, there
are County-owned properties which are
designated as park lands. Starting in 1994
the County began to designate certain
sensitive properties along rivers, creeks or
streams or with wildlife, wetlands or other
values, as open space.
Destination resorts are another important
recreational asset in Deschutes County.
The County administers land use
regulations governing the siting and other
aspects of destination resorts to balance
their economic benefit with natural
resources, scenic views, safety, and other
issues.
Recreation
Key Issues for the Comprehensive Plan Update:
• Access to recreation a defining characteristic
and economic driver in County
• Most recreational opportunities and
resources managed by other agencies and
operators
• County not a significant parks provider but
does own property throughout the county,
many of which are designated for natural
resource/open space protection
• Recreation in the future is expected to be
impacted by increased wildfire and smoke,
water quality issues, drought, and increased
human activity; managing these conditions
in coordination with the County’s partners
will be a key challenge for the future
• Conflicts between different types of
recreational users are important to address
What challenges do you see? What opportunities do you see?
Deschutes County has 13 nationally
registered historic and cultural sites and 35
locally significant historic sites. The County
currently administers grant programs
and zoning requirements to preserve and
restore these sites.
In 2022, the County’s Historic Landmarks
Commission identified three key goals:
• Collaborate: Strengthen the network
of historic preservation and community
partners through collaboration.
• Coordinate: Facilitate program
administration and special projects
that provide opportunities to expand
the scope and benefits of the historic
preservation.
• Educate: Promote educational
opportunities highlight the value,
benefits, responsibilities, and
requirements of historic preservation.
Historic & Cultural Resources
What challenges do you see? What opportunities do you see?
Farming in Deschutes County
According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture,
Deschutes County has 134,600 acres in farms,
of which 36,000 (about 27%) is irrigated. The
2017 Census of Agriculture profiles Deschutes
County as primarily consisting of small
acreage, hobby farms and other relatively
small agricultural operations. As of 2017, there
are approximately 1,484 farms, an increase of
16% from 2012. The average size of a farm in
Deschutes County is 91 acres (a decrease of 11%
from 2012). Lands engaged in farming activities
total 134,600 acres, a minor 3% increase from
2012. Only 27% (26,029 acres) of land engaged
in farm activities are irrigated.
The majority of farm related operations are
permitted outright in the Exclusive Farm Use
Zone. The largest trend in non-residential
approvals on farmland between 2018 and
2019 were for marijuana production followed
by processing of farm crops, and accessory
uses related to other activities on the
property.
Water usage in the county is strictly regulated
and dependent on precipitation in the Cascades.
The total water available for human use,
including municipal and irrigation uses, is fixed.
No additional water rights can be issued without
the decommissioning of a previous claim.
Therefore, there is little opportunity to expand
irrigated farming in the county. Existing farms,
however, have relatively generous irrigation
rights, which have rarely been fully utilized, and
are expected to have sufficient water to cope
with increasing temperatures.
Forest Land in Deschutes County
Approximately 1,032,436 acres of Deschutes
County area zoned for Forest Use. A third of these
are on public lands, in which the County has no
planning authority. Historically, forestry on public
and private land was a primary industry in
Central Oregon with key mill sites along the
Deschutes River in Bend. Over time, species
protections, international competition, and new
technologies have reduced the overall footprint
of the timber industry in Central Oregon. Recently,
land uses are shifting toward recreation and
residential development in these natural resource
areas.
Farms & Forests
Key Issues for the Comprehensive Plan Update:
• Prevalence of small “hobby farms” with
low farm income
• Increased desire/need for agri-tourism
activities to supplement farm land
• Preservation and support of high quality
farm land
• Declining timber production, particularly
on public land
• Prevalence of non-farm dwellings in
resource zones in comparison to other
counties; due in part to less productive
soils and irrigation constraints
• Challenges with irrigation piping projects
• Changes in water supply and growing
season likely to impact future agricultural
production
• Interest in opportunities to improve on-
farm water efficiencies, including off-
stream water storage
What challenges do you see? What opportunities do you see?
Deschutes County’s economy was initially built
around farming and logging. As those sectors
declined, recreation and tourism increased
as people were drawn to the beauty and
opportunities to recreate on public lands.
The high quality of life became a draw for
employers and employees alike.
Deschutes County partners with Economic
Development for Central Oregon (EDCO)
to meet the needs of current and future
businesses in the County. EDCO has identified
the following key industries for the County:
• Bioscience
• Specialty Food & Beverage
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Outdoor
• High Technology (software and hardware)
• Aviation and Aerospace
• Agriculture
• Brewing & Distilling
COVID-19 Impacts
Deschutes County’s economy was impacted by
the impacts of COVID-19. The State of Oregon
Governor’s Regional Solutions Team for Central
Oregon has identified the following priorities
as emerging issues impacting Deschutes
County and its cities in a post-COVID-19 world.
• Grow Oregon State University – Cascades
campus and programming
• Increase workforce housing
• Increase supply of qualified workers
• Funding and completion of significant
infrastructure projects
• Childcare
• Small business recovery
• Encourage water conservation/restoration,
improve availability
• Resilience/emergency preparedness
Jobs & Economy
Photo Credit: Bend Research
Photo Credit: Tim Park
Key Issues for the Comprehensive Plan Update:
• Continued strong economic growth, including in
trade and transportation, education and health
care, tourism, and agriculture/forestry (at a
somewhat declining rate)
• EDCO is the County’s economic development
agency; continued strong coordination with
them is essential
• Increased pressure to rezone or expand
property already in Rural Commercial and
Rural Industrial zoned properties due to limited
economic potential in other zones.
• Increased economic activity in unincorporated
communities (Tumalo, Terrebonne, Sunriver).
• Economic opportunities and challenges from
destination resort development.
• Potential for new or innovate economic
activities
What challenges do you see? What opportunities do you see?
Deschutes County is home to many
natural resources, which form the basis for
the County’s vibrant outdoor recreation
opportunities. Natural resources in
Deschutes County are abundant. Wildlife,
scenic views of forests and peaks, and
open spaces to preserve habitat and
native vegetation are among the County’s
top assets. Oregon Statewide Planning
Goal 5 governs Natural Resources, Scenic
and Historic Areas, and Open Spaces.
Through this goal, the County maintains an
inventory of protected resources in order
to preserve them for future generations.
Protected Wildlife Resources
Deschutes County has some of the
broadest and most robust wildlife
protections in the State of Oregon,
covering a variety of species. Some of
these protections include mapped habitats
such as Deer Winter Range, Deer Migration
Range, Antelope Habitat, Golden Eagle –
Sensitive Bird Habitat, and Elk Habitat.
Other species are commonly found in
protected riparian areas, such as wetlands
and floodplains. Unmapped habitats exist
for fish, furbearers, waterfowl, and upland
game birds.
Scenic Views and Open Space
The 2010 Greenprint for Deschutes County
listed protection of scenic viewsheds as
one of the top five community priorities
for conservation in the rural County. The
County has several designated scenic
corridors, including scenic bikeways,
highways, and wild and scenic river
sections.
With close to 80% of the County under
public ownership, many community
members enjoy access to natural
resources on public lands. A perennial
issue among community members is
preserving scenic views and open spaces
closer to home on undeveloped private
properties.
Natural Resources & Open Space
Key Issues for the
Comprehensive Plan Update:
• Continued development pressures
impacting wildlife populations, in particular
mule deer.
• Interest in continued preservation of
scenic views and open spaces throughout
Deschutes County
• Recognition of benefits of “dark skies” to
residents and the economy
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix B
APPENDIX B. COMMUNITY FEEDBACK MATRIX
DESCHUTES COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
OPEN HOUSE RESULTS, FALL 2022
Redmond OH 10.25.22
Natural Resources
Challenges Opportunities
Updating data related to wildlife habitats and sensitive
riparian areas
Recognizing that ag land is beneficial to wildlife. US F&W
has reconized in other areas in the state that a large % of
wildlife feed on ag lands but go back to BLM and FS land at
night
Please push "dark skies" regulations, we
Eliminate commission structure to provide a balanced
appraoch to wildlife resource mgmt. Establish sub‐group
to manage.
Pressure to change land use law
Stronger economy = move support for protecting natural
values
500 million birds die on residential zones each year.
Similiar amount on commercial = 1 billion birds a year lost.
non‐raptor birds like songbirds, waterbirds (herons), game
brids (quail), grassland birds. State of birds 2022 = loss in
across most birds
Habitat loss could be addressed through educational
campaigns
Let growth be slow and controlled. We don't need golf
courses and resorts dropped into beautiful rural
environments
Regulations and guidance on preventing window collisions
on both residential and commercial buildings. Cities across
US are doing this.
Existing Commission disregards the responsibility to
protect wildlife resources
Loss of habitat urbanization, window collissions as more
glass is used
Loss of habitat is harming all CO wildlife
Recreation
Challenges Opportunities
Balance protection of wildlife while expanding recreational
access More awareness, more ag ‐ urban partnerships
Infrastructure maintenance and expansion with population
increase
Birdwatching $$ requires thinking about more species than
deer and eagles. BW = 70 billion in US $$
More permits = too many people = serious impacts to
wildlife
Page 1
Redmond OH 10.25.22
Farm Forest
Challenges Opportunities
I think it is short sighted to not look at EFU's that are not
productive as possible inclusion in UGB's.
Establish a process and regulations under which neighbors
can successfully complain about neighbors who do not
manage weed!
Corporate farming and ranching (more in Jeff Co) Consistency in zoning in rural areas.
The build of nonfarming housing should be prohibited.
Only building that are beneficial to the farm should be
allowed. Farms with multiple housing for families living
and working on the farm should be allowed.
water irrigation is currently outdated. Piping is overly
expensive and counter‐productive. Work with COID to
create improved balanced distribution...
wasteful use upriver plenty of water but in the wrong places
Housing
Challenges Opportunities
Minimum build costs due to code/zoning Infill (+1)
housing should slowly radiate out from a town/city center
Permitting ADUs outside of the city limits ‐ for county tax
payers
Please, no more golf courses, "destination resorts", etc.
They are an insult to the rest of us that abide by
regulations they are an insult to the landscape
ADUs in rural land is permitted by state law. Proposed
regulations by Commissioners is too strict, especially as to
size (too small) location on property, etc. Must be used to
expand our housing suppply for rentals (not vacation
rentals).
ADUS = more lost habitat, more roade use (that county
does not maintain) more wildlife collision
a strong plan to get the homeles population under control
and off of our streets and BLM lands. Drug Treatment,
mental health services. Re‐locating out of the area. No
more RV and tent cities/communities. They don't pay taxes
and use abundant resources in our community @ tax
payer expense.
providing housing for teachers, nurses, fire, public service
workers to retain, high quality experts
Keep housing within UGB lines (+1)
Page 2
Redmond OH 10.25.22
Nat Hazards
Challenges Opportunities
restrictions on resorts especially golf courses that use a lot
of water that a high desert doesn't have. Especially during
droughts encourage water‐wise landscaping
The rural areas outside the SW of Redmond are
experiencing drying wells at an exceptional rate. Growth
ofplans such as destination resorts need to mitigate the
acceleration of drought and trying well water for
surrounding uses
lobby for new legislation that addresses antiquated water
rights
Buy out farms in upper ID. they waste water!
Will the piping of the canals make the wells go dry? Is
there any compensation to help rural residents with the
expense of drilling their wells deeper.
Water going to hobby farms instead of wildlife, people,
and true farms.
Having personel of the water district do there job correctly
so water get to everyone. not just at the begining of the
irrgiation ditches
Historical/Cultural Resources
Challenges Opportunities
The requirements when a historic site is on private
properties (+1) increased grant funding for landmark preservation (+1)
lack of land acknowledgement of previous landowners ‐
native tribes, indigenous cultures
Preservation! The dry climate helps. Don't lose the
opportunities!
especially at hisotric sites but throughout County
acknowledge by erecting monuments to indigenous
cultures that have been on land before europeans
Getting Around
Challenges Opportunities
Too many deer getting killed on roads
re‐route hwy 97 bypass to actually bypass the mid‐town
area. Maybe go out by the airport and tie back in @ yew
ave. Veterans way is too congested
infill vs rural roads, less sprawl = longer county roads multi‐modal transportation options
sprawl high cost of road maintenance public support for more roads
improve connection btween RDM and Bend, bypass Bend
to east.
Jobs
Challenges Opportunities
overreliance on RE and tourism Make sole proprietorships easy to form and run
Keeping agriuclture and natural resources in the County so
they are an integral part in Deschutes County
Wildlife resources esp birdwatching 320 species come thru
CO
We can keep the natural environment as it is, and improve
it
start up hubs
Page 3
Redmond OH 10.25.22
Small Groups
Pub Facilities/Rec
97 bypass was needed, probably impossible now
increase in public transportation
Save money, let congestion happen
Change h20 laws
Do/create h20‐shed/collaborative planning
encourage hydrogen trains between Bend and Redmond
Wildlife crossings
H20 for horse hobby farms should not take precedence
encourage canal piping
Extend passenger rail to Bend/RDM, CO partner for
make "state of the County" address more public or
Small Groups
Natural Resources/Hazards
Wildfire!
Climate change
Increased costs for fire insurance
Grants for fire mitigation should be directed to
elderly/vulnerable communities
Better evacuation signage (crooked river ranch area)
Education and/or regulations for windows to prevent bird
collisions
Updates to wildlife overlays
Education for natural habitat managment on private
properties
Defensible space standards that incorporate wildlife
habitat protections
Preservation of native plants
Protections of dark skies and scenic views
Balance concerns about housing w/habitat and natural
resources
Advocate for water reuse and water conservation
Page 4
Redmond OH 10.25.22
Small Groups
Economy, Forestry, Ag
Expansion/flexibility in sole property/home occupation
Continous care retirement center ‐ nonprofit
water (x2)
local support for family farms (x2)
Flexibility in agri‐tourism
local commerce
finding use for juniper trees (managing/removal and tax
breaks/incentives)
increased support for CSAs
Support for piping projects (x2), finding compromise (x2)
lease opportunities for hobby farming
partnership with USFS for firewood cutting permits, helps
with thinning
UGB expansion
econonmic development/assistance
expansion of continuing education opportunities
Tree mitigation/enhancement
Small Groups
Land use and Housing
don't expand UGBs into Ag/EFU lands (x3)
Destination resorts shouldn't be allowed to develop as
densely as they have. Equity for all property owners.
Updates to DR plan map ‐ remaining areas.
Agency coordination issues for zone changes
Dark skies panel ‐ need for ranchers, differing
perspectives. County should provide compliant light
fixtures in cases of CE or retrofitting
Farm zoning ‐ needs more use allowances
water access/irrigation an dlow farm profitability
Development leads to decrease in wildlife habitat (x2)
regs addressing wildlife collisions with cars, avian collisions
with windows
need for regional approach in SB 100
development leads to road impacts/damage
BOCC redone as a citizen/community committee or as
general vote to people on specific proposals
True map‐based LR comp planning for residential
development
Destination resorts/water impacts
Development process should include dedications/offsets
for conservation/natural preservation
Dwelling fuel breaks can lead to wildlife habitat loss
Page 5
Redmond OH 10.25.22
Resdiential facilities ‐ need for continous care service
centers for aging population ‐ non‐profit,neighborhood
integrated
ADUs in county for long term rental
noxious week code enforcement and wildfire risk
Psilocbyin use promoted in county, promote local support
County/local supporting to bring commercial uses to
county (PR/marketing, general farm use support)
County website for CSAs/farm connections
Tiny homes ‐ opportunities? Challenges?
more short term rental opportunities needed ‐ increased
commerce
?s on state requirements for separation between ADUs
and dwellings ‐ can county alter state‐level requirements?
710 Eden not responsible housing solution
Proper communication locally
Development = decreased wildlife habitat
Consider the total impacts of different land use proposals
Page 6
Sunriver OH 10.24.22
Natural Resources
Challenges Opportunities
How do we preserve the natural resoruces we have? Focus on more forest thinning
Cutting out too much brush and trees, hur
habitat and food sources. Land is becoming sterile -
reference Sunriver.. all focus (too much) on fire
(?landscape?)building up NOT out to limit urban growth boundary
enforcement of wetland rules versus development \
Recreation
Challenges Opportunities
Can we afford an increased drain on our water resources?
Great job w/ mountain bike trails (national forest)
Hiking permit system needs refinement, find ways to
eliminate no shows
maintain open space, protect wildlife
too many floaters on Deschutes River ‐ they need places to
stop so that entire river's edge doesn't get pedestrian
overuse keep riparian areas safe. Floating port‐a‐potties?
(Agree!)
Farm Forest
Challenges Opportunities
How do we address forest management to minimize fire
risks when the federal govt owns so much of Deschutes Co? Thin out USFS lands reduce wildfire threats
rethink how water is distributed get away from "use it or
lose it" mentality. Reward farmers for conservation and
sharing.
Housing
Challenges Opportunities
Do we have the water resoruces for the projected growth? access to recreation
Affordable housing is critical
Support maintaining urban growth boundaries/high density
urban areas
Rural housing development
‐wildlife combing zone
‐fences too high
‐clear cutting lots
firewise mgmt
turning forest area into city type landscape
‐longer commutes
We have ENOUGH "Destination Resorts"
How do we preserve the natural wonder that we have today
Affordable housing for all income groups, especially workers
in communities
Page 7
Sunriver OH 10.24.22
Nat Hazards
Challenges Opportunities
nearby dry forests and dropping water table leves increase
risk of wildfire threat to homes and decreased ability to fight
the house fires
review/revisit water master control protocols @wickiup
reservoir ‐ how can this help mitigate river levels for water
needs
not nearly enough is being done on wildfire prevention.
There needs to be more fed/state/Co coordination. People
talk (?) then are reluctant to change, time is running ot Get ready for winter storms
ELIMINATE LAWN IRRIGATION, especially for business (E.G.
surf thru car wash near fed meyer) and lawns residentials
Historical/Cultural Resources
Challenges Opportunities
Add new historical buildings to inventory
provide tour maps for day road trips so kids can lear our
history curriculum @ school to keep Deschutes history alive
Getting Around
Challenges Opportunities
? / Road crossing Butler. Wickiup Junction Focus on Wood bridge, Butler Market, (??) and Burgess Rd
Regular busses from La Pine>Bend>Redmond 2‐4 times a day
Completion of paved path from Lava Butte to Bend to
benefit E‐bike and other bke transp.
More paved, more pathway for people and bike
Jobs
Challenges Opportunities
commercial use in rural areas. County needs to respect
CC&Rs for HOA communities. Pole barn for rent in Homesite
DDRH unit 9 ‐ is negatively impacting the neighborhood
livability and property values good jobs good wages
worker housing
East oregon will need a university center in par with U of O
and O State to anchor future technologies development
Page 8
Sunriver OH 10.24.22
Small Groups
Pub Facilities/Rec
Water levels in wells are dropping
Water is the biggest issue (waste, enforcement needed)
Facilities for people living in vans/RVs
Wildfire is biggest issue
Spread info on funds/programs available especially for low
income
Bridges over railroad crossings
3 fire evacuations in past 5 years (all started by illegal
activity)
How to encourage low water‐usage
How will landfill handle pop growth?
Terrebonne road projects should have happened
Road system at edge of city limits
EV charging stations ‐ county take lead on establishing,
better design to minimize wait time
internet access for rural areas
remove juniper to conserve water
river is primiary recreation in area
fire management in national forests ‐ who is leading?
Love harper bridge access
Bathroom faciltiies for people floating river
Need proper parking lot for safety
Natural Resources/Hazards
mandatory fire sprinklers for all development
additional fire dept access (ingress and egress) for all new
development
County maintained registry of properties with backup power
and those vulnerable to isolation in hazard events
Engage with federal and state agencies concerning wildfire
mitigation
Engage with HOAs and other organizations on a County‐wide
wildfire standards
Need a county‐wide wildfire mitigation plan and
enforcement mechanisms
Voluntary wildfire mitigation review from community
members (UDRC.org)
concerns about water waste and natural resource
management
Page 9
Sunriver OH 10.24.22
Economy, Forestry, Ag
Industry‐focused educational facilities (2 degree,
universities) as a foundation for Central and Eastern Oregon
(x6)
What is Desch. Co's anchor/foundation? Ag, forestry...
Hobby farms ‐ city/restaurant use
H2O resources vs. econ development
Keep Ag Land as Ag land
More planned recreation, community‐grwoth. Quality of life,
macro‐big picture communal growth
high‐speed internet providers and infrastructure
Keep up the recreation themed economy (x2)
Reliable bus/public tranpsortation system ‐ ease
traffic/commutes, park and ride?
more seasonal/community events (art fairs, etc.)
Take short‐term rental impacts into account
Airport improvements
Community ‐ care for your hometown.
Hobby farms ‐ farmer's markets, providing for restaurants,
etc.
Cost of living vs. job availability (x4)
Increased school systems
Increased children/childhood opportunities
Land use and Housing
zoning should recognize local CCRs (x2)
Impacts on wildlife and habitat
Stronger CE in WA zone, support for CE division
More design criteria for resdiential Dev
Water (x2)
Wildlife as a consideration for Res. Dev
Better wildfire managmeent in residential areas
Better preventative measures for houselessness
Focus on natural resources and wildfire for res dev
Greater focus and increased research/transparency for
water resources in DC
Better Understanding of regional capacity and expasion of
urban areas
Consideration of transportation, minimize congestion
Page 10
Sisters OH 10.20.22
Natural Resources
Challenges Opportunities
Educate/ban "party" lights ‐ dark sky and impacts on
migration patterns
Monitor development in view corridors
Work with UDWSC on river protection/banks pay landowners to remove junipers
Need to reduce cougar predation o
populations Trails
The night sky is a natural resource humans need for the vast
gain of knowledge. Light pollution affects our access to this
resource but I don't see it being limited
Dark sky ordinance
Partnership with cities and other agency on migration routes
Educate poeple about importance of dark skies. A not ein
every water bill?
We can lead the way in preserving our wildlife and natural
spaces by not allowing them to be destroyed despite
"pressure". Infill the UGB! Don't crowd the wildlife out.
Please.
protect dark skies and improve animals and nautral
reousrces (habitats, use of sky and migration
Set and keep focus on development plans that do not
distrub current areas
protect mountain views (x)
Housing
Challenges Opportunities
urban growth is impacting the effect on de‐forestation the
forest is a natural resource that shouldn't be taken for
granted and it is harming a lot of wildlife habitat
Destination resorts need to be required to have employee
housing (dorms, apartments) to reduce traffic/emissions
the continuous growth will affect traffic patterns and that
will cause many more accidents, especially in the smaller
communities like Sisters and La Pine
don't turn CO into urban sprawl. Who says you should
should build it so they will come. We need ^ slow , managed
careful growth
This includes no infomration on development code section
2.15.400 which is trying to protect our dark skies rezone marginal farm land
Business as usual, developers financial motivation without
regard for ecosystems, community and sprawl ‐ elected
officials who promote growth ADUs in farm zone
extending urban growth boundaries sw/o good plans for
impacts ‐ traffic (++)
lack of clear guidance on "hardening" houses to
prevent/limit wildfire damage
infill ‐ not out.
ADU use in RR
"missing middle" we have programs/housing for haves and
have nots!
well water ‐ recharge depth explained to new home owners.
why can't we embrace SLOW growth? I disagree we have to
match the demand! An area should not be obligated to
grwoth and provide housing capacity just because everyone
wants to move here. Taken to the ridiculous example: I want
to live on Mt. Bahelor, doesn't mean it should happen.
Page 11
Sisters OH 10.20.22
Need to limit challenges from Central Oregon Landwatch
don't see any requirements under 2.15.400 being upheld by
new developments
The effect on rural residency's water wells/access to ground
water, wells drying up
golf courses and articula lakes and unwise water use.
LAWNS!
Education, education, education. Teach wise use of water in
schools
eradicate juniper trees to improve groundwater recharge
Nat Hazards
Challenges Opportunities
educating "new" residents about what to expect ‐ where to
go/why evac routes may change due to fire location, wind
foster wood products and biomass around fuels reduction,
especially for junipers
Fear of lack of knowledge for ongoing groundwater for wells improve fire resistance through reduction of fuels
cascadia subduction quake *
steel re‐enforced cement building for safety from natural
hazards
do not open up the UGB for expansion. Keep the population
under control for fire fighting and natural resources to be
manageable
education of new people ‐ xeriscape ‐
put power underground
better use of data to assess vs. political agendas
Historical/Cultural Resources
Challenges Opportunities
money/volunteers
more focus on how first nations lived in tis region before
europeans arrived
DesCo needs a parks department and more recreation
opportunities. Campgrounds, trails, etc
partnering with historical societies money to support . Use
TLT to promote sites, stewardship
include history before the area was taken from indigenous
people
PUBLIC ACCESS Bridger and monuments
Page 12
Sisters OH 10.20.22
Getting Around
Challenges Opportunities
Need to improve hwy 97 for through traffic horse and bike trails! (x)
ability to continue to fund and add funding for sorely needed
road improvement
Road improvements
Turn lanes onto Camp Polk Rd from H 126 going north
Improvement of sight lines from Cloverdale Rd and Fryrear
on Hwy 126
transportation pollution and it's effect on the environment.
Bike paths linking crossroads and sisters and outlying
communities to each other and to Metolius and Black Butte
Shoulder paths for E‐bike/bikes.
stay out of paving in woods ‐ cutting trees
Maintain Dusty Loop
Improve shoulders for bikes/walkers on Holmes Rd. Too
many close calls wtih trucks and cars and bikers
Huge need for more multi‐use trails in age of E‐bikes as tool
for alternative transportation
Jobs
Challenges Opportunities
expansion of high speed internet to rural communities for
work from home
purchase TID property in Tumalo @ Cook Ave and 4th for
recreational infrastructure, etc.
County and industry need to put pressure on USFS and BLM
to support the recreation industry
focusing on the nature of the place and arts and music and
creativity rather than industrial development
dismal (?) of our educational system ‐ reinstitute
perofrmance/learning standards
focus on nautre and wildlife vs. playground for wealthy
water conservation
Page 13
Sisters OH 10.20.22
Small Groups
Pub Facilities/Rec
hwy 126 speeding
cloverdale/20
Cloverdale/126 ‐ line of sight (trees)
Add turn lane on 126 @ Camp Polk Rd
E‐bikes on trails ‐ friction between users
More education ‐ possible permit with education/instruction
(free) ‐ agreed x3
Sisters aquifer ‐ being measured?
broadband availability
widen or build roads for bike lanes ‐ esp. scenic bikeways
Access to Whychus Creek
County should play a bigger role in Parks
Could County provide indoor rec facilities such as pools
Resorts and H2O use
Well draw downs from rural subdivisions
Measure H2O seepage from canals to understand well
impacts
TID in Tumalo rezone to MUA
Off stream H2) storage (reservoirs)
Page 14
Sisters OH 10.20.22
Natural Resources/Hazards
Traffic&Housing issues impact natural resources
Dark skies (x3) ‐ specific lighting standards, enforcing current
standards, balance with safety, funding for dark skies
Tourism x2
littering
water supply from destination resorts and golf courses
wildlife corridors throughout the County
Water supply generally ‐ can we use data
decisionmaking about urbanization
incentives for removing junipers for water reasons
trails are a resource > very successful and popular
Bicycle trails needed
global warming and CO2, Temperatures + snowfall
floodplain ‐ risk from mountain lakes (south of sisters) carver
lake
Cougars as wildlife resource?
Deer vs. cougars?
Education of property owners
Juniper removal for water supply
Private lakes + water parks
Open water vs. piping
underground power lines
parks ‐ in Tumalo specifically, Cook + 4th irrigation district
owned
Parks dept generally?
Solar panels and electric vehicles
sustainable development
Page 15
Sisters OH 10.20.22
Economy, Forestry, Ag
Increased residential density as econ driver
cost implication/distribution of growth
improve education opportunities for labor force
Hobby farms as a small scale economic drive (x2)
create a more diver economy
Strategic business recruitment (innovative econ opp)
Identify good farm lands ‐ preservation (lzst)
stronger advocacy for businesses
Stronger advocacy for rural development (rezoning, tax
incentives for wildlife habitat)
Support developers
More public/private partnerships
Land use and Housing
more rural housing opportunities (x5)
Rural ADUs
Defensible space for dwellings, and "home hardening"
standards (clear standards and education)
More nuance to solar setback standards
Short term rental regulations
Homelessness issues broadly
Homeless issues generally and increased housing supply
where available (x3)
Look at county‐owned properties for affordable housing
development code section 2.15.400 (light pollution, dark
skies enforcement) ‐ use educational materials
non‐complaint based code enforcement
support "home hardening" standards for wildfire mitigation
Page 16
Bend OH 10.19.22
Natural Resources
Challenges Opportunities
Please map wildlife migration/corridors accurately ‐ taking
them into RR‐10 and MUA lands rather than some artifical
but conveneinet boundary
Fences are a major contributer to ungulate mortality.
Promote wildlife friendly options
promote cluster development
goal 5 inventory lists for mule deer, elk, and many other
species should be prioritized
public lands need to be regulated to sustainable use for all
County needs to lead in conservation measures lby
xeriscaping, solar installations, EV fleet, night sky lighting or
lack of lighting
smart growth is crucial to preserve and support healthy
wildlife populations. We must avoid sprawl
Dark skies are an economic value support intl dark skies
parks and communities (+1)
resort impact (thornburg, skyline), is on eo fthe bigger
threats to open space, natural resources, and environmental
water impacts (+1) No rural ADUs/no solar in wildlife overlay zones
I own 3 acres of "mother nature" I have the same deer,
badgers over 116 birds becuase of the natural landscapes
false, manipulative messaging from central oregon
landwatch. We need honest conversations about the
County's natural resources
77% of deschutes county land is federal. Not much for the
folks who live here ( and are moving here ‐ you can't stop
growth...). Mis‐information and mis‐education by
"organizations" like Central Oregon Landwatch
Increased development pressure in rural areas.
must work to maintain large in‐tact ecosystems
Thornburg and Eden developments (+1)
Coordinate state and federal agencies in land use planning
and decisions
Page 17
Bend OH 10.19.22
Recreation
Challenges Opportunities
take Worrell Park off the table for a parking option. There
are other options.
already have CET to Bachelor model for encouraging transit
to recreational areas
no more resorts! no more golf courses (I agree, yes!) (+1)
skyline community forest preservation primarily for natural
habitat and recreation
water rights assoc with the sub‐division of 710 acres of EFU
into 71 10‐acre RR10 lots ‐ wells are not monitored
stronger emphasis on cluster development to protect open
space.
overuse damage to the areas natural resources and a serious
impact on wildlife (me too ‐ I agree)
plan ahead in new developments so children have parks to
play in and provide nature interaction
Leave Worrell Wayside alone! vertical growth preservation of EFU land (x2 me too)
climate impact on natural areas. Increased demands on rec
areas. Declining natural habitat. Keep Worrell Wayside!!!
why doesn't deschutes county provide county parks?? (just
suprised!)
People have a bad perspective/view of dest. resorts.
(bachelor is one..)
little/no greenspace/parks in new development (NE Bend)
Managing traffic/parking; improving alternative transit to
recreation sites
Page 18
Bend OH 10.19.22
Farm Forest
Challenges Opportunities
water quantity and soil quality can they stay high with the #
of marijuana production operations
water conservation my biggest concern for future ag.
Irrigation canals as a source of H2O waste in need of
correction, but big opportunities. See california's solar
canals.
poor watering done on farms. Wasted, evaporated, and used
just to keep their rights, even if not needed.
poor soils in some EFU ‐ not productive farms
CO isn't a good place to grow things ‐ too many challenges
(unless greenhouse)
strengthening local economy and food system through how
we treat farmland
How can you say that farm will have sufficient water to cope
with increasing temperatures? There are farms going under
simplifying the rezoning process if your parcel does not meet
the state land use definition of agricultural/EFU land
water/irrigation for profit farms
improve canal efficiency
no more golf courses or like that use water for recreation using the median acreage/gross sales test for farm dwellings
poor soils based on what criteria? Deschutes Cnty,
productive soils cannot and should not be based by west‐
side of the cascade range soils.
thin/put state and federal $$ into thinning in the WUI ‐ stop
approving new forest dwellings
climate change
take rangeland seriously for agricultural use/keep farmland
primed for farmers
protecting farmland
teach proper watering (dawn/dusk, not flooding in midday
heat)
nonfarm dwellings/housing/ADU's to alleviate home prices
CO farms focus on other more profitable endeavors ‐ sadly
veggie farming isn't one...:( (greenhouses, animals, etc)
soil may lack nitrogen but ‐ without irrigation central OR will
look like going to Burns except 10 years of weeds first
couldn't we encourage resort or cluster development
instead of individual exempt wells and septics? Water
systems take water rights so allow them!
doesn't non‐irrigated poor soil farmland and forest land
offer opportunities for higher density maybe as destination
resorts that are primarily owner occupied or cluster
developments
giving away too much EFU...once repurposed soil is
destroyed ‐ nutrient content reduces with climate change =
more farm needed not less
blanket zone encourage EFU properties to be useful open
space as PUD
Keep our resource lands in place!! too many zone
changes/plan am. of resource lands
when one of our commissioners espouses cutting down
juniper to solve our water problem ‐ she is a problem!
water rights are not equal and ability to farm less than 90+
acres is not sustainable
Page 19
Bend OH 10.19.22
Housing
Challenges Opportunities
do not build beyond urban growth boundary
do not expand UGB
do not allow AG land to be developed
sprawl into the wildland urban itnerface is not an answer to
housing
hope to keep urban growth boundaries where they are.
North (OB Riley Rd) no more destination resorts!
housing supply catching up with current/future housing
demand within current UGB
there are opportunities for density, & density could, on turn,
reduce certain transportation issues
avoid robust development on most high risk areas of
wildland urban interface
simplify the rezoning process to help make increasing the
housing supply more feasible.
building housing for homeless and for lower income vs.
building for 2nd home use &/or STR use
allow ADU's in EFU's. it's people's private land
allow useless land that's categorized as EFU to become
housing
change oregon land use laws. They are causing prices to
increase and antiquitous.
grow up, not out. Do not allow central oregon to sprawl like
the Denver area safe parking ordinance
everyone does not want to live within the UGB. Encourage
more options for rural residential living, which makes
Deschutes County great!
keep housing in the UGB‐one‐off zone changes to rural
residential on the edges of town we hope to grow = issue
strict restrictiosn, misinformation, and a plethora of building
permits slowing down growth.
low supply of housing causing increased house prices. More
housing = lower prices
Central Oregon Landwatch is increasing housing costs
through litigation costs. please facilitate and expedite the upcoming expansion of the
Redmond and Bend UGBs.
keep development wtihin UGB not developing EFU!
what are new models of unincorporated rural housing. See
Babcock Ranch near Ft. Myers Fla. Sustainable and reilient
Developers aren't the only business! Don't let them frame
city lenders by saying they'll go bankrupt if you don't
approve our project. support SB 391 for rural ADUs!
1. homelessness
2. piping the canal in county neighborhoods negatively
impacts those homes
promote housing in cities where as supported by
infrastructure/less of a strain on system esp. w/climate
change/fire/water
maintain rural of the County.
‐if/when city boundary becomes full ‐ do not expand UGB
‐not everyone can live here
strict firewise building codes and additional road
infrastructure paid for by homeowners and adding rural
ADUs in WUI
high risk and extreme risk WUIs should be excluded from
higher density development or ADU
missing middle housing
workforce h.
rethink short term rentals
3rd ave mixed use area (city of Bend)
Page 20
Bend OH 10.19.22
Better use of EFU lands that do not allow dev.
adjusting the policies on ADUs in rural residential
neighborhoods
Addressing homelessness
please expand the UGB soon if you expect this kind of
growth. People in Bend are not for vertical growth
Nat Hazards
Challenges Opportunities
no mention of cascadia subduction here. While not a direct
impact seimically, Deschutes County will be the statewide
response center, impacting traffic, airport use, and
fairgrounds
Stop developing/approving zone changes of resource land to
rural residential ‐higher fire risk/water strain
increased growth and increased building while water is going
down
resorts and golf course water should be reduced or shut off
before doing so to farms
we are cutting trees at an alarming rate. We need them to
control temps and fresh air. Please protect them!
dont allow new development in high and extreme fire risk
areas
spared of grossly large auto‐dependent s. family
development
update zones of impact for mitigation program to better
reflect groundwater and surface water
connection/especially east of sisters fault zone
I question who benefits from piping irrigation canals?
Farmers mainly. I don't like spending millions benefitting a
few
The general zone of impact does not describe g.w. flow and
recharge ‐ exempt well owners could monitor their use and
track water levles if technology available and affordable
wildfire prevention and preparedness
Provide more public education opportunities to learn about
maintaining your residence for defensible space. Also, tech
the public about our robust aquifer in Deschutes County
piping irrigation canals will destroy ecosystems and disrupt
so many households and private property. This is not a
viable solution. Water rights for farms are antiquitous and
not helpful in worst cases
Create an incentive based program for juniper tree removal.
They area major fire hazard and removal could help with
groundwater recharge. Review Tim Deboodt's research on
juniper removal for proof
Reduce sprawl into the wildland urban interface. Promote
denser cluster developments
Consider inventives/systems to promote efficient use of
water, especially in irrigation districts w/senior water
Historical/Cultural Resources
Challenges Opportunities
erasure and lack of inclusion of indigenous people and POC
there are a lot of community partners that could help with
this (HDM, WS)
is there another option for the AJ Tucker building besides
demo for the courthouse expansion
keep Worrell Wayside! We're losing too much of our historic
sites to development as it is!
why are all of these photos of white settlers histroic sites??
Page 21
Bend OH 10.19.22
Getting Around
Challenges Opportunities
bike lane and sidewalk on Eagle Rd between Neff and Butler
Market
need public transportation
Chemult amtrack N to Hood River
La Pine > Madras
High speed rail ‐ off road paths for bike and electric vehicles
The Baker/97 interchange really needs to be done. With H.S.
and M.S. going in, population greatly increases. local gas tax or local vehicle registration fee
Speeding traffic in high‐pedestrian areas with little law
enforcement
"lethal lefts" too many blind turns with car fatalities
Increased traffic/use for Bend's small roads.
no E > W and vice versa greenway for pedestrians to get
around 97
lights, round‐a‐bouts, or slower speeds (+ enforcement) for
the "lethal lefts"
no good bike routes between cities
a pedestrian/bike friendly greenway from E>W to cross 97
safely
improvements to the Helmholtz and Hwy 126 interchange in
Redmond. Currently not a straight crossing south on
Helmholtz crossing 126 enhanced connections to BLM and national forest
don't make hamby another 27th street.
chance for transportation options that support recreation
but reduce # of cars driving to rural/wildland
locations/better public transportation in general
increaesd commuter traffic between Bend and Redmond
Jobs
Challenges Opportunities
I don't think the County has started early enough to site a
new landfill
Both lean into "zoom town" and diversity on‐site work.
Workforce housing
not enough affordable housing for service workers more jobs targeting sustainable and GHG reductions
landfill status? needs a lot of public interaction in decision
to lower house prices, supply must increase (to allow for
more affordable workforce housing). Come up with a plan to
build Bend out where enivronmentally feasible (old back 9
golf course, in rural areas mis‐categorized as rural).
zoning laws and standards protect our quality of life and
living conditions compacted housing does not. promote ag/eco‐tourism in smaller communities
destination resorts are more of a concern for environment,
water and traffic than they are a source of sustainable
economic development
Aerospace!
Page 22
Bend OH 10.19.22
Small Groups
Pub Facilities/Rec
New rural subdivisions on farmland, esp. H20 but also
transp. (x2)
Piping irrigation canals ‐ $$ ‐ drying up wells (x4)
Metering rural water users
Speed up Baker/97 interchange (x2)
Emphasize multi‐modal (x2)
Recreation and overuse vs. permits
Golf courses: too many, H2O use
Link between recreational responsibility and education on
proper behavior
Mtn bikes/horses/people, conflict
quads are a real problem ‐ irresponsible behavior
e‐bike use by youngsters
in rural development ‐ could there be shared water/sewer
systems? (x2)
H20 rights laws are outdated, re‐evaluate to beneficial use
and encourage efficency
EV charging stations
Congestion on rural roads
General overuse of recreation facilities
Be careful w/ improving access to River to not encourage too
much use
Parking structure @ Tumalo falls access
Natural Resources/Hazards
firewise education and grants
Evacuation in rural areas (education and emergency access)
mule deer inventory is important
land and water loss due to destination resorts
pandemic
cascadia earthquake
Deschutes County maybe "High ground"
Economic disruptions
Farmland as resource
"good"lands
Lot sof support for dark skies and Goal 5 update
Rural residential ‐ development impacting wildlife habitat
and individual wells
Rethink water rights
Septic issues ‐ residential uses
Forest managmeent + recovery from fires
Cascadia Subduction Impacts
Migration due to climate impacts
Ecological value of deserts, as well as forests
Sage grouse habitat
Page 23
Bend OH 10.19.22
Economy, Forestry, Ag
County should educate what happens w/o irrigation (#1
issue)
Sewer's role in econ dev (#2 issue)
Preserve farm land, meh on hobby famrs (split +‐) #2 issue ‐
tie
Support high quality farm land (#3 issue)
Support piping of canals (#4 issue)
Irrigation piping support
adverse effects, educate farmers on being waterwise ‐ cut
H20 to DR's first, not farmers
RI/RC pressure on EFU
non or quasi farm uses on EFU land, open up commercial
activity
H20 rights fungible ‐ does Desch. Co have a role?
Loss of EFU to RR10 and MUA 10
Changing (decrease) h20 supply
Don't disrupt wildlife corridors for desintation resorts
Land use and Housing
looser restrictions on ADUs/2nd homes
min lot sizes
even if developing affordably, must be metered/timed to not
overwhlem land/neighborhoods
homeless coordination with city (# of homeless in county vs.
cities)
tiny homes?
Homelessness servces and sheltering ‐locations in DC?, safe
parking, lack of available in cities
Affordable housing ‐ RV/MAHO parks and campgrounds
Page 24
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-1
APPENDIX C. ONLINE OPEN HOUSE RESPONSE DATA
DESCHUTES COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
ONLINE SURVEY RESULTS, FALL 2022
How well does this vision fit Deschutes County today?
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Average: 5.7
Number of Responses Along a Slider 0 -10Not at all Fits perfectly!
Number of Respondents: 129
Most Important Topic
1%
9%
10%
14%
16%
21%
29%
Historic and CulturalResources
Jobs and Economy
Natural Hazards
Getting Around
Recreation
Farms and Forests
Housing
0%5%10%15%20%25%30%35%
Number of Respondents: 149
Housing: Level of support for these goals as written
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
0-10 11-20 21-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 61-70 71-80 81-90 91-100
Average: 79.1
Number of Responses Along a Slider 0 -100
No Support Strong Support
Number of Respondents: 76
Please rank issues related to housing in order of importance for the County.
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Property values
Housing safety
Limiting housing in inappropriate locations
Supporting housing in appropriate locations
Housing affordability
Ranking Housing Issues (1= highest rank, 5= lowest rank)
5 4 3 2 1
Number of Respondents: 92-97
Jobs & Economy: Level of support for the goal as written
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
0-10 11-20 21-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 61-70 71-80 81-90 91-100
Average: 80.4
Number of Responses Along a Slider 0 -100
No Support Strong Support
Number of Respondents: 59
Recreation: Level of support for the goal as written
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
0-10 11-20 21-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 61-70 71-80 81-90 91-100
Average: 39.7
Number of Responses Along a Slider 0 -100
No Support Strong Support
Number of Respondents: 59
My yearly household income is:
2%
7%
10%
22%
19%
24%
1%
17%
Less than $35,000
$35,000-$50,000
$50,000-$75,000
$75,000-$100,000
$100,000-$150,000
$150,000 and above
I do not know
I prefer not to answer
0%5%10%15%20%25%
Number of Respondents: 115
Which of the following most accurately describes your race and ethnic identities. (check all that apply)
2%
2%
1%
3%
1%
83%
11%
4%
0%20%40%60%80%100%
First Nation/American Indian/Indigenous
Asian or Asian American
or South Asian
Hispanic or Latino/a or Chicano/a
Pacific Islander
White/European American
I prefer not to answer
If you prefer to self-describe your racial/ethnic identity, please do so
here:
Percent
Number of Respondents: 112
I live in the following Zip Code
ZIP Code # of Responses General Location
97701 13 North Bend and Tumalo
97702 40 South Bend
97703 26 Bend
97707 12 Sunriver South
97739 1 LaPine
97756 11 Redmond
97759 5 Sisters
97760 2 Terrebonne
Number of Respondents: 110
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-10
OPEN-ENDED RESPONSES
The following are provided as entered with a reference number and the topic the response is
associated with.
Ref
Number
Topic Comment
1 30 Years from Now 1/2 the population
2 30 Years from Now A balance between long term rentals and short term rentals
3 30 Years from Now A balanced economy.
4 30 Years from Now A better solution for the intersection at Baker/Cheyenne/Hwy
97/Country Store
5 30 Years from Now A busy city with a mountain feel that still feels like the old bend
6 30 Years from Now A clean city
7 30 Years from Now A community with public transit options that work
8 30 Years from Now A dense, walkable urban area with publicly owned and
accessible lands surrounding Bend
9 30 Years from Now A diverse and thriving community
10 30 Years from Now A few more restaurants and an urgent care
11 30 Years from Now A fire resilient community.
12 30 Years from Now A healthy, protected natural environment
13 30 Years from Now A local gov ran with complete and total transparency.
14 30 Years from Now a lot less crowding
15 30 Years from Now A mid-urban area with the look and personality of a small town
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-11
Ref
Number
Topic Comment
16 30 Years from Now A more manageable cost of living so its possible to have diversity
in several ways. That there is opportunity for people of different
races and ethnicities to move here, opportunity for young
people to move and work here and afford to do so. I think if you
can lower the cost of living and make affording to be in bend
more manageable, it will greatly benefit Central Oregon
17 30 Years from Now A place where people not only want to visit on vacation, but
make it home
18 30 Years from Now A place where people not only want to visit on vacation, but
make it home
19 30 Years from Now A place with low taxes and efficient government.
20 30 Years from Now A safe bike path between Bend and Redmond! People walk/bike
on 97 every day. People die every year. This is a problem with a
straightforward solution.
21 30 Years from Now A water wise community
22 30 Years from Now Abundant open space in our rural areas, no more large scale
rural developments
23 30 Years from Now Abundant wildlife in protected habitats.
24 30 Years from Now Abundant, helathy wildlife populations
25 30 Years from Now Access to public land
26 30 Years from Now Actual affordable housing for the working class. Childcare
access.
27 30 Years from Now Actual public transportation
28 30 Years from Now aDUs on EFU, MUA, RR10
29 30 Years from Now Affordable
30 30 Years from Now affordable
31 30 Years from Now affordable
32 30 Years from Now Affordable education that is available to all children and
opportunities for college as well as education in the trades.
Opportunities for folks to enjoy the arts.y for \
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-12
Ref
Number
Topic Comment
33 30 Years from Now Affordable for everyone
34 30 Years from Now Affordable housing
35 30 Years from Now Affordable housing
36 30 Years from Now Affordable housing
37 30 Years from Now Affordable housing available for all people
38 30 Years from Now Affordable housing for people that work here
39 30 Years from Now Affordable housing for people that work here
40 30 Years from Now Affordable housing for people that work here
41 30 Years from Now affordable housing opportunities
42 30 Years from Now affordable housing options/community supported housing
options for unhoused folks
43 30 Years from Now affordable housing so my kids can live here someday
44 30 Years from Now Agricultural is thriving through significant water conservation,
sustainable practices and land use decisions that preserve the
ability to farm.
45 30 Years from Now Agriculture
46 30 Years from Now Also that they figure out that all the main roads need to be at
least 4 lanes like 3rd and greenwood the traffic here is ridiculous
now.
47 30 Years from Now An abundance of trees and parks, especially in newer
neighborhoods.
48 30 Years from Now an efficient public transportation system that connects them all
without relying on the state highway system.
49 30 Years from Now An independent minded place promoting personal
responsibilities/freedoms.
50 30 Years from Now An overall feeling and attitude of a close, tight knit community
51 30 Years from Now Balance between community and nature
52 30 Years from Now bat habitat
53 30 Years from Now Beautiful landscaped streets
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-13
Ref
Number
Topic Comment
54 30 Years from Now Being able to walk and bike
55 30 Years from Now Bend has grown up, not out
56 30 Years from Now Bend preserves and grows green space and tree canopy
57 30 Years from Now Bend turns into a memory of its formal thriving and happy
community
58 30 Years from Now Better air quality
59 30 Years from Now better cuisine
60 30 Years from Now Better development (better streets for reducing traffic)
61 30 Years from Now Better mass transit to downtown and other shopping areas
62 30 Years from Now Better public transportation
63 30 Years from Now Better public transportation- a comprehensive, interconnected
network that's fast, convenient and reliable. Not busses, more
like a train from Sister/Bend/Prineville/Redmond
64 30 Years from Now better roads
65 30 Years from Now Better roads/traffic solutions
66 30 Years from Now Better traffic /road management
67 30 Years from Now Better traffic flow
68 30 Years from Now Better traffic movement
69 30 Years from Now better transit
70 30 Years from Now better transportation infrastructure
71 30 Years from Now Better, updated transportation corridors including multi-use
paths that connect all parts of the city so one can travel on bike
around the entire city
72 30 Years from Now Bike and pedestrian friendly
73 30 Years from Now Bike and pedestrian trails connecting major areas of the county
74 30 Years from Now Bike and walking paths for safe commuting
75 30 Years from Now Bikes, pedestrians
76 30 Years from Now Building with less impact on the natural beauty
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-14
Ref
Number
Topic Comment
77 30 Years from Now Built environment grows up not out
78 30 Years from Now canals piped to save water with green belt/parks along routes
79 30 Years from Now Carbon neutral development and good inner and intra city
transit
80 30 Years from Now Clean
81 30 Years from Now Clean and abundant water in the rivers
82 30 Years from Now clean living
83 30 Years from Now Clean water and air
84 30 Years from Now Clean water and clean air, with burn bans county wide
85 30 Years from Now Clean, well-maintained
86 30 Years from Now Clear air
87 30 Years from Now Clear air (no smoke)
88 30 Years from Now Clear air and clean water
89 30 Years from Now Clear air and clean water
90 30 Years from Now Clearly defined housing versus rural areas
91 30 Years from Now Climate Change Adaptation
92 30 Years from Now Comfortable and safe multi-modal transportation connections
93 30 Years from Now Community
94 30 Years from Now compact
95 30 Years from Now Compact urban areas where everyone lives in walkable
neighborhoods with school, work, food, and entertainment
within a 10 minute walk.
96 30 Years from Now Compact urban development.
97 30 Years from Now Compact urban development.
98 30 Years from Now Complete communities
99 30 Years from Now Comprehensive carbon-neutral public transportation options,
green spaces, and recreational opportunities woven through the
counties infrastructure.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-15
Ref
Number
Topic Comment
100 30 Years from Now Continuation of enhanced parks, greenways
101 30 Years from Now Continued drought
102 30 Years from Now Controlled and purposeful growth
103 30 Years from Now Controlled expansion of urban area. Protection of wildlife and
wildcards. Protected waterways/watershed. Restricted urban
development/expansion.
104 30 Years from Now Controlled slow growth
105 30 Years from Now Convenient grocery shopping to senior living
106 30 Years from Now Costco moved to its new proposed location, cutting traffic in the
rapidly-expanding eastside
107 30 Years from Now County coordinates human dignity issues and solves
homelessness
108 30 Years from Now crowding
109 30 Years from Now Cycling infrastructure.
110 30 Years from Now dark night skies
111 30 Years from Now dark skies
112 30 Years from Now Dark skies
113 30 Years from Now Dark skies with little to no light pollution and dark sky outdoor
lighting strictly enforced
114 30 Years from Now Dark skies! Appropriately shielded lighting where you need it,
not in the sky.
115 30 Years from Now Dense mid-rise mixed use development
116 30 Years from Now Dense walkable cities with preserved rural lands inbetween
117 30 Years from Now Density rather than spread
118 30 Years from Now Denuded of forest
119 30 Years from Now Developer greed was curbed with sound legislation that requires
taxes home builder profits build affordable homes with yards
and parks and vast amounts of open space for nature
120 30 Years from Now Diverse
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-16
Ref
Number
Topic Comment
121 30 Years from Now Diverse and inclusive community
122 30 Years from Now Diverse and inclusive populations leads to innovation, job
growth, and communities that support the well-being of all.
123 30 Years from Now diverse populations that work and live here
124 30 Years from Now diversity
125 30 Years from Now diversity
126 30 Years from Now Dry
127 30 Years from Now Ease of transportation: air, auto, bike, bus
128 30 Years from Now Easy access to outdoor spaces - including both local parks and
areas within the city as well as areas outside the city such as the
DNF
129 30 Years from Now Efficient roadways, bike lanes, less traffic.
130 30 Years from Now Efficient supply chain
131 30 Years from Now Efficient transportation network sans traffic
132 30 Years from Now efficient use of infill lots and density leaving wide open spaces
throughout
133 30 Years from Now Endless parks, outdoor recreation areas, and protected lands
everywhere
134 30 Years from Now enhanced transportation infrastructure to minimize congestion
135 30 Years from Now Enough housing of all types
136 30 Years from Now Environmentally friendly intentional design
137 30 Years from Now existing recreation areas preserved
138 30 Years from Now Expansion of affordable housing opportunities, to keep the vital
service industry supported. Expansion of transportation
infrastructure to support growth.
139 30 Years from Now Extreme Juniper Removal
140 30 Years from Now Farm, forest, & wildlife habitat protected
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-17
Ref
Number
Topic Comment
141 30 Years from Now Farms thriving! They've figured out how to re-allocate water in
Deschutes County so working farms get the water they need
without the river drying up!
142 30 Years from Now Fewer homeless people
143 30 Years from Now Fewer STR
144 30 Years from Now Find more water sources so we don't destroy the rivers.
145 30 Years from Now Flourishing central district within all city propers
146 30 Years from Now Forest/trees conservation
147 30 Years from Now Free/inexpensive local buses throughout neighborhoods so
traffic will not increase
148 30 Years from Now Fully staff businesses
149 30 Years from Now good roads
150 30 Years from Now Good roads, less traffic
151 30 Years from Now Good transportation options
152 30 Years from Now Great mass transit/train line between Sisters, Bend, Redmond,
Airport, Sunriver and La Pine
153 30 Years from Now great open spaces and trails
154 30 Years from Now Green spaces
155 30 Years from Now habitat restoration
156 30 Years from Now Happy people working together
157 30 Years from Now Happy people working together
158 30 Years from Now Harmony
159 30 Years from Now Have been realistic about the number of people who can live
here
160 30 Years from Now Have better controlled the water regulations
161 30 Years from Now Having adhered to land use regs, the beauty of this place has
been preserved
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-18
Ref
Number
Topic Comment
162 30 Years from Now Health promotion is everywhere and no indication that alcohol,
marijuana or other drugs are sold or used in this community
163 30 Years from Now Healthy forest, rivers and air
164 30 Years from Now Healthy forests
165 30 Years from Now healthy forests and less smoke
166 30 Years from Now Healthy river
167 30 Years from Now Helathy habitats that promote landscape connectivity for
animals
168 30 Years from Now High rise density in Bend and Redmond.
169 30 Years from Now Hiking/biking trails and access to the river
170 30 Years from Now Hotter weather, more fires in summer,
171 30 Years from Now Houseless people given the support they need, and safely
allowed to live in cities near resources and services. As long as
housing is a market-based economy, we will have people
experiencing houselessness in Deschutes County. We should
plan well to have safe spaces near services for people to live, for
a short time while they're down on their luck.
172 30 Years from Now Housing for homeless
173 30 Years from Now I also see rural service centers (Terrebonne, Tumalo) in areas like
Sundance, Millican, Cloverdale, Lower Bridge with -
174 30 Years from Now I hope there's more concern for wildlife and building more eco-
friendly.
175 30 Years from Now I see that farm land & recreational land have remained in tact.
176 30 Years from Now I see that the county commissioners have stopped giving
everybody with deep pockets water permits
177 30 Years from Now I see that there has been no more resorts and golf courses built
178 30 Years from Now I wan to see that farmlands have been protected
179 30 Years from Now I wan to see that water conservation has been prioritized
180 30 Years from Now I want to see recreation lands and opportunities have been
developed
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-19
Ref
Number
Topic Comment
181 30 Years from Now Improved public amenities
182 30 Years from Now Improved road infrastructure to handle the population growth
183 30 Years from Now Improved the roads to account for growth
184 30 Years from Now inclusive
185 30 Years from Now Inclusive community
186 30 Years from Now Inclusive/Accessible
187 30 Years from Now Increased social diversity
188 30 Years from Now Indigenous land stewardship
189 30 Years from Now intact
190 30 Years from Now intentional and curbed development
191 30 Years from Now Intentional community space built into cities
192 30 Years from Now kaiser hospitals
193 30 Years from Now Lack of traffic because of good infrastructure for all users
194 30 Years from Now Land Back
195 30 Years from Now Lands that are protected for clean water, clean air, and native
soil and landscapes for a sustainable future that accounts for all
the aspects the land provides our community.
196 30 Years from Now large city
197 30 Years from Now Large swaths of protected open space - forest, farms, ranches,
wildlife corridors
198 30 Years from Now Less community
199 30 Years from Now Less congestion
200 30 Years from Now Less crowded highways
201 30 Years from Now Less crowded natural areas
202 30 Years from Now Less gentrification
203 30 Years from Now less homeless camps
204 30 Years from Now Less homelessness
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-20
Ref
Number
Topic Comment
205 30 Years from Now less people
206 30 Years from Now less people
207 30 Years from Now less State building restrictions
208 30 Years from Now less traffic
209 30 Years from Now Less traffic, more efficient multi-modal transportation options.
More walkable areas
210 30 Years from Now Less traffic, more efficient multi-modal transportation options.
More walkable areas
211 30 Years from Now Less wildlife
212 30 Years from Now Letting wild places and nature co-exist with our habitation
213 30 Years from Now Light rail, electric buses, public transit!
214 30 Years from Now limited growth
215 30 Years from Now Limited growth and urban sprawl
216 30 Years from Now Little to no homeless people
217 30 Years from Now Little traffic congestion
218 30 Years from Now Long lines at the supermarket and everywhere because no one
can afford to buy homes and thrive
219 30 Years from Now longer fire seasons
220 30 Years from Now Looks like every mid size tow in the US.
221 30 Years from Now Lots of farmland/open space
222 30 Years from Now Lots of green space and access to culture/gathering places,
everyday shopping in walkable neighborhoods, not just masses
of cheek-by-jowl houses
223 30 Years from Now Lots of natural and park spaces
224 30 Years from Now lots of open space
225 30 Years from Now Lots of open space with old hibatat
226 30 Years from Now Lots of open space with old hibatat
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-21
Ref
Number
Topic Comment
227 30 Years from Now Lots of preserved natural areas w/in urban and suburban areas
for parks etc.
228 30 Years from Now Lots of trees
229 30 Years from Now Lots of trees and parks
230 30 Years from Now Lots of wild spaces
231 30 Years from Now low and slo traffic
232 30 Years from Now Lower cost of living
233 30 Years from Now lower density in housing, less big box stores, focus on smaller
towns and community feeling that you see in places like Sisters
234 30 Years from Now Managed growth
235 30 Years from Now Managed growth with properly sized infrastructure
236 30 Years from Now managed traffic/parking
237 30 Years from Now Many natural and green spaces in and around the the city
238 30 Years from Now Mindful of developing land for housing
239 30 Years from Now minimal urban sprawl
240 30 Years from Now minimal urban sprawl
241 30 Years from Now Mixed use neighborhoods that are walkable
242 30 Years from Now Mixed use, walkable, likeable neighborhoods with rail where
large numbers of people want/need to go.
243 30 Years from Now Mixed use, walkable, likeable neighborhoods with rail where
large numbers of people want/need to go.
244 30 Years from Now More affordable housing
245 30 Years from Now More bike paths
246 30 Years from Now More bike paths
247 30 Years from Now More bike paths/routes (not just bike lanes)
248 30 Years from Now More bike pedestrian infrastructure
249 30 Years from Now more biotech/life science jobs
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-22
Ref
Number
Topic Comment
250 30 Years from Now More businesses closing due to lack of affordable housing
251 30 Years from Now more diversity, both racially and socioeconomically
252 30 Years from Now more frequent flights to key hubs for remote workers
253 30 Years from Now More open space
254 30 Years from Now More orderly development
255 30 Years from Now More parking for downtown Bend
256 30 Years from Now More parks, less parking lots
257 30 Years from Now More restaurants and more apartment buildings/affordable
housing
258 30 Years from Now More retail shopping options
259 30 Years from Now More senior living apartments with amenities
260 30 Years from Now More traffic
261 30 Years from Now More trails
262 30 Years from Now More trees
263 30 Years from Now more trees
264 30 Years from Now More wildlife threatened and not enough water
265 30 Years from Now Mountain bike paradise
266 30 Years from Now mountain bike trails
267 30 Years from Now multi-use trail network
268 30 Years from Now Native plants in public spaces -- low water use, wildlife and
pollinator friendly, makes C.O. special.
269 30 Years from Now Native plants not lawns and golf courses
270 30 Years from Now natural beauty in open spaces
271 30 Years from Now Natural beauty remains with forests and waterways available to
the public
272 30 Years from Now natural landscape
273 30 Years from Now natural scenic beauty and wildlife
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-23
Ref
Number
Topic Comment
274 30 Years from Now natural scenic beauty and wildlife
275 30 Years from Now Natural spaces
276 30 Years from Now natural spaces in and surrounding communities has been well
conserved and valued
277 30 Years from Now nature
278 30 Years from Now Nature: trees and mountains
279 30 Years from Now neglected natural areas
280 30 Years from Now Neighborhoods are distinct and can provide input to city/county
281 30 Years from Now Neighborhoods where people can walk to and gather at
businesses that provide jobs, amenities and entertainment
282 30 Years from Now Neighborhoods with amenities embedded in them for people to
walk to and gather at
283 30 Years from Now Neighborhoods with community amenities - decentralized
284 30 Years from Now No camping on streets and forest camping not a fire/crime
threat to neighborhoods.
285 30 Years from Now No crosswalks along the parkway
286 30 Years from Now No curruption in government
287 30 Years from Now No development outside of the UGB. Actual affordable housing
within the UGB.
288 30 Years from Now No development outside UGBs
289 30 Years from Now No high density housing.
290 30 Years from Now no high rise buildings
291 30 Years from Now No high-rise buildings
292 30 Years from Now No high-rise buildings
293 30 Years from Now No Homeless
294 30 Years from Now no homeless
295 30 Years from Now no homeless
296 30 Years from Now No homeless
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-24
Ref
Number
Topic Comment
297 30 Years from Now No homeless
298 30 Years from Now No Homeless Camps
299 30 Years from Now No homeless camps
300 30 Years from Now no homeless camps willy nilly
301 30 Years from Now No homelessness
302 30 Years from Now No homelessness
303 30 Years from Now No homelessness and low crime
304 30 Years from Now no mass housing developments
305 30 Years from Now No more development
306 30 Years from Now no more golf courses
307 30 Years from Now No more growth-
308 30 Years from Now no more massive summer conflagrations
309 30 Years from Now no more suburban sprawl with denser housing units in urban
Bend
310 30 Years from Now No new private resorts such as the ill-conceived Thornburgh
project that limit public access
311 30 Years from Now No overcrowded trails
312 30 Years from Now No random homelessness, controlled, supported homeless areas
with available healthcare - mental health, drug rehab and route
to constructive independence.
313 30 Years from Now no road infrastructure
314 30 Years from Now no round abouts
315 30 Years from Now No rural sprawl
316 30 Years from Now No tall buildings
317 30 Years from Now No tents along the parkway
318 30 Years from Now No tents on the side of the road
319 30 Years from Now no urban sprawl
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-25
Ref
Number
Topic Comment
320 30 Years from Now no urban sprawl
321 30 Years from Now No urban sprawl
322 30 Years from Now No urban sprawl
323 30 Years from Now No Urban Sprawl or Car Dependent development
324 30 Years from Now No urban sprawl, more dense housing
325 30 Years from Now No urban sprawl. Responsible planning and zoning.
326 30 Years from Now No urban/suburban sprawl
327 30 Years from Now No water shortages
328 30 Years from Now Not a traffic jam on every street
329 30 Years from Now Not everything is planned for development. No expansion of
development into the Urban Growht Boundary.
330 30 Years from Now Not mega crowded, no parking problems at trailheads, or crazy
wait times at lifts
331 30 Years from Now Not overgrown
332 30 Years from Now Off Street bikeways
333 30 Years from Now Old growth stands of native trees in abundant greenspaces
334 30 Years from Now Open space
335 30 Years from Now Open space and natural environments
336 30 Years from Now Open space, natural space maintained within city boundaries
337 30 Years from Now Open Space, rural lands, and public lands
338 30 Years from Now Open spaces
339 30 Years from Now Open spaces Maintained and protected
340 30 Years from Now Our natural beauty and farmlands remain intact and beautiful
341 30 Years from Now our natural spaces preserved
342 30 Years from Now Our water resources properly managed
343 30 Years from Now Outdoor activities without massive crowds
344 30 Years from Now Outdoor spaces
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345 30 Years from Now over run by light polution
346 30 Years from Now Overcrowded
347 30 Years from Now Overcrowded
348 30 Years from Now overcrowding
349 30 Years from Now Parks, trails and open spaces close to home
350 30 Years from Now People continuing to live and promote a healthy/active lifestyle
351 30 Years from Now People of all demographics are supportive of each other and no
longer complaining about oppression, discrimination, or
disparities
352 30 Years from Now People of different incomes can live, work and thrive
353 30 Years from Now People of different incomes can live, work and thrive
354 30 Years from Now people who look like they love it here and are healthy
355 30 Years from Now Piped canals and sufficient water for everyone and rivers.
356 30 Years from Now Planned greenspaces where wildlife can pass through town on
migration. Humans love them too!
357 30 Years from Now Planned Livability
358 30 Years from Now Plants and animals are thriving
359 30 Years from Now Plentiful housing
360 30 Years from Now Plenty of agriculture and public lands
361 30 Years from Now Plenty of trees and sidewalks
362 30 Years from Now pollinator habitat
363 30 Years from Now Preservation and accessibility of land, forests, and trails
364 30 Years from Now Preservation of land. Forests protected and unharmed.
365 30 Years from Now Preservation of mountains and native trees free of smog
366 30 Years from Now Preservation of trees & greenspace in Bend (especially in new
developments)
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367 30 Years from Now Preservation of valuable open space and coordination with
agencies that can help.
368 30 Years from Now Preserve open spaces and public land.
369 30 Years from Now Preserve what makes central oregon special
370 30 Years from Now Preserved
371 30 Years from Now Preserved agricultural lands (according to Goal 3 and the NRCS)
growing food for people.
372 30 Years from Now Preserved natural landscapes.
373 30 Years from Now Preserved natural landscapes.
374 30 Years from Now preserver wild spaces
375 30 Years from Now prevention of sprawl
376 30 Years from Now Prioritization of local community over money
377 30 Years from Now Protected natural landscape
378 30 Years from Now Protected natural spaces public access to recreation
379 30 Years from Now Protected wilderness areas and access to the wilderness remains
380 30 Years from Now Protection around the river
381 30 Years from Now Protection of Natural Resources and wildlife.
382 30 Years from Now Protection of natural resources; water, wilderness
383 30 Years from Now Quiet and simple
384 30 Years from Now rail system connecting Sisters, Redmond, Bend, Lapine
385 30 Years from Now Rational traffic and enforcement of Rules of the Road
386 30 Years from Now Regenerative, economically viable family farms
387 30 Years from Now Residents feel that their neighborhoods and towns are very
livable with parks, jobs, easy/safe biking and walking, and a
range of housing options.
388 30 Years from Now Resilient communities
389 30 Years from Now Responsibly built homes with infrastructure in place
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390 30 Years from Now responsive
391 30 Years from Now Restored riverside through town
392 30 Years from Now River access for DRW residents.
393 30 Years from Now Roads around the city not thru it
394 30 Years from Now Roads have been expanded to reduce traffic congestion
395 30 Years from Now Robust collaboration between county and cities to address
region's greatest challenges (e.g. homelessness, public health,
wildfire threat, etc.)
396 30 Years from Now Rural
397 30 Years from Now Rural open space has not been filled in
398 30 Years from Now Safe
399 30 Years from Now Safe
400 30 Years from Now Safe from forest fires
401 30 Years from Now Safe from forest fires
402 30 Years from Now safe skyline forest
403 30 Years from Now salmon in a rejuvenated Deschutes River
404 30 Years from Now Scarred by wildfire
405 30 Years from Now Science Based Ecology
406 30 Years from Now science-based planning for water allocation
407 30 Years from Now science-based planning for wildlife and water allocation
408 30 Years from Now science-based planning for wildlife and water allocation
409 30 Years from Now Sense of community
410 30 Years from Now Sense of community.
411 30 Years from Now Skyline Forest owned by the public and undeveloped
412 30 Years from Now slow-growing population
413 30 Years from Now smart irrigation at farms
414 30 Years from Now solid business community
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415 30 Years from Now Space between cities
416 30 Years from Now Sprawl is limited
417 30 Years from Now Still a lot of green space in town-- Our natural areas are what
makes this town so great!
418 30 Years from Now Still a small town feel
419 30 Years from Now Still feels like a town and not Portland
420 30 Years from Now still wild, still natural
421 30 Years from Now Strip malls, suburbs, car needed when going anyolace
422 30 Years from Now Strong collaboration between the public and private sectors.
423 30 Years from Now Strong economy with housing for all
424 30 Years from Now Strong wild and open lands buffer to urban development
425 30 Years from Now Sufficient water supply for farms, ranches and families.
426 30 Years from Now Sufficient, well-paved roads and highways
427 30 Years from Now Supporting ecosystem health
428 30 Years from Now Sustainable
429 30 Years from Now Sustainable art, music, and outdoor recreation opportunities
430 30 Years from Now Sustainable balance between needs of humans and environment
431 30 Years from Now Sustainable growth
432 30 Years from Now Sustainable Population
433 30 Years from Now Taller buildings (>8 stories) in Bend and Redmond
434 30 Years from Now Taller structures and mixed housing with solar panels
435 30 Years from Now Teeming, thriving nature
436 30 Years from Now The existing open space in 2022 protected for wildlife habitat
and all open spaces connected with large wildlife corridors
437 30 Years from Now The Forest and Healthy Rivers & Lakes
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438 30 Years from Now The most vocal industry is no longer tourism, but a wide variety
of products and services that pay good wages, engage staff with
all levels of education/skill, and operate in harmony with the
high desert environment
439 30 Years from Now The rural places of Deschutes county remain RURAL.
440 30 Years from Now The urban growth boundary has NOT been enlarged
441 30 Years from Now there aren't even taller buildings than what we're seeing now
442 30 Years from Now there is still wildlife wandering in the forest
443 30 Years from Now There is water
444 30 Years from Now this goes for all phases. Limited growth because the water and
infrastructer resources are noit available, specially water.
Preserve what agricultural ground is left, including the 710 acres
in Lower Bridge that is now in question. Too much growth leads
to poorer liveability and more stress on the environment.
445 30 Years from Now Thriving business community
446 30 Years from Now Thriving farms and ranches
447 30 Years from Now Thriving relationship with city and nature
448 30 Years from Now thriving wildlife
449 30 Years from Now Thriving wildlife
450 30 Years from Now Thriving with small local businesses
451 30 Years from Now To many people
452 30 Years from Now Traffic contained
453 30 Years from Now traffic is not bumper to bumper
454 30 Years from Now Trails! Well connected trails that get me all over the county-
from town to town, and to destinations like park and Smith
Rock.
455 30 Years from Now transit was pre-built into the expansion plans
456 30 Years from Now Transition of 100% of the counties energy to renewable
resources
457 30 Years from Now Tree lined streets
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458 30 Years from Now Undeveloped and unspioled
459 30 Years from Now Unique neighborhood and city center layouts allow for
community gatherings that improve mental and emotional well-
being, as well as easy access to work.
460 30 Years from Now untouched forests
461 30 Years from Now Upper Deschutes flows are consistent and above 400cfs even in
winter
462 30 Years from Now Urban growth boundary is sustained
463 30 Years from Now Urban growth boundries relaxed with ability to add much
needed housing
464 30 Years from Now Urban sprawl via poor planning
465 30 Years from Now vegetation
466 30 Years from Now very bad winter snow removal
467 30 Years from Now Vibrant communities: no forest dwellers or people living along
roadsides in tents
468 30 Years from Now Vibrant, diverse urban population built around equitable
housing opps, green energy, parks and user and environmentally
friendly public transportation
469 30 Years from Now Walkable communities
470 30 Years from Now Walkable neighborhoods
471 30 Years from Now Water challenges being managed well
472 30 Years from Now Water conservation
473 30 Years from Now Water conservation & protection
474 30 Years from Now Water districts with flexibility to give water to the farmers that
need it vs forcing all to use their water rights
475 30 Years from Now Water resources allocated to housing and food production
476 30 Years from Now well managed traffic
477 30 Years from Now Well planned & beautiful cities
478 30 Years from Now Well planned community
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479 30 Years from Now Well planned development.
480 30 Years from Now Well-planned for increased population
481 30 Years from Now Wide, safe streets, busy with bikers and pedestrians
482 30 Years from Now Wild and rural places are protected from suburban
development. Development occurs densely within town.
483 30 Years from Now Wildlands are protected and open to everyone
484 30 Years from Now Wildlife
485 30 Years from Now wildlife
486 30 Years from Now Wildlife and recreation opportunities are abundant in our green
spaces and forests because they have been protected from
development
487 30 Years from Now Wildlife corridors
488 30 Years from Now wildlife corridors
489 30 Years from Now Wildlife crossings everywhere
490 30 Years from Now World class transportation/trails, especially non-motorized
491 30 Years from Now World renowned local food system that supports sustainable,
regenerative farming, our local farming families, local restaurant
owners, community members and attracts tourism.
492 30 Years from Now Wow! Homes come in many sizes and are affordable.
493 30 Years from Now Zoning that matches actual use. Not R10 for 1 home next to city.
1 Vision Changes 1 - preserve the "beauty, bounty and richness of a healthy
natural environment" 2- caring for others rather than
themselves 3- the rural character is not in Bend - maybe change
the vision? 4- find out the community interests and plan
accordingly
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2 Vision Changes 1) Transportation system encourages safe pedestrian and bicycle
access throughout the county 2) A strong and diverse economy
that is centered around clean energy, reducing water waste, and
improving water and air quality 3) Proactive fuels management
that dramatically reduces fire danger while improving
biodiversity 4) Affordable housing and free mental health
services 5) Improved air quality due to free noncommercial
disposal of yard debris and county-wide ban on barrel burning
3 Vision Changes 2010 is over
4 Vision Changes A community of caring people who prioritize health and
wellbeing
5 Vision Changes a community that works together to accomplish goals that
supports ALL of Deschutes County. A community that is serious
about fuel reduction efforts and defensible space.
6 Vision Changes A diverse and connected community.
7 Vision Changes A focus on building/development within cities, not in the rural
county; prevent rural sprawl Sufficient water resources to
support our farming community and rural landowners
Development of a climate action plan to mitigate the climate
crisis in our community
8 Vision Changes A phrase that protects the environment over commercial
interests
9 Vision Changes A recognition and preservation of existing natural areas that are
a valuable part of the character of our region and that should
not be compromised for future residential or commercial
growth.
10 Vision Changes A strong effort to hold down population growth and discourage
urban spawl.
11 Vision Changes Ability for all socioeconomic classes required for our cities and
county to function to live and thrive here, not just the wealthy
transplants
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12 Vision Changes Access to outdoor opportunities is not increasing ( all the
parking places on Skyliners that are being closed off, limit at
Cline, Stevens trails are being turned into hundreds of homes, I
could go on…). The scumbag Dr who has put up gates in
Skyline Forest that cyclists ( and everyone else) has been able to
access for decades if not hundreds of years- this should not be
allowed and is not part of a 'balance' - All if the development in
places like Tree Farm and all of NWX that used to be public
access and full of trails is being turned into multimillion dollar
homes faster than anyone can keep trace. Development and
explanation here should have stopped ( or at least significantly
slowed down) years ago
13 Vision Changes Actual working public transportation, a more diverse culture
(less old white rednecks).
14 Vision Changes Actually have this implemented
15 Vision Changes Add a bullet point stating "Walkable and Bikeable Communities"
16 Vision Changes Add a phrase that emphasizes the value of wildlife habitat and
the importance of natural lands in supporting our quality of life,
like clean water, air, and native landscapes.
17 Vision Changes Add new language to address the challenges of climate change.
Add language to define what "beauty, bounty and richness of a
healthy natural environment" and "rural character of the region"
mean and how to protect these values. Acknowledge that
community interests and Oregon's land use laws must be upheld
and valued over dubious and not-allowed/illegal property use.
18 Vision Changes add some 'how' is the plan to have strict growth boundaries, or
to allow sprawl. how to build more affordable housing. how to
deal with the Bend/Redmond corridor growth.
19 Vision Changes Add two additional County Commissioners to the Council
20 Vision Changes Add: A good public transportation system and little congestion
and overcrowding. Well planned and beautiful urban and rural
environments. A sense of belonging. A caring for less fortunate
residents.
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21 Vision Changes Affordable housing. Affordable housing. Affordable housing.
Affordable housing. Affordable housing. Affordable housing.
22 Vision Changes Agree with most statements, except for those that are
overwhelmed by tourists during the summer season.
23 Vision Changes All community members have affordable access to safe housing
allowing them to live near in the community where they work.
24 Vision Changes all of it
25 Vision Changes All of the above equitably accessible to all community members.
26 Vision Changes All of the Comprehensive Plans revolve around development and
the future population projections. We need to stop making all
decisions on development and plan to protect the natural
environment and resources that attract everyone to Central
Oregon. If we continue to develop at this rate, there will be
limited natural resources and competition for recreation
opportunities. This will all lead to displaced wildlife and their
habitat. There needs to be more control and protection on zone
changes for development. Also, if development continues, there
actually needs to be affordable housing and not just a small
percentage to market it. There needs to be workforce housing
for people who run our towns in this county. Currently, the
housing is geared and enticing for more people to move here
that can afford to. It is not geared towards protecting our middle
working class who operate and manage our housing,
restaurants, stores, forests, trails, ski resorts, etc. If we don't
protect these workers, we won't have amenities that attract
tourism and people to move here. The rural aspect of the
County needs better protection. If we displace agriculture we
displace local food sources and our local economy.
27 Vision Changes Although its not mentioned in 2010 visioning, I am not in favor
of equity-outcome policies. I've observed the Bend City Council
across 2022, and this forced approach is not conducive nor it is
creating a better community. The Bend residents are placed
aside for their personal agendas. Please do not allow this at the
Deschutes County level
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28 Vision Changes Balancing access to outdoor recreation with keeping the
integrity of the natural environment and the wildlife that
depend on them for survival.
29 Vision Changes Beauty, bounty and richness of a healthy natural environment
focuses far too much on aesthetics and not enough on function.
What some consider "beautiful" may have little resemblance to
healthy, functioning ecosystems. I'd like this statement to focus
more on well-functioning, healthy ecosystems that support
native species.
30 Vision Changes Better transportation infrastructure.
31 Vision Changes Can't think of anything I'd change
32 Vision Changes Centering more marginalized community members and
indigenous tribal members. My concern is as Deschutes grows,
we're going to become a dominated white, wealthy, second-
home-owners kind of town.
33 Vision Changes Conserve water with fewer large-scale developments
34 Vision Changes Consider adding: Reliable transportation network Access to arts,
culture, and entertainment
35 Vision Changes Curb rural development that degrades almost all of these values.
36 Vision Changes diverse community of caring people.
37 Vision Changes Diverse groups of people Access to local food
38 Vision Changes Do not expand the urban growth boundary. Keep the land
outside of the city limits free from sub-dividing, building 4-plexes
and additional dwelling units. Keep more green space. Do not let
developers win the city council over and squeeze as many
homes on what was beautiful green, forested land that provided
all of us a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.
39 Vision Changes Economical awareness. Our current economy is out of control.
There is no "rural character" in this region, this a city.
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40 Vision Changes Ensure the community has resources to confront ongoing and
looming challenges such as climate change, wildfires, and a loss
of housing and employment opportunities for all community
members
41 Vision Changes Everyone has open access to the Deschutes river and are not
limited by private ownership on the banks.
42 Vision Changes Everything from 2010 reads like it was pulled from a marketing
brochure designed to encourage people to move here. There's a
balance that needs to be done in order to live up to preserving
your vision. Some growth is good, too much is bad.
43 Vision Changes Focus on education and sharing of the arts should be added
44 Vision Changes Focus on matters related to the environment, wildfire
reductions, focus on water conservation & land use
45 Vision Changes high density housing towards the city core, improved
infrastructure, more open space and parks
46 Vision Changes Housing affordability, less congested hiways, better and less
wasteful ways for water to be shared.
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47 Vision Changes I agree with most of the vision - a strong community and access
to beautiful natural spaces matter a lot to me - but I think there
needs to be more emphasis on the cost of living in Bend/
Deschutes County and the simple idea of actually living full time
in Bend/ Deschutes County and being a member of the
community and local economy year round. Cost of living: Our
economy is very much dependent on tourism which means we
have a lot of workers in the service industry - outdoor guides,
restaurant workers, ski resort employees, etc. Those workers
and those types of jobs are the foundation of our tourist
economy and its becoming increasingly difficult to afford to live
in Bend with that level of income. When restaurants can only sit
60% of tables becasue of staffing, when Mt Bachelor is short on
lift operators and ski patrol, that is when our most important
industy begins to crumble so we need to do a better job of
supporting those workers. Living in Deschutes County and being
a full time member of the community and economy: There are a
lot of people that live in Bend but only part time or they work for
companies across the country so their efforts benefit an area
outside of Central Oregon. I think some sort of emphasis/
incentive on being a full time Deschutes County citizen and
having a job that stimulates our economy is important.
48 Vision Changes I believe in some cases the needs of wildlife and protection,
open spaces, and farmland must come before a landowners
perceived "right" to develop as they see fit.
49 Vision Changes I do not think that the county is appreciating the fire danger
relevant to high density homes being built on the urban/forrest
boundaries. I also do not think the county is considering water
usage, in allowing large scale home developments or
resorts/golf courses to continue to be built. In the face of
climate change (increased fires, diminished water resource) we
need to develop only within our limits. In allowing
developments or resorts, etc to be build, water usage needs to
be a consideration as well in city codes.
50 Vision Changes I don't believe we have a strong and diverse economy quite yet
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51 Vision Changes I don't know that I would change it much, but I'm not sure that
what we have today matches this vision 100%.
52 Vision Changes I don't love the rural character portion. Frankly rural has
garnered some negative connotations of late.
53 Vision Changes I like the vision and wouldn't change it. I just think there's a lack
of community care and there is a lack of balance between
property interests and community interests with the latter being
unaccounted for. This lack of balance shows up with everything
from land use to water and transportation. Economy is getting
better but still lacks enough diversity and lack of housing
negatively impacts diversity that could exist. I worry about
continued boom and busy cycles I saw growing up.
54 Vision Changes I like this vision, but would not say that we've struck a ballance
between property rights and community interests. Private
property owner's have no obligation to conserve water or
natural habitat, which are of high value to the community.
55 Vision Changes I love all of these objectives and I don't think they address the
massive affordable housing crisis we are in
56 Vision Changes I think "a community of caring people" is an unrealistic goal for a
county, nor is it practical, as "caring" is a subjective term.
57 Vision Changes I think a lot of this still works well. The Rural character line may
need to be adapted to acknowledge the growth in the county
and our need to manage that well (since we can't stop growth)
while balancing rural character where it should be maintained,
or something to that effect. I think the last bullet doesn't really
say too much to me because it gives you no idea where the line
is drawn to balance property rights vs community interests.
Perhaps something more that draws upon the the ideas of
honoring individualism while also respecting diversity, combined
with environmentalism and taking care of our communities.
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58 Vision Changes I think beauty, bounty and richness of a healthy natural
environment hasn't been a priority just look around our county .
We are more concerned about knocking trees down for more
housing then saving these beautiful ponderosas. Example Ward
Road the city just gave it the developer without even listening to
the farmers opinions. People in the community used it for
recreation it had walk paths. I think before land is develop for
housing it must be looked at carefully with the mindset of how is
this going to effect our environment(water use, so many tress
saved and the right trees planted and recreation use).
59 Vision Changes I would add 7) Welcoming educational and cultural institutions.
60 Vision Changes I would add access to Public transit and less cars/ congestion on
the road .
61 Vision Changes I would add Building resilience against wild fires and preparing
for serious water shortages
62 Vision Changes I would add environmental justice and equity as guiding
principles
63 Vision Changes I would change the County Commissioners' and other politicians'
commitment to the last three items, especially the last one.
Community interests, the rural character of the region, and
recreational opportunities have frequently been ignored to
cater to developers creating suburban sprawl.
64 Vision Changes I would include equity into this community vision. The median
house price and median household income do not correlate, we
have a higher percentage of homes NOT occupied by the owner
than the national average, people who live in Deschutes County
and make our community vibrant, who grow our foods, who
work at our restaurants, hospitals, grocery stores, cannot afford
to live here. While rent prices sky rocket, and that is an
important issue, we need to focus MORE resources onto
affordable homeownership. Homeowners invest more in the
communities in which they live, they are more likely to vote, and
the quality of life for them and their offspring is improved. This
leads to economic growth and a healthier community.
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65 Vision Changes I would like to see mention of dark, star-filled skies. Many
communities are becoming dark-sky adapted, saving energy and
creating value for residents and visitors. We can do it too!
Access to wildlife viewing is a big part of living here for many
people. Creating migration corridors for wildlife would help
people and animals move through the landscape with fewer
collisions. We could build upon the work already started by
acquiring or creating native plant greenspaces.
66 Vision Changes I would not change much from the original vision, besides
potentially adding to an intentional increase of diversity in not
just the economy, but also in the community. I think the county
could do a lot more to attract BIPOC community members,
which would enhance the cultural opportunities and equity
within Deschutes County. Another change I would make is
adding the transition to carbon-neutral transportation and
power generation systems, as climate change will only impact
Deschutes County in an increasingly severe manner in the
coming years.
67 Vision Changes I wouldn't change the 2010 vision. I would practice better
incorporation into our policies. Example: All new developments
must have greenspace, and keep old growth trees. No more
building adjacent to the Deschutes river!
68 Vision Changes I wouldn't change the vision but I do believe there needs to be
more effort to fulfill the vision.
69 Vision Changes I'd add that thoughtful regional and urban planning is crucial for
the high quality of life.
70 Vision Changes I'd add that thoughtful urban and regional planning is crucial to
that high quality of life.
71 Vision Changes Inclusive and sustainable. Also emphasis on retaining the
character of the area
72 Vision Changes Increase the focus on sustainability and protection of our natural
world
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73 Vision Changes Increased fire protection and ladder fuel reduction; better
urban/rural interface for recreational activities (e.g., eliminate
shooting and hunting in high use recreation areas such as on the
Upper Deschutes River), and another north/south highway route
around Bend.
74 Vision Changes Instead of 'Access to a wide variety of outdoor recreational
opportunities' how about 'A healthy balance between accessible
outdoor recreation and healthy ecosystems in the Wildland
Urban Interface'
75 Vision Changes It doesn't address housing affordability - one cause of
houselessness. A strong and diverse economy needs to also
provide strong and diverse housing options.
76 Vision Changes It's not that I would change this vision, it's that what I see does
not match this vision. I would include a strong and diverse
community in this statement as a goal though. And I would add
active transportation connections to every city in the county as
well as within cities as a goal as well.
77 Vision Changes just adding that the strong and diverse economy should include
life science business too, for that you need some special
inubator places and support. And certainly more fligths!
Opportunities to being able to see and show others the beauty
of this place, for example more straightforward way for creating
recraional businesses like camps, retreats, tours and foodtrucks
etc
78 Vision Changes LAND BACK - More sovereignty and agency of Indigenous roots
79 Vision Changes LESS DEVELOPMENT COUNTY-WIDE!
80 Vision Changes Less political influence and more inclusive community events??
81 Vision Changes Less restrictive housing mandates on all levels reduced cost of
living take better care of our mentally ill
82 Vision Changes Less tourism advertising so that people who live here can access
the trails without having to plan ahead. Workforce housing. East
and West sides sharing the plusses and minuses more equally.
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83 Vision Changes Lots of "ideals" in the 2010 Vision. In 7 short years I have lived
here and 25 years of coming here to visit my family, the area
went from caring to devise. It went from clean and safe to tents,
garbage along the roadsides and increased crime and drug use.
Some recreational options have become more limited. The area
has rapidly changed, not for the better.
84 Vision Changes More acknowledgement of the fact that you can't achieve most
of those goals if you continue to let developers have their way
with our county. Address developers and development directly.
85 Vision Changes More community and natural habitat interests than property
rights
86 Vision Changes More focus on conserving our natural resources, especially
water, given that climate change is going to have a serious
impact on our community.
87 Vision Changes More focus on maintaining and sustaining our water resources: -
smart growth that does not deplete our water resources (e.g.,
no more golf courses, restrictions on large businesses that use
massive amounts of water at the expense of homeowners and
farmers)
88 Vision Changes need for remedial actions asap
89 Vision Changes not a lot of diverse economy here; not sure about how "caring
people" has anything to do with the comp plan;
90 Vision Changes Nothing
91 Vision Changes nothing
92 Vision Changes Nothing!
93 Vision Changes Nothing.
94 Vision Changes Planned livability. Ensure development is planned for the long
term preserving the wild spaces, mature trees, and nature that
make central Oregon special
95 Vision Changes Preservation of rural areas and forest for enjoyable recreation
not treeless recreation
96 Vision Changes prioritize climate protection and restoration initiatives
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97 Vision Changes property rights are a "right". Community interests are of the
moment and reflect someone making money at the expense of
folks that have "rights"
98 Vision Changes Reduced carbon emissions and reduced car dependency
99 Vision Changes Remove the comment about a strong and diverse economy, we
now have a week single focus economy. Our leaders seem to
ignore the rural character of the region.
100 Vision Changes rural character
101 Vision Changes Safety and Security of our citizens should be in the vision
102 Vision Changes Shift in balance more towards property rights. A strong and
diverse economy should actually call out specific goals. The local
economy largely lacks any real manufacturing or industry. There
is no effort to encourage this. Most of the economy is still based
on tourism and housing, even after 2008. We haven't done
much in the way of diversification.
103 Vision Changes Should be a stronger emphasis on diversity of community (not
just economy). The county should focus on ways to keep seniors
in the area (especially with baby boomers in majority).
104 Vision Changes Something about children and seniors having a safe, caring,
interesting environment that promotes their independence and
growth.
105 Vision Changes Something we didnt know was going to be a thing back then -
Homelessness, property owners rights, inclusive solutions
106 Vision Changes Sounds good
107 Vision Changes Stop allowing landlords to raise rent, mortgages and high prices
driving out people who have built bend and have cared about
this community for years.
108 Vision Changes The county can't make people care- not your job! Focus on
livability. Reduce crime and congestion and angst will decrease,
then people will care . Give us a thriving environment and slow
growth down, then people will care. Stop prioritizing
development at any cost, then people will care.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-45
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109 Vision Changes The county has not been able to maintain a strong and diverse
economy because it's allowed STR to overtake property that
could be local worker rentals. It's not a strong and diverse
economy because there has been a narrowing or who can even
afford to live here - buy or rent. I feel the STR to long term rental
and lower cost should be a priority over thinking that multiple
story apartment buildings are the answer. The city of Bend has
inadequate vision for public transport to support increased
growth.
110 Vision Changes The edge needs to go to community interests over property
rights for a thriving society as a whole. Sorry. Ask any society
that is among the happiest in the world. (The U.S. is #16.) Ask
Native Americans, too, whose property rights we stole.
111 Vision Changes The most important and pressing issues are missing from the
definition of "high-quality life" in Deschutes County. The county
needs to adapt to climate/ecology/demographic/economic
realities. So, address the issues by answering the questions:
"Will Deschutes County immediately and appropriately address
the spectrum of climate issues today and in the future (e.g.,
drought, water use, CO2 sequestering, sustainable ecological
diversity, . . .). The planning needs to think far more broadly
guided by national and international science experts including
Oregonians but far more reaching. The other factors easily fall
under the climate change umbrella as all are less important sub-
topics.
112 Vision Changes The number of homeless has gotten out of control and drastic
enforcement needs to be happen to protect our community. If
not, people will start moving away to other areas where this is
not an issue. I just returned from Ireland where I only saw 3
homeless the entire time and they were downtown Dublin.
Whatever they are doing seems to be working. Landowners
have little to no say on zoning of their property. We need less
red tape within the county government to help adapt to the
growing community. It seems like only developers can make
zoning changes.
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113 Vision Changes The region is not entirely rural. There needs to be healthy, well-
planned urbanized areas that will carry much of our growing
need for housing.
114 Vision Changes The rural character of this community is nearly gone. Unfettered
growth has led to over crowding and the feeling that this is no
longer a community.
115 Vision Changes The vision described above is very good. The main problem is in
how the county actually implements it. Also we should add a
bullet exclusively about the vital role of water
116 Vision Changes The vision is good but now needs to include efforts to deal with
climate change, living with wildfire, and limited water in our
desert environment.
117 Vision Changes The vision is good, but right now, there is no balance between
property rights and community interests. The community
interest holds no equitable power against property rights
interest (as seen by the influx of money into Central Oregon
elections by the realtors PAC). Deschutes County should serve to
represent community interests first and foremost, so there is a
sense of equity to balance private property interests.
118 Vision Changes The vision sounds perfect - it may be that for some now. If this
can be maintained with all the growth it would be great.
119 Vision Changes There is no balance when it comes to development. We are
losing the natural environment that makes this place special in
favor of catering to tourists and building more houses and
apartments. The focus seems to be on attracting more people to
the area and expanding to fit them all in rather than focusing on
taking care of who and what we have with affordability and
quality of life--a large part of which stems from the dwindling
wildlife and natural resources found here.
120 Vision Changes There is no longer a community here.
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121 Vision Changes There is no rural character left in the greater Bend area. that is
why growth should be limited. Perhaps the people care, but
government doesn't seem to when they want to rezone
important agricultural ground over the protests of local
residents... The economy is based way too much on recreation
and tourism, which is not a stable base There should be more
emphasis on agriculture, trades and manufacturing the provide
living wage jobs year round.
122 Vision Changes This language aligns with my ideal vision. I think there is a
challenge to maintaining these goals though in order to provide
affordable housing without losing the access to nature and
without falling into urban sprawl
123 Vision Changes This vision still applies in 2022.
124 Vision Changes Uncontrolled growth is affecting quality of life. Need smart
growth, allow for trees and open space.
125 Vision Changes Unskilled laborers cannot afford to live here.
126 Vision Changes Water conservation should now be a priority in all aspects.
Without water our community cannot thrive or even survive.
127 Vision Changes We are losing the balance between nature and development. I
am very worried about this. The character of the region is
succumbing to new development, strip malls, and big box stores.
128 Vision Changes We haven't figured out how to balance the property rights and
community interests piece to allow for low/middle income or
affordable housing.
129 Vision Changes We need a master plan for how to manage dwindling water
resources and prioritize rivers, farmland, and current residents.
It is time to recognize that limiting population growth may be a
tool, among conservation measures, for preventing a future of
devastating water scarcity
130 Vision Changes We're not exactly rural anymore, and we'll continue to grow as
people move here, so I think that needs updating
131 Vision Changes Wildland Urban interface protections Affordable housing
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132 Vision Changes With all the development I don't think Sisters has adhered to the
2010 vision especially in keeping to the rural character of the
region. Slow , controlled growth please!
133 Vision Changes With more "outsiders" moving in, the community as a whole is
less caring.
134 Vision Changes would like to see more of the 2010 vision. we don't have a
diverse economy. it's all construction and tourism. the beauty,
bounty and richness of our healthy natural environment is being
degraded because of construction and tourism. the rural
character is being challenged with the new ADU bill being
debated. outdoor recreation needs to be balanced. people
come in to take advantage of it but may not be aware of how to
respect it.
1 Housing Changes 1) Planning and updating roadways as needed to effectively and
safely handle the expected vehicle traffic capacity in future
years. 2) Designing roadways that provide for safe usage by
bicycles where appropriate.
2 Housing Changes 1) Safe options to improve nonmotorized access throughout the
county 2) Better enforcement of speed limits
3 Housing Changes A better view as to keeping the existing roads in good shape and
"PLANNING" for future increased travel on these roads. Lots
needs to be done in this area. 97 cannot handle the traffic
volume and that overflow is being pushed onto Old Bend
Redmond road. Address this as well as a eastern truck route
around Bend to get truck traffic off of 3rd street.
4 Housing Changes Accomodating growth. The growth occurring has been known
for a long time and is taking off at a fast rate and the
transportation is not keeping up. You can't just add an
apartment building on every corner and just put in a new round
about and think that solves the problem. also, with zone
changes comes new houses and traffic. I think that
transportation needs to be integral and coincide with
development. You shouldn't be able to develop at this rate
without a tranportation plan to accomodate.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-49
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5 Housing Changes Acknowledge that not everyone rides a bike or is comfortable
using public transportation. Safe roads and enforcement of
traffic laws
6 Housing Changes Actual working public transportation that allows people to get to
work without their cars.
7 Housing Changes Adequate public transportation within city limits or close by, and
along the Hwy 97 and Hwy 20 corridors. Plenty of park and ride
lots adjacent to stops along those corridors.
8 Housing Changes affordable, easy, frequent mass transportation. we have the rail
lines. do it now before more growth. this will cut down on car
traffic, allow those without good vehicles to get to work in
inclement weather, reduce traffice congestion etc.
9 Housing Changes Better cycling infrastructure. Roundabout at hwy 20/o.b. Riley in
Tumalo (why was that removed from the current
improvements? That intersection is so dangerous and
roundabouts are great passive traffic calming measures). Chip
seal roads and the bare-mininum two strip reseals are
dangerous for cyclists and motorcyclists. Repave roads properly
so they last longer.
10 Housing Changes Bike lanes or biking streets. Use what can be learned by studying
Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. Most people use bikes to get
around because they feel safe on the paths and streets. Here in
CO it is too scary to ride.
11 Housing Changes Bike lanes to connect all communities.
12 Housing Changes Bike lanes/safety
13 Housing Changes Concentrated transit from town to town and in urbanized areas
14 Housing Changes Developing commuter options for people who live in
unincorporated communities such as Alfalfa, Terrebonne, and
other hamlets that do not have any public transportation
infrastructure. Maintain the safety and quality of existing road
systems.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-50
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15 Housing Changes Encouraging the use of bicycles and foot traffic is admirable, but
it simply is not practical during cold, stormy, inclement weather.
Our community will continue to provide for traffic from cars and
buses. Increasing the availability of public transportation to
reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads would be
helpful. What about park-and-ride places for those in outlying
areas like Tumalo, La Pine, and Sunriver? Affordable public
transit between Redmond and Bend and Bend and Sunriver
could limit vehicle use. Mt. Bachelor Ski Area should provide free
bus service to and from the mountain throughout the day. That
road in winter can be insanely crowded. This generates a huge
carbon footprint, yet there is a simple solution. If the managers
complain about costs, they could simply add a few dollars to
each ski ticket to cover the expenses.
16 Housing Changes Ensuring adequate roadways to keep up with those areas in the
county that are growing the fastest.
17 Housing Changes Ensuring connectivity between N/S and E/W without massive
delays, and adding public transport to assist those without cars,
etc., to allow them to efficiently travel to and from work.
18 Housing Changes Ensuring that everyone has safe and convenient multi modal
options, not just single occupancy vehicles.
19 Housing Changes Exploring public transportation from LaPine and Sunriver to
Bend and across Bend.
20 Housing Changes Find ways to support transportation access that don't depend on
passenger cars
21 Housing Changes Fire evacuation plans seem to be non-existent or not public. As
we build housing we need to consider how to get people out of
the cities.
22 Housing Changes Fix the potholes. keep the lines painted. resurface older roads.
Remove those dedicated roads that aren't used or maintained
by the county and thereby increase revenue
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-51
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23 Housing Changes I love the open spaces in Central Oregon, and recognize that
rural living typically means further driving and less infrastructure
in general. However, I do think more emphasis could be placed
in Bend and Redmond on public transportation and safe bike
lanes. We all know that the traffic in Bend can be horrendous,
and I fear that Redmond is trending in that direction with the
"islands" of housing being created.
24 Housing Changes I think the parkway is outdated for the growth in Central
Oregon. Traffic entering from a dead stop through the
downtown area. Stop lights. Crosswalks. Homeless camps along
the parkway and major off ramps.
25 Housing Changes I'd like them to continue installing roundabouts. Also need to
focus on Reed Market Road, it's unsafe to take a left onto it from
side streets as it's always busy. It's a main thoroughfare and
isn't set up for that amount of traffic.
26 Housing Changes I'd ride my bike more if there were pathways separate from
roadways. We've all watched inattentive drivers, and I don't feel
safe sharing the road with them. Completely separate pathways
would be so much safer, and I think they'd get a lot of use.
27 Housing Changes Improve traffic flow through Terrebonne Redmond Bend and
Sisters
28 Housing Changes Improving road conditions and bike lanes.
29 Housing Changes Increased capacity on highly traveled roadways.
30 Housing Changes Increased car-friendly areas and parking structures
31 Housing Changes Keep a focus on having traffic flow, fix areas like Reed Market
and 9th to be less dangerous. Roundabouts are a good thing.
32 Housing Changes Keep the traffic flowing, develop mass transit options,
encourage bike use.
33 Housing Changes Less emphasis on bicycles, not practical for most people
34 Housing Changes Maintain and improve, do not expand.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-52
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35 Housing Changes Maintaining existing roads (no new lanes) and improving transit
and bike per infrastructure, Also recognizing that land-use is one
of the biggest drivers of transportation demand, so keeping all
new development of workforce and housing in concentrated
cities
36 Housing Changes Maintaining safe roads. Foster the reduction of car trips
(prevent sprawl).
37 Housing Changes Maintaining safe, navigable roadways
38 Housing Changes Make it easier to get around without a car - that will do the most
to alleviate congestion and improve quality of life.
39 Housing Changes Make transportation available from/to more areas of Bend.
40 Housing Changes Making updates to roads and infrastructure that actually make
sense. There are certain parts of town where road projects have
been going on for over 5 years. Also, this is one of the most
unsafe places to bike, I realize there are bike lanes but people
drive like they don't exist and trying to bike downtown is just
asking to get hurt. If you're going to start building 3-6+ story
apartment complexes like we have all over the west side you
need him to have infrastructure to support that. Adding
hundred/thousands of units near major round-abouts with
single lane roads will only continue to contribute to the
nightmare of traffic that already exists
41 Housing Changes Mass transit and walking/biking
42 Housing Changes Minimize rural nonfarm growth to reduce traffic. Support
transit, walking, and biking between and inside urban areas.
43 Housing Changes Minimize traffic: What about park-and-ride places for those in
outlying areas like Tumalo, La Pine, and Sunriver to reduce the
number of vehicles on the roads? Affordable public transit
between Redmond and Bend and Bend and Sunriver could limit
vehicle use. Mt. Bachelor Ski Area should provide free bus
service to and from the mountain throughout the day. That road
in winter can be insanely crowded. This generates a huge carbon
footprint, yet there is a simple solution. If the managers
complain about costs, they could simply add a few dollars to
each ski ticket to cover the expenses.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-53
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44 Housing Changes minimizing sprawl so that there isnt additional impact to the
roads; making it safe and easy for people to get around without
having to own a car
45 Housing Changes More affordable public transit is truly needed. The limited bus
service in Bend is quite successful and offers rides within the city
limits. The neighboring communities like Tumalo, Sisters,
Redmond, and La Pine would benefit from good public
transportation as well. If the service were coordinated with the
same times that traffic is bad in Bend, like at 7:30 am, 10 am,
noon, 3 pm and 5:30 pm, it would help with congestion as well.
46 Housing Changes More bike paths that are separated from the road
47 Housing Changes More bike pedestrian off-road trails
48 Housing Changes More bike/pedestrian friendly, low/no emission commuter rail
system in central Oregon.
49 Housing Changes More investment on pedestrian access and public transit. 1 in 3
Redmondites commute to Bend daily (I'm one of them). To
maintain regional economies, inter-city access needs to be
possible for workers without a vehicle. A daily commute for
work this summer cost people up to $400/month. Bend lacks
service workers because we live in Redmond and can't afford to
commute to Bend for $15/hour.
50 Housing Changes More public transportation. Account for the increased
population with our roads. Find a way to keep homeless out of
our forests beyond the 14 day limit, which could mean gates on
forest service roads.
51 Housing Changes moving cars efficiently
52 Housing Changes Multi-use trails connecting communities
53 Housing Changes Need better and safer facilities for bicycle and other active
transportation modes to access jobs, retail and other daily trips.
Need public transit system that's convenient, quick and
responsive to the needs of inter-city home to work trips
54 Housing Changes Preparing for electric vehicles Better bus service Bike paths or
lanes
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55 Housing Changes Prioritize walkability and bikeability in cities. Expand or improve
public transportation systems.
56 Housing Changes Provide a good public transportation network. Reduce traffic
congestion.
57 Housing Changes Providing a strong system and well maintained system. Many
roads are dead ends or zig roads. This is from years of lack of
planning for future growth. The amount of money spent on
traffic circles is ridiculous when roads are not maintained. Look
at other countries, circles are not the fix to traffic congestion.
Those countries have had to add traffic light on the circles are
well.
58 Housing Changes Public transportation
59 Housing Changes Public transportation and increased bike and walkability
60 Housing Changes Reduce traffic congestion. Don't build houses until you have
rapid transit in place!
61 Housing Changes Reduced vehicle miles traveled by emphasizing alternative
modes of transportation and greater bicycle connectivity that is
not on active roads.
62 Housing Changes Reducing and slowing traffic, plus encouraging bike and mass
transit travel.
63 Housing Changes Regional Transportation integration and use. Safe Bike Lanes on
major highways. Municipal parking and coordination with
private parking lots. E-Bike and alternative transportation use
routes and safety.
64 Housing Changes Reliable and convenient bus- to get around town/ DRW/ bend to
Redmond, bend to Prineville, bend to Tumalo etc. Public transit
option to get to mt bachelor: park in downtown (where you park
to float) and have buses that run with more frequency and
reliability. Regional rail: Train from Klamath to bend to
Portland…. Bend to Boise
65 Housing Changes Remind drivers that none of these are their own private roads,
and it's not 2:00 am so they have to follow basic road rules. It's
not always the newcomers who drive crazy.
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66 Housing Changes Repair and maintenance of roads, in particular the east side of
town and not focusing on just the west side of town. Also,
increased safety measures on the hwy 97 corridor, especially
between Redmond and Bend.
67 Housing Changes Road improvement especially hwy 20 and 97
68 Housing Changes Safe speed limits...current rural roads speeds are entirely too
fast
69 Housing Changes safe systems and routes for alternate (non-single car)
transportation
70 Housing Changes Safety and multi-modal use. I'm a big supporter of the
roundabouts going in on 20 and of the 97 realignment. I think
we need to do more to make biking and walking safe, which is
challenging in a land of lifted trucks. I would support higher
impact fees or something like that if possible for planned
communities, destination resorts, so that the county has enough
funding for maintenance.
71 Housing Changes Supporting non-gas powered modes of transportation: bikes,
walking, etc. How might these be a priority for how we design
our community? Pedestrian only zones downtown? Road design
that prioritizes people over cars? How might roundabouts be
friendlier to bikes instead of terminating the bike lane at the
entrance?
72 Housing Changes Supporting the anticipated growth over the next 50 years,
adapting to climate regulations for electric cars, and increasing
connectivity between Bend and surrounding cities.
73 Housing Changes Take the traffic around the city not thru it. Create another east
west access crossing Make Wall and Bond in old town walking
only no traffic.
74 Housing Changes The Bend/Redmond corridor. Get rail mass transit easements
set now for Bend to Redmond (including airport) to Sisters and
Lapine.
75 Housing Changes to encourage getting around without using a car.
76 Housing Changes To expand major arteries throughout the County. Develop a
road department that is actually prepared for snow when it
inevitable comes year, after year. Plowing is pathetic here.
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77 Housing Changes Traffic and speed on the main roads accessing Deschutes
County. Should roads be widened? Bike lanes on a lot of the
secondary roads, and access to these roads across busy main
roads.
78 Housing Changes Traffic congestion!
79 Housing Changes Traffic flow. Bicycle lanes
80 Housing Changes Updating roads to handle our increased traffic and provide bike
lanes on newly paved roads. For example, roads out east, like
Rickard Road, have recently been updated and paved, but a bike
lane was not included. This has always been a popular cycling
route. Because it was recently updated, tractor trailer traffic has
increased substantially on this road as has regular traffic due to
more people living in the area. It is scary to come across a cyclist
while driving this road. Why wasn't a bike lane put in?
81 Housing Changes We need a system that actually serves the whole county.
Possibly something that could move some commodities as well
as people without that could reduce the truck traffic.
1 Jobs and Economy
Changes
"Compatible with rural lifestyles" can mean a lot of things.
Chickens in the yard? Fine. AK47s lined up on the kitchen
counters? Nope. "F Joe Biden" flags? Hard pass. No one needs to
see their neighbor's political beliefs on display.
2 Jobs and Economy
Changes
As part of the grow Oregon State University, I would include
defining a "university district" as a Business Improvement
District (BID), and work with surrounding neighborhoods on
crime prevention and beautification.
3 Jobs and Economy
Changes
Direct all industrial and commercial development to inside
unincorporated communities and UGBs.
4 Jobs and Economy
Changes
Economic development should be contained within the city, and
rural lands should be prioritized for agriculture, wildlife, and
open space.
5 Jobs and Economy
Changes
Entice people to come and work here. Not to come with their
high paying remote jobs to live and work at home. We need
people that live and work in our community.
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6 Jobs and Economy
Changes
Farmers are struggling with water to irrigate crops. Farmers are
forced to let crops dry up or change to growing crops that take
less water. The rural environment once was made up green hay
fields, livestock grazing and vegetable crops. Now it is Hemp
fields, abandoned dry fields and homeless camps. Not the
environment I was to see. Not the scenery that would draw
people to Central Oregon.
7 Jobs and Economy
Changes
Housing for workers More childcare
8 Jobs and Economy
Changes
I disagree with the basic idea of 'economic growth' being the
measure of economic health. I believe that we need to shift to a
model of sustainable economics--not based on growth--and
devoted to the idea that a simple life, lived at the right size and
within our means and resources, is the aim.
9 Jobs and Economy
Changes
I just don't love the excessive references to rural. Yes it's in
Central Oregon but this isn't some little farming town anymore
and pretending it is isn't helpful to overall planning for the
future.
10 Jobs and Economy
Changes
I think a diverse economy is important so while I think its
important to foster a rural economy, I also thinks its important
to have a variety of other industries such as technology. Is
important to not lose the character of DC, but we need to also
foster an environment where other types of jobs and industry
can flourish.
11 Jobs and Economy
Changes
I totally agree with the County and Governor's plan for the
economy. However, MORE of the economic focus and resources
need to go to affordable workforce housing. It's a necessity
that's severly limiting Central Oregon's economic and social
potential. For example, I am a graduate of OSU-Cascades who
would like to stay in CO, but I am being forced to move back
home to Idaho because I cannot afford to live here. Almost all
my friends from college have also moved back home, citing the
same issue. As each one of us leave, we are take the knowledge
and skills we gained in college with us. Central Oregon's high
cost of living is causing a brain, and youth, drain.
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12 Jobs and Economy
Changes
I would add healthcare- attract another hospital system into
center Oregon. Break up the monoptongar st Charles has.
Require hospitals to staff appropriately. We have one hospital
and it's got us by the balls.
13 Jobs and Economy
Changes
I would say, maintain and PROTECT a stable and sustainable…..
14 Jobs and Economy
Changes
Include support for a thriving local food system that protects
land access for small family farmers.
15 Jobs and Economy
Changes
Increase accessibility of childcare opportunities as well as
increase wages to match higher cost of living.
16 Jobs and Economy
Changes
It is nearly impossible to find a job in Bend that makes enough
money for someone to afford to live here. The amount of
minimum wage service jobs that support rich tourists interests is
insane and it's nearly impossible to afford to live here
17 Jobs and Economy
Changes
Limit new recreational resorts. Support psilocybin industry.
18 Jobs and Economy
Changes
Maintain a stable and sustainable rural economy, compatible
with rural lifestyles, health/wellbeing, and a thriving natural
environment.
19 Jobs and Economy
Changes
Make childcare a higher priority.
20 Jobs and Economy
Changes
More emphasis on water conservation, especially when it comes
to permitting new housing developments.
21 Jobs and Economy
Changes
More jobs closer to place of residence. Many rural people travel
long distances to work. Perhaps work hubs where they could
work remotely, with childcare at the work hubs.
22 Jobs and Economy
Changes
more specific of how we will support those key industries. I.e.
more zoned land for these uses etc.
23 Jobs and Economy
Changes
No million dollar housing and golf developments in rural areas
24 Jobs and Economy
Changes
Nothing
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25 Jobs and Economy
Changes
Nothing
26 Jobs and Economy
Changes
Only Outdoor and Agriculture on the EDCO list are related to
rural economy. Everything under CIVID-19 IMPACTS above is City
related. The goal doesn't match the reality. The dominate rural
economy in the county is Destination Resorts
27 Jobs and Economy
Changes
Places of work should be served by public transportation and be
distributed within cities in a way that does not contribute to
traffic congestion.
28 Jobs and Economy
Changes
Reducing water waste.
29 Jobs and Economy
Changes
Spot on
30 Jobs and Economy
Changes
Strong support to get more "remote" business here. E.g. I work
at NIke and travel over weekly, many others do also. Lets
incentivize the Nike/Columbia/Intel's of the world to have a
presence in Bend.
31 Jobs and Economy
Changes
Support development of childcare capacity, develop roads and
other infrastructure.
32 Jobs and Economy
Changes
Support for development of key industries identified by EDCO.
33 Jobs and Economy
Changes
the county is growing and the economy should grow with it and
not just reflect a small rural lifestyle anymore
34 Jobs and Economy
Changes
The goal still applies in 2022. Available workforce and childcare
are two very important components to enhancing the economy.
35 Jobs and Economy
Changes
These should relate to long term goals not flash in the pan ie:
pot and shrum growing efforts.
36 Jobs and Economy
Changes
This is a great goal
37 Jobs and Economy
Changes
With the growth we've seen I'm not certain strictly "rural" is still
appropriate. As housing is pushed to the edge of city limits I
think there probably needs to be some sort of transition. I think
there are a lot of folks who have hobby farms in the county but
day jobs in the city.
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1 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
Addressing housing availability and affordability will help
address the overall economy.
2 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
Affordable housing. So many new apartment, homes, multi
units and projects approved. And no where people can afford
that work service jobs.
3 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
allow more employee housing for Mt Bachelor and destination
resorts
4 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
Always important but also related to an "education" that
teaches critical thought - reading and math/science.
5 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
Bend is known as the place where young adults go to retire.
Increasing the number and kind of career-oriented jobs that
sustain families is job #1 for the country in the next 10 years.
6 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
Build a non-tourism dependent economy.
7 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
Cannabis and alcohol-related growing and production in the
rural areas disproportionately impacts rural residents with
influence from these industries. When health/wellbeing is
prioritized, incentives for other agricultural and production
opportunities can be facilitated. Cannabis and alcohol have
negative overall impacts in our community that far outweigh the
economic benefits. We can design our community to foster
health and wellbeing without selling out to these industries.
8 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
Consider adding: Seek opportunities to develop renewable
energy sources
9 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
Deschutes County has a unique opportunity to lead the nation in
environmental restoration, preservation, and conservation. I
think the county should create a County Conservation Crew that
employs young people to go restore degraded lands within the
county. This would create jobs, take stress off federal/state land
managers, and improve the landscapes of Central Oregon.
10 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
Deschutes county should strategize how to resist potential
future poor state regulations. Lockdowns were a huge mistake
and we will be paying the price for a long time.
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11 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
Determine a living wage for farm workers and institute
agricultural policy to avoid what has been an historical
exploitation of agricultural workers. Institute ag policies that will
help farmers achieve these goals while thriving, economically.
Better regulate the cannabis industry and re-site any future
cannabis operations on land zoned for manufacturing.
12 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
Economic development should be contained within the cities of
Bend and Redmond as much as possible, prioritizing rural lands
for agriculture, recreation, wildlife, and open space.
13 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
Ensure any commercial development is consistent with land use
goals.
14 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
I think it's important to support jobs that provide food security
15 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
I think we are on the right track, however, I'd like to see more
family wage jobs in South County.
16 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
I would prefer that the county not push for more and more jobs.
If there are not jobs available, people wont' move here. The
population boom does not allow our community to have long-
term options to be sustainable. Water is in short supply and
maximizing growth and economic development with no limits
simply destroys what makes this such a great place to live.
17 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
I'm in HR, and it's amazing to see how many people here don't
see how to grow their own career- they just choose to work the
least amount of hours to survive, in whatever job they can get.
I'd love to see more resources to help folks map out their
lifeplan, not just figure out how to cover rent this month.
18 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
Jobs and the economy here are so out of proportion. Local
businesses say they pay "living wages" to employees, yet this is
under $40,000/year when the median home price is over
$750,000. It simply doesn't add up
19 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
Jobs seem to be plentiful at the moment; but so many people
don't seem to want to work.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-62
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20 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
More partnerships need to be committed to in order to achieve
many of these goals including increasing workforce housing and
encouraging water conservation. A larger focus needs to be
given to families (of all income levels) in need of childcare.
21 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
More support from government and venture capital for new
businesses in Central oregon
22 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
Put more pressure on living beyond our means, and the means
of the future--and less on living simply.
23 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
Remote work tax or some kind of tax for individuals that live
here and work for remote companies. They are NOT contributing
to our local economy and are making more money than people
that work here and drive up the cost of housing
24 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
Shift our economy away from tourism
25 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
Stop the myth that our economy hinges on tourism. STR are
hurting our housing market and tourism is extractive and not
sustainable. We have great industries such as pharma and
aerospace, let's push those
26 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
Support mass transit and carpooling
27 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
Support the farm and forest economies by preserving all Goal 3
and Goal 4 lands and disallowing nonfarm and conditional uses.
28 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
Support workforce skills development through workforce
development efforts, school districts and higher ed
29 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
The goal is framed really broadly. I think the Covid-19 impact
targets provide helpful detail. I.e. we need childcare and housing
to support the goal. I think the university is important to
economic stability having grown up in Corvallis and experienced
economic cycles there.
30 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
To address the remote worker industry and see if there's a way
to recruit a large and more stable industry. I realize this came
about due to COVID in 2020.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-63
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31 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
We are the largest metro area in the US without a freeway. This
limits the kind of businesses we can attract. We need to focus
our support on the types of businesses where the transportation
of goods is not important.
32 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
We have lots of jobs available but know one wants to work.
Business are struggling to find workers. We need to stop giving
handouts and supporting the people are just take from our
community.
33 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
We live in a spectacular area. There are many wild places with
beautiful and stimulating views. We enjoy abundant recreation.
It surrounds us here. That is enough to attract like-minded
people. We should not have to worry about the future. Factories
and large retail outlets, lots of stores and company centers only
bring in more people from the outside and continue to erode
the livability of our area. We are experiencing what that has
already done. The economy and jobs will take care of
themselves.
34 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
We need affordable housing for the service sector employees.
35 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
We need people in service industry jobs to be able to live near
their jobs.
36 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
We need to be realistic about what a rural economy means.
Multi-million dollar hobby farms with 6 goats are not a rural
economy. Renewable energy would be an interesting avenue to
explore.
37 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
We need to support our service workers more as they are the
foundation of our biggest industry which is tourism. I think the
biggest way to do this is through cost of living.
38 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
What are we doing to attract new businesses? We are still highly
reliant on tourism and those jobs don't pay enough for people to
afford to live here.
39 Other Jobs and
Economy Thoughts
You did not mention remote workers… They compete for
housing that other workers need who physically go to work.
1 Recreation Changes Goal 1 is good. Goals 2 and 3 are not important to me because I
do not think we need more destination resorts.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-64
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2 Recreation Changes Revise Goal 2; ...and in a manner that will be compatible with
farm and forest uses and public recreational use, and in a
manner that will have no net gain in water consumption, and in
a manner that will maintain important natural features and
resources, such as wildlife habitat, streams, rivers, significant
wetlands and ground water.
3 Recreation Changes 2 & 3; destination resorts are not public recreation
4 Recreation Changes Ban all stupid golf course resorts. Huge water wasters and
terrible for the environment. Stringent environmental
regulation for resort development. Eco friendly resorts to
explore recreation that is NATURAL to central Oregon. Add
parks to residential areas in the county.
5 Recreation Changes Central Oregon has more destination resorts than anywhere else
in the state. We are not lacking for tourism amenities or luxury
housing. Bend is a metropolitan city. Deschutes County would be
harmed by any new destination resort.
6 Recreation Changes Consider clarifying that development of destination resorts
should include addressing impact to groundwater / aquifers and
wildfire risk.
7 Recreation Changes DC doesn't need ANY more destination resorts. Goal should be
to place a moratorium on destination resorts and require
existing resorts to convert their golf courses to xeric scape
landscaping to reduce the need for water.
8 Recreation Changes Deschutes County does not need more destination resorts.
9 Recreation Changes Destination resort - like golf or waterski lakes (?) while we have
a restricted water supply don't sound like a good match. These
would be outside city limits, so where would the workers
needed live, how do these improve housing issue ?
10 Recreation Changes destination resorts and other recreation-oriented development
needs to be held to higher standards regarding water use,
wildlife habitat and migration, open space, view sheds, traffic
generated, economic benefit to the community, nut just private
land rights
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-65
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11 Recreation Changes Destination resorts are no longer compatible with the climate,
water use, and wildfire risks in those areas. Instead, the goals
should be around keeping open space, farms, and ranches
intact, and encourage the cities to build up and not out.
Continued goals around keeping the rivers and forests intact
where the county has jurisdiction.
12 Recreation Changes Destination resorts with several golf courses should NOT exist in
the desert. End of argument
13 Recreation Changes Destination resorts would perhaps have a system gray water for
all common areas and golf courses. Worker housing on site, and
childcare on site would be huge.
14 Recreation Changes Eliminate additional destination resorts
15 Recreation Changes Eliminate more destination resorts
16 Recreation Changes Generally, I disagree with the emphasis on destination resorts
17 Recreation Changes Goal #2 sounds good and aligns with my values, but as
evidenced by the Thornberg development and proposed resort
at Aspen Lakes, money talks loud enough to bend this goal. With
wells drying up or needing to be dug deeper, more resorts is not
the answer. If visitors desire to experience high desert beauty
and receive the peace of mind and refreshment of spirit, they
need to walk or bike the trails. The wonder of Central Oregon is
not found pool side or on the links.
18 Recreation Changes Goal #3: Do not allow any more destination resorts! We have
enough already and are in danger of overdeveloping the county
for human habitation. WATER is the biggest consideration here.
Further development destroys recreation opportunities.
19 Recreation Changes Goal 1 is good, but we need more parks as the population grows.
Goal 2 and Goal 3 are no longer appropriate. There are already
enough destination resorts in Central Oregon. These resorts
attract more people to the area - we don't need this. These
resorts use too much water and can only rarely be developed in
a manner suggested in goal #2.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-66
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20 Recreation Changes Goal 1 is good, but we need more parks as the population grows.
Goal 2 and Goal 3 are no longer appropriate. There are already
plenty of destination resorts in Central Oregon. These resorts
attract more people to the area - we don't need this. These
resorts use too much water and can only rarely be developed in
a manner suggested in goal #2.
21 Recreation Changes Goal 1 is great, but 2&3 scream support of converting more rural
land for the development of high end golf/vacation resorts that
are not accessible for the normal people living in Bend. Further
in a time of water scarcity, the last thing we need to do is be
converting the rural landscape to a fake resort. Keep it wild; it's
why people move here.
22 Recreation Changes Goal 1 is great. Goal 2 doesn't mention water or aquifers.
Destination resorts shouldn't be able to use valuable ground
water for golf courses.
23 Recreation Changes Goal 1. Include designation of County/State parks or greenspace
24 Recreation Changes Goal 2 and goal 3- get rid of them completely. We have too
many resorts that use too much water. No new resorts. Work
with the existing ones to conserve water, plant native trees and
shrubs and enjoy central Oregon.
25 Recreation Changes Goal 2 should account for the impact of new or enhanced
developments on natural resources such as the region's water
supply, if not already taken into account.
26 Recreation Changes Goals 2&3 doesn't acknowledge the challenges presented by
climate change - including ongoing drought and wildfire threat.
Those issues need to be addressed to balance the threat to our
community by resort developments that require water for gold
courses, etc.
27 Recreation Changes I agree with Goal 1. I do not support any new or expanded
destination resorts. There is no need for them. The economy is
doing well.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-67
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28 Recreation Changes I disagree with Goal 2 & 3. Destination resorts require immense
amounts of space and water to operate. The negative impacts to
wildlife, ecosystems, and local people far outway the property
taxes gained from the development. We need to make our
county lands and wildlife more resilient to climate change.
Constructing new destination resorts unnecessarily expands our
footprint into the sensitive habitats around our cities. No new
destionation resorts.
29 Recreation Changes I do not support the addition of new destination resort facilities.
We need to focus on supporting the people that already live
here first.
30 Recreation Changes I do not think the county needs more destination resorts and I
would take this goal out.
31 Recreation Changes I do not think we need anymore destination resorts. We cannot
support them with the current water situation. Golf courses
should only be allowed to water with recycled water and it
should be posted as such Needs of the local community should
come before tourists and developers
32 Recreation Changes I don't think that the county should be in the business of
creating "destination resorts". We don't need anymore golf
courses that are for the benefits of the few, and that use our
water.
33 Recreation Changes I don't think we need to create more destination resort facilities.
A lot of them are owned by outside investors who don't care
about the community and only care about money.
34 Recreation Changes I oppose the development of additional destination resorts.
35 Recreation Changes I strongly support but you don't consider your own goals.
Particularly Goal 3. These resorts should enhance and diversify
the recreational opportunities. Not steal our water and only
cater to the rich few.
36 Recreation Changes I support Goal #1, but goals 2 & 3 do not support workforce
housing or affordable housing for residents who work in Central
Oregon. Where will the destination resorts workers live? How
will the farmers raise food for us if the water is going to golf
courses and artificial lakes? Where will the residents recreate if
public lands are turned into resorts?
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-68
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37 Recreation Changes I think far too much importance is placed on destination resorts,
of which there are already many in Central Oregon. These
resorts consume a disproportionate amount of resources for the
jobs and services provide. Few of these services actually benefit
residents in Deschutes County. Furthermore, these destination
resorts only create inequitable recreational opportunities, due
to their exorbitant costs.
38 Recreation Changes I think it's pretty good as it is!
39 Recreation Changes I think we have enough destination resort facilities now and
don't need to plan for any more.
40 Recreation Changes I'd like to see a moratorium on more resort development, which
uses too much precious water, and often removes public lands
from the public. We have enough resorts here already.
41 Recreation Changes I'd love for the county to purchase more land to use for the
current goals.
42 Recreation Changes Less emphasis on destination resorts
43 Recreation Changes No more destination resorts in rural areas. No million dollar plus
homes, no golf courses in the desert. Water is in short supply
here.
44 Recreation Changes No more destination resorts. Stop focusing on tourism and
protect our land and water.
45 Recreation Changes No more destination resorts. County lobbyist should go to the
state on this to change the ORS. The public benefits never pan
out and public access even if it's supposed to be reserved
through some intersection point is negatively impacted.
Although not a D.R. I think a classic example is what happened
with Tetherow. The park that was dedicated there is a joke. So
developers always scrimp on and are allowed to get away with
the bare minimum on any public benefits that are conditions of
approval
46 Recreation Changes No more golf resorts hogging water,spreading pesticides, and
privatizing/limiting outdoor recreation to the wealthy. Though
there has been a recent upswing in the number of golfers, there
were 20% more golfers 15 years ago than there are now.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-69
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47 Recreation Changes No more resort facilities due to lack of water
48 Recreation Changes No more resort facilities due to water issues
49 Recreation Changes No more resorts!! water is an issue . we don't need more golf
courses etc.
50 Recreation Changes No new destination resorts, or expansions of existing resorts.
51 Recreation Changes Not enough water for additional resort destinations. Sunriver
collects a large percentage of Transient Room Tax but none of
that tax is returned to Sunriver for operations, infrastructure &
additional recreational opportunities.
52 Recreation Changes Not real hot on many more destination resorts.
53 Recreation Changes Now that we are in 2022, I don't see a need for more destination
resorts. We have several amazing resorts to choose from with
everything from golf to skiing. We don't need any more. We
need more emphasis on protecting and preserving natural areas
and our water supply.
54 Recreation Changes Prioritize parks and open spaces
55 Recreation Changes Promote this down to the neighborhood level. Planned bike
friendly neighborhoods with open spaces, trails, and mature
trees.
56 Recreation Changes Recreational resorts do not meet the needs of the community.
They are largely a detriment to our fragile eco system and bring
high cost housing for low paying jobs.
57 Recreation Changes Resort destinations need to have a cap. There is enough. We
need to stop accomodating every person that wants to live here
and has the money to do so. If we continue in this pattern, we
will deplete our natural resources and overkill all recreation
opportunities. These resorts are just selfish money makers. They
just will use all of the water that is not available because there
are no regulations.
58 Recreation Changes Swimming pools There is no public pool in South county Perhaps
need a YMCA or something for Three Rivers LaPine.
59 Recreation Changes Top priority of sustainability and protection of natural resources
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-70
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60 Recreation Changes Tourism is too high a priority, and there is too much of it, it is
negatively impacting our resources and overly stimulating
growth.
61 Recreation Changes We can develop recreation without the emphasis on resorts.
Golf and golf resorts are stripping us of precious water and only
cater to the rich and don't provide jobs.
62 Recreation Changes We do not need more development.
63 Recreation Changes We have enough destination resorts!
64 Recreation Changes While destination resorts are nice, their drain on water
resources is very concerning.
1 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Amazing opportunities but needs close management
2 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Continually marketing Central Oregon all over the world is
spoiling our existing recreation. Not being able to spend tourism
dollars on fixing local roads and forests that the tourists use
should be changed.
3 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Continue to invest and support in outdoor activities, its whats
going to keep our elders and youth living longer.
4 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Continue to offer multi-use trail systems throughout the county
for horses, mountain biking and hiking.
5 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Continue to support local protected state and national lands.
6 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Doesn't seem like county really has much of a role in this but
recreational opportunities are highly valued in our community
so where there is cross over to county authority the County
should protect, accentuate it
7 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Easy access from town, wide variety of recreation types.
8 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Equally important to having access to great recreation activities
in the county is how we get to them. I don't want everything to
be paved over with parking lots and roads.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-71
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9 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Everyone notices it. It is challenging. Mt. Bachelor has turned
into a large over populated resort due to population increase
and money. All parking lots are overflowing at all hiking and
biking trailheads. I am worried that soon, we will jsut expand all
these parking lots to accomodate. That is not a solution. Stop
accomodating.
10 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Focus on hiking, kayaking, parks, trails, biking - active outdoor
pursuits. Not golf and other inconsistent uses in a desert.
11 Other Recreation
Thoughts
I love our recreation but too many tourist are now taking over
what use to be desirable. HELP! More bike trails so people can
spread out.
12 Other Recreation
Thoughts
I recognize the county is a relatively small player compared to
public lands managers and policy, city and park districts policies,
and rich promotional entities like Visit Bend. But the county
should do what it can to slow the unsustainable growth
happening BECAUSE of recreational opportunities.
13 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Important for local residents as well as for the local economy
14 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Important to maintain wildlife habitat and open spaces for
quality of life
15 Other Recreation
Thoughts
It doesn't need to be such a focus.
16 Other Recreation
Thoughts
It should be promoted in our existing natural areas and by
conservation of those areas. We don't need more destination
resorts.
17 Other Recreation
Thoughts
It's a huge driver of the economy.
18 Other Recreation
Thoughts
It's fantastic...so much to do. Great Parks & Rec. Don't cut any
more trees or sell any public land between Tetherow and
Bachelor.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-72
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19 Other Recreation
Thoughts
It's gotten very difficult to recreate due to the increased
population. Preserve more riverfront land (no more
development on the river); create a bridge in DRW to access the
river trail. Most of us live here for the recreation, wildlife, and
natural beauty. We have not been moving in a direction that
supports this!
20 Other Recreation
Thoughts
It's great!
21 Other Recreation
Thoughts
It's important for residents and tourists
22 Other Recreation
Thoughts
It's important!
23 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Its one of the best aspects of the area and why a lot of people
move here and vacation here. I think preserving areas for the
purpose of recreation both in the city and outside the city is very
important.
24 Other Recreation
Thoughts
It's one of the greatest draws to this community. The access to
recreation here is what makes this county unique. However, it
feels like it's being overrun and made inaccessible.
25 Other Recreation
Thoughts
It's the reason I live here.
26 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Keep county natural
27 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Maintain access for OHV areas. As populations increase they
tend to be targeted, they are way more environmentally friendly
than golf courses.
28 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Maintain natural environment
29 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Many people move here for that. We need to maintain
opportunities, including all present public lands for that purpose.
The County needs to work with other agencies to reduce
overcrowding at popular recreation sites. Stop spending money
on tourism and ban type 2 short-term vacation rentals outside of
commercial, mixed use zones and outside existing destination
resorts.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-73
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30 Other Recreation
Thoughts
most important asset even though not county function
31 Other Recreation
Thoughts
nature is the recreation - so preserve that. Hiking, fishing,
skiing, camping, ... don't need 'destination resorts' it is just the
opposite. There are enough Black Buttes, Eagle Crests, and
Sunrivers already.
32 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Obviously abundant. But is there access to everyone.
33 Other Recreation
Thoughts
One of the reasons we chose to live here so continue to support
access to recreation and open spaces
34 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Outdoor recreation is what draws people to the area so it's vital
to preserve this going forward. Planned livability.
35 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Preservation of existing parks and recreation areas despite a
desire for future commercial or residential development is
critical.
36 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Preserve nature. Increase access to low impact recreation.
37 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Public transit hubs to trials. A bus that gets you to Phil's trail
every hour! (For example). Bus that gets you to wanoga and
other snow parks in the winter. More public transit to
recreation. And maintenance of trails.
38 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Rebalance advertising budget for bringing tourists in so that
some money is redirected to sustaining and building
infrastructure to handle the terpenoids influx.
39 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Recreation (and access) is likely the main driving reason so many
folks have moved here. It is one of the best places in the
country for outdoor recreation and the combination of limiting
development and sprawl in the county has made this possible.
40 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Recreation availability in and around Deschutes County is robust
and thriving.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-74
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41 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Recreation draws people. Those that love the outdoors have
certain values that are important. They are attracted to healthy
adventure. Hiking, biking, running, walking, birding, hunting, and
exploring the out-of-doors with their families. These activities
are healthy and invigorating pastimes that don't require a
resource-demanding infrastructure with water guzzling and land
grabs of rural lands. Bend and the county should not be
advertising to become another Aspen or Vail. In addition to the
above, we have skiing, climbing, boating, and fishing. All of these
activities appeal to so many who live here. Why has there been
so much advertising about Bend and this area? It isn't necessary.
It may be good for some business owners, but this is a bit
myopic. Why should the existing people in Central Oregon pay
the price of busy roads, trails, recreational areas, and parking
problems, created by those who have been sold on the idea of
visiting or moving to Bend. The quality of life has already been
dropping for those who live here, so why make it worse? Are we
selling parts of our backyard to vendors?
42 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Recreation in central Oregon should include what is compatible
with the environment. In my opinion, those would be camping,
hiking, backpacking, stargazing, hunting, biking, snowshoeing ,
wading, rafting and viewing. They do not include golf, tennis,
pickle ball, swimming in a pool.
43 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Recreation in Deschutes County is world class!
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-75
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44 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Recreation is a huge attraction for many in Deschutes County.
The wide variety of activities year-round leads to better health
and mental well-being. People move here, come to visit, and
love to raise their families in Central Oregon because of the
recreational opportunities. Unfortunately, the increase in
population is making many places so crowded that long-time
residents can no longer enjoy them. We don't need to keep
promoting tourism through advertising. We have enough
outsiders here already. As the population continues to grow,
there is more and more pressure on the existing parks and trails
along with so many other impacts. Increasing the number of
parks and trails would help.
45 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Recreation is a huge attraction for many in Deschutes County.
The wide variety of activities year-round leads to better health
and mental well-being. People move here, come to visit, and
love to raise their families in Central Oregon because of the
recreational opportunities.
46 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Recreation is quickly becoming an impossibility in the area
surrounding Bend and Redmond. So many people have moved
here that it is difficult to even find parking availability at some of
the local hiking and swimming locations. I am also noticing a lack
of respect for the environment amongst many of the
newcomers. Camping in areas where it is prohibited, not staying
on trail, leaving trash, etc.
47 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Recreation is what makes Central Oregon great. It should be
encouraged, but more funding needs to be allocated to land
managers. We're seeing the impacts of excessive recreation in
the alterations to wildlife behavior, migration patterns, and the
degradation of sensitive habitats. A balance needs to be
maintained, because uncontrolled recreation leads to the
degradation of the very resource recreationists enjoy.
48 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Recreation opportunities abound with skiing, biking, hiking,
fishing, paddling etc. great job making these accessible.
49 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Recreation opportunities on public land are the reason most
people move here. We need to support our public lands with
county transient room taxes and other funds.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-76
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50 Other Recreation
Thoughts
Recreation should be a high priority.
51 Other Recreation
Thoughts
So far Goal 1 seems difficult as local, state, and federal agencies
do not currently work together cohesively and seem entrenched
in working in silos. Consider that most resorts have one or more
golf courses that tend to be high water users for irrigation and
that we are constantly in a drought—how do you plan
differently using a different paradigms to achieve a healthy
balance?
52 Other Recreation
Thoughts
That is one of the main reasons I live here - access to a variety of
recreation. Safe and easy access balanced with environmental
sustainability and protection is important to me
53 Other Recreation
Thoughts
That's why I live here--to ride my horse on trails and cross-
country ski in winter. I cherish the equestrian recreation
opportunities in Deschutes County.
54 Other Recreation
Thoughts
The County owned park lands should be used for a variety of
outdoor purposes that do not require a destination resort.
Explore opportunities to foster business models that make the
most of these lands without placing destination resorts on them.
These resorts are not accessible by the average County resident
and the use of land for this business model does not foster
outdoor recreational opportunities for people of all income
brackets.
55 Other Recreation
Thoughts
The goals are incompatible with each other. It is nearly
impossible to have development of destination resorts and still
be compatible with rural and natural resource preservation.
56 Other Recreation
Thoughts
The public lands we enjoy and recreate upon are irreplaceable,
and should be guarded and kept in trust for future generations.
57 Other Recreation
Thoughts
This is why people come here. It is important to keep this in
mind when considering the Urban Growth Boundary and limit
sprawl.
58 Other Recreation
Thoughts
We have a lot of access to out recreation but I wish there was
better care of the river. Summer bring a lot of people which
means more trash and pollution (sunscreen, peeing, etc). This
seems to be ignored by the city.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-77
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59 Other Recreation
Thoughts
We have a wide assortment of activities available.
60 Other Recreation
Thoughts
We have an abundance of opportunities.
1 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
A modern approach to irrigation would result in more available
water, which would promote Farm and Forest goals as well. A
specific Water Goal should be to: modernize the use of irrigation
water through technology and policy (to eliminate inefficient
irrigation practices and excess evaporation and infiltration
resulting from canals and flood irrigation).
2 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Allow me to take my 40 acres of EFU thats sitting right on the
UGB and parcel it off. We are out of water so farming is less
than an option and i'd rather the farmers have it.
3 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Appropriate.
4 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
As mentioned before...small farms that surround cities or those
with no so good soil should be allowed to be rezoned for
housing and those water rights transferred to farms and ranches
that need the water or can create better agricultural ground.
You can no long sustain a living on small acreage or these hobby
farms.
5 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Better define farmable land- lava rocks do not yield high value
nutrition. Reduce water loss-pipe the canals & remover 80% of
the Juniper Trees recognize timber harvest as a means of
reduced wildfire hazard
6 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Consider: adding managing wildfire risk to Forest Land Goals.
moving water conservation to Goal 1 (water goals)
7 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Continue to focus on water conservation and address drought.
8 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Eliminate development of forest land
9 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Ensuring sufficient water supply for existing use before
authorizing development that may adversely impact those and
and creative solutions to reallocate water rights when beneficial
to both parties should be a focus.
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10 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Farmland goals must include water conservation and regulation
on chemical fertilizers that can negatively impact watersheds.
Forests 0- County lands should not be used for logging "forest
products".
11 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
farmland goals unrealistic, consider offering incentives for
existing EFU land and farms to cease operations as high desert
soils unsuitable for ag/crops
12 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Farmland should be protected as farmland, not a place for
outdoor concerts, wedding venues, venues for psilocybin or
marijuana consumption, water ski parks, or, especially,
subdivision. An eight-year moratorium should be passed
forbidding subdivision of rural property that will be dependent
on groundwater. A realtor told me a decade ago that the
Deschutes aquifer is the largest in the nation and that we'll
never run out of water. Last year, our next-door neighbor, on a
three-family well spent $60,000+ drilling a new well after theirs
went dry. This is happening all over the county. And yet, county
planners/commissioners are still considering allowing resorts
such as Thornburgh and other water-intensive developments
that will further deplete our supply. Do they believe, like my
realtor friend, that our aquifer is infinite? No new developments
in rural areas should be permitted until wildlife habitat updates
should be completed for mule deer, elk, and eagles. These
updates must be completed as soon as possible so decisions can
be made in the light of wildlife needs, and not strictly to increase
the profits of well-connected developers. Xeroscaping should be
encouraged in new construction. Lawns should be discouraged
in both new and existing homes. Because one can afford to put
in and maintain a lawn, does not mean it should be done.
Perhaps a tax on lawns based on square footage would be a
start.
13 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Finding ways to reduce water use without shutting down
farmland. - Cover the canals, subsidize improvement of irrigation
techniques to increase water conservation. We need the farms
and need to learn and support how to farm with less water.
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14 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Fish and water conservation are key
15 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Generally the goals are good, but I think we are perilously failing
to meet the Water goals. Also the Farmland goals should
recognize that not all farmland and not all farming are equal. We
should prioritize the actual commercial farming.
16 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Goals seem reasonable. Improving our water transfer
infrastructure (eg piping canals), driving for efficient use of
water on farms, and creating a mechanism where efficient farm
use of water translates to maintaining the water right but
enabling leasing back to stream would enable a more healthy
deschutes basin watershed.
17 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Great goals! Keep it up! (Just update the Wildlife inventory so
you can follow through on addressing impacts to wildlife when
making decisions about development allowances)
18 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
I agree with all stated goals. I AM concerned that the plan to
pipe canals may not be the right decision to meet all of the
goals. My own research has suggested that lining the canals to
allow for some water seepage into the aquifer, and continue to
support trees and wildlife, may be a better choice.
19 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
I agree with and appreciate the current goals.
20 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
I agree with the goals. I think its important to preserve and
foster healthy farm lans, forest land, and water.
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21 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
I agree with the goals; however, with the irrigation getting cut
off early in the past couple years, I'm not sure I agree with the
statement, "Existing farms, however, have relatively generous
irrigation rights, which have rarely been fully utilized, and are
expected to have sufficient water to cope with increasing
temperatures." Perhaps a new emphasis on helping those with
irrigation rights convert from flood irrigation to sprinklers could
be a new goal. Or making a stronger incentive for those with
water rights who aren't using them fully to share water. Or
helping those who have unlined ponds, get them lined to
increase the time they have water available, especially when it
gets cut off early. Penalties for wasted water, maybe? The
limited water capacity here is critical to consider moving
forward, especially with any new permitting for resorts and large
farming operations.
22 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
I completely disagree with almost everything stated about the
irrigation rights. First we do NOT have enough water for
irrigation let alone generous amounts. This year and last year
we're terrible. The water rights laws are antiquated and need to
be overhauled completely. The idea that the irrigation is based
on the established year of the irrigation district is ridiculous.
Also there is zero incentive for hobby farm owners to consider
releasing their water rights to farms that are actually trying to
farm vs as a "hobby". I own a hobby farm and would love for
example to give my water to my neighbor but that isn't allowed
therefore I water a hayfield I don't want that produces nothing
useful at all so I'm not penalized for not using water I don't truly
need like farmers do. Crazy!
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23 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
I don't think that there should be a goal to maintain ag lands. It
is irresponsible to farm in such an arid landscape and there
should be a focus on allowing these lands to be transitioned to
less water-intensive uses. There should, however, be a goal to
support farmers and ranchers in reducing their water usage and
keep livestock out of canals. For forest land goals, there should
be separate sections of forest for recreation and conservation.
Not every part of the forest should be maintained for
recreational use. More emphasis should be put on maintaining
wildlife habitat. Pipe all the canals. All of them. Set a date and
do what is needed to get that done.
24 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
I don't think we should give the same protections for low value
crop production, a.k.a. growing hay for recreational horses, and
livestock, as we do for food producing farms.
25 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
I feel Deschutes County is not doing a good job of upholding its
farm, forest, and water goals. These goals need commitment
and support.
26 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
I love Deschutes County because of the natural beauty of the
forests, as well as the rural community. Farm zoned lands needs
to be reserved for farmers, NOT for millionaires, many of whom
come from other states. Grazing lands need to be accessible and
affordable, and NOT rezoned to build mansions. Farmers who
are from Central Oregon have the knowledge and interest to
preserve water, they know what droughts look like, they know
how to be responsible.
27 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
I think all of this sounds good but let's be realistic there's a lot of
people wanting to move here and developers too these takes
away water. So, easy fix let's not money the most important
thing and start saying NO more often and we well save water,
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28 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
I think these goals are good. I don't particularly care about
including forest products in the balance of considerations. They
have plenty of lobbyists and the forest service already refers to
them in managing public lands. For water I think that we need
to explicitly recognize that the goals are dependent on valuing
different uses of water because it is a scarce resource. The
county can't do a whole lot but zoning can influence this issue.
This is to say that there is nothing wrong with a community that
values food over golf courses. And we need to stop pretending
like such value judgments are not okay and that all uses are
equally beneficial. It's like triage in the E.R. This goes back to the
whole property interest v community interest balance that is
totally out of whack
29 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
I think these goals are great, but I see people pushing to change
zones and develop forested and farmland, which creates more
wells and use on our groundwater resource. There needs to be a
stop to zone changes just for development. If we continue in this
extreme drought, the water will be depleted faster than
everyone thinks and it will be to late. Farmland is not protected
and there is no incentive to assist farmers with their yield so
they stay in business.
30 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
I think they need to orient more explicitly towards conservation
and sustainability efforts
31 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
I think we need to prioritize water usage for farms over private
resorts, as local farms provide sustenance for the entire local
community, not just a select few that are privileged enough to
enjoy the abundance of private resorts already in Central
Oregon. We need to protect the interests of our farmers to
ensure more political unity in the years to come.
32 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
I think you need to stop approval of new golf courses and
resorts.
33 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
I would like to see an ammendment to make rural or forest land
zoning permanent, so it remains undeveloped.
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34 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
I would love to see information and data on what has actually
been done to increase water conservation efforts. The amount
of sprinklers at homes and businesses ( that water side walks) is
unacceptable. It's the desert, you don't need green grass. With
the amount of development happening right up to national
forests it doesn't seem like anything is being done to protect
wildlife habit
35 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
I'm wondering why the commission is allowing developement on
lower bridge if their first farmland goal is to "Preserve and
maintain agricultural lands and the agricultural industry". I also
fail to see how the needs of wildlife are being "adequately"
addressed when we prioritize pscylocibin mushrooms over
wildlife inventories... We are failing to meet the goals stated
here.
36 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Increasing water conservation efforts should be a high priority.
37 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Minimize development of forest lands. Just say no to more golf
courses and resorts that use too much water. Protect the rivers.
38 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
More emphasis should be placed on forest management. This
should take the form of partnership with the logging industry.
Industry can be allowed to log, while paying a portion of profits
to the USFS, who will then use the proceeds to fund forest
management (ie: young tree removal, burning, etc.), or other
essential activities that are not profitable for the logging industry
to conduct. One thing is for certain, the USFS, BLM, and the like
have demonstrated they are incapable of managing the forests,
particularly in the last few years. Blaming climate change will not
solve the problem. Action needs to be taken to address the
overgrown tinderbox that is most of Oregon's forests.
39 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
More support for organic farming and for using practices that
reduce the need for irrigation. I would like to see a reduction in
allowed chemicals as well.
40 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
multimillion dollar homes with alpacas are not revenue
generating and are not Hobby farms. Irrigation rights to
support water conservation.
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41 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Must preserve all ag lands as defined by Goal 3 and the NRCS.
Allowing paid-gun soil scientists to justify rezoning ag lands is
loaded with bias and inequitable. Must disallow all or most ORS
215.283(2) nonfarm uses, especially nonfarm dwellings.
Preserve farmland for farmers. Regulate water use in land use
approval criteria. Counties have this authority; use it.
42 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Need more of a focus on wildfire mitigation
43 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
No development in farm and forest land
44 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
No more destination resorts. Not enough water to support.
45 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
overpopulation diminishes water resources water required for
farmland
46 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Pay more attention to places like the Thornberg property and
not allow those kinds of projects that use too much water
47 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
pipe the canals to save water and avoid some of the level
changes on the Deschutes. Turn those into green belts/bike
paths.
48 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Preservation and protection of forests, farmland, and water
sources are my top priority. They are all diminishing too quickly
and we are losing our character.
49 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Regarding Forest Land Goals #2: Do not allow development on
forest lands!
50 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Retain the farm and forest land and don't sacrifice it for housing.
Also rework water rights and finish piping irrigation so we can
continue to thrive here
51 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Revamp water rights to encourage water conservation.
52 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Seem reasonable From what I've read it seems water could be
allocated better to discourage waste and ensure food security
53 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
The goals above are great. Perhaps a change to dry land farming
should be encouraged. Special attention to water conservation,
trading water rights, and well/aquifer issues
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54 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
The goals are great--there seems to be a bit of a disconnect with
these goals and how the county is managed in terms of
development. I would also add things like preserving the
remaining 'wildness' of the few 'wild-ish' areas we have, and
adressing relatively simple things like the explosion of light
pollution in our county.
55 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
The goals of the 2010 plan are constantly being eroded because
of out of control development. Building needs to be kept in
check if we don't want to ruin the treasures we have. Bend is
already way too overcrowded. Didn't leave LA to have it
become Deschutes county
56 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
The goals still seem relavent however the water goals seem key
to it all. If the county can do anything about shifting water rights
from hobby farms to actual food growing, that would be best.
Indoor farming, robotic farming, vertical farming is also a likely
future. If there are prohibitive regulations around doing this
type of farming, it should be addressed.
57 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
The use it or lose it water right usage on rural land should be
reevaluated. That is not promoting wise water conservation.
58 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
THere are some lands designated as farmland where the soil in
not conducive. Consider it potential residential development
when located adjacent to city boundaries (Urban Growth
REserves)
59 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
These are admirable goals, but not enough is being done to
achieve them.
60 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
These are good goals. I'd like to see something added for vertical
farming, since I hear it's great for water conservation.
61 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
These goals seem very appropriate so continue the same
62 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
They are good goals; but perhaps more consideration of water
availability for farms/ranches.
63 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Water conservation is my first priority.
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64 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Water rights laws are outdated and counter to county's stated
goals. As water resources shrink with warming, ag properties
that are not productive farms or ranches should have their
water rights reexamined. County should lobby state to finally
rewrite water law.
65 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Water shortage is going to become worse and worse as the
population continues to grow and climate change intensifies. Far
more needs to be done to prohibit the development of
destination resorts, water ski parks, and other water guzzling
operations when farmers and current residents do not have
enough water even today. A moratorium on new wells should be
considered. Building codes should be changed to anticipate
fires. Fire resistant materials and designs are essential as fire
danger increases each year due to drought and climate change.
No new construction should be permitted at the forest interface.
Farmland needs to be protected as farmland, not as a place for
the onslaught of proposals that keep cropping up such as
wedding venues, psilocybin and marijuana facilities, subdivisions
such as the one approved near Terrebonne, festival venues,
waterski parks, and on and on. We do not need Thornburgh or
any other additional destination resorts. No psilocybin or
marijuana resorts should be permitted in rural areas. Psilocybin
facilities will already be available within city limits, so there is no
need to have them in rural areas, far from medical help and
other infrastructure. In rural areas they would contribute to
increased traffic and disturbances to neighbors. No sewer should
be developed in Tumalo. This proposal would primarily benefit
developers and promote growth that would dramatically change
the character of this community. Natural Resources and Wildlife
should be a category in your survey, but I will include these
comments here: The wildlife habitat updates for elk and eagles,
along with the one for mule deer should be prioritized. No new
developments should be permitted without first completing this
effort. Rural lands are heavily used by many species of wildlife. It
is critical to minimize human activities and construction in areas
important to wildlife, so these overlays should be completed as
soon as possible to help with future planning based on scientific
research, not the desires of greedy developers. Many people
cherish the wildlife in Central Oregon and would love to see
more. Legal trapping may have been appropriate at one time in
this area, but it is no longer. Dogs get caught in traps. Bobcats
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and other furbearers have more value alive than as pelts. As
drought remains an annual constant, we need beavers more
than ever to restore habitat that will retain moisture. A dark sky
ordinance that is enforced is desirable for rural lands and for the
city of Bend as well. Light pollution is the easiest pollution to
reduce if people simply pay attention. It threatens the health
and populations of species that depend on the dark including
insects, migrating birds and even humans. Down-facing outdoor
lights that do not illuminate areas beyond the home dwellers'
property should be required. Timers and motion sensors can
also limit light pollution. A single light bulb, if not shielded, can
be seen from great distances and can be an annoyance to
neighbors who want to see the stars and naturally dark vistas.
This issue is so important that the High Desert Museum had a
special display about it earlier this year. The ice skating rink
within the Bend city limits is a good example of extremely poor
planning when it comes to light pollution, and it should never
have been approved. Open space shrinks daily almost
everywhere in Central Oregon. Far more effort should be made
to protect these landscapes because they provide recreational
opportunities and wildlife habitat. I think the planners for our
county should prioritize protections for the spectacular natural
environment that makes Central Oregon such a fantastic place
to live and to visit.
66 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Water use should be regulated with a firm hand. It is the
lifeblood to farming, ranching, and wildlife. These open
landscapes should be protected from developments such as
subdivisions, golf courses, and destination resorts which should
be prohibited on farm and forest lands.
67 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Water, Water, Water. Access to water for human consumption,
food production and wildlife is the top priority for the next 10
years. Wildfire prevention and protection is next. The state
does a good job of helping to keep the urban growth boundary.
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68 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
We need to add 1. Maintain connected wildlife corridors and
protect wildlife habitat. 2. Protect groundwater, prohibiting any
more draw from the aquifer for recreational purposes. 3.
Increase creative ways to recycle water so that clean drinking
water is not used as much to irrigate or for recreation.
69 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
We need to maintain farms, forests, and abundant clean water.
We need to stop approving development on farms, forests and
rangelands. Wasteful use of water should not be condoned,
especially for hobby farming.
70 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
We need to prioritize these as they will be increasing under
attack from lots of interest groups.
71 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
We need to rethink the way we allocate irrigation water. It's
stupid that I have irrigation rights on my 7-acre farm (growing
grass for two horses) when farmers in Jefferson County have no
water to grow crops and support their families.
72 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
We need to strengthen our protection of the water resources -
and increase all types of water conservation efforts (grey water
systems)
73 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
We need to support scientifically based shifts to current Oregon
water law that addresses lowering ground water levels.
"Beneficial use" definition needs to be refined to support the
above mentioned water goals.
74 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
Why is "forest products" listed as the first reason to protect the
forest? We should not continue to think of our precious forests
as a resource to be extracted, but one that MUST be protected
as our primary goal. I'd like to see this element of the goals
removed, or deprioritized.
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75 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
with a voter base in Deschutes County that is increasingly urban,
Deschutes County needs to proactively educate and engage the
urban population in rural land use. Farmers are aging out of
agriculture. To ensure that there are generations coming up to
work on and sustain ag businesses, the County needs to partner
with K-12 and post-secondary schools, farming organizations &
businesses, and researchers to promote ag skills, science, and
opportunities to children, teens and college students. Fostering
opportunities for diverse, urban populations to explore ag and
forestry occupations is important for the future of ag/forestry
opportunities in Deschutes Co. Incentivize cutting edge water
conservation technology, crop selection, and continuing
education for farmers by partnering with a diverse array of
community stakeholders. Facilitate solution-finding efforts to
explore environmental initiatives/laws that may be negatively
impacting water use over ag/forestry/natural resource use (i.e.
spotted frog, piping canals, etc). Increase the removal of ladder
fuels in our forests and incentivize fuels reduction in
neighborhoods by partnering with insurance companies to
promote effective practices.
76 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
YES!!! to water goals. No water, no Deschutes County. Keep
farms and forests. Our future livability depends on them.
77 Farm, forest, and
water thoughts
youre not doing them
1 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
A collaboration is needed to address our water issues for
irrigation
2 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Address the homeless camps on China Hat as they create a
threat with wildfires.
3 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
All buildings built with the best fire proof standards, roofs,
gutters, etc. REthink water use. No more golf corses unless only
watering green holes. No man made lakes.
4 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Better forest management is needed. Address homeless camps
on public land, this is a huge hazard on many levels.
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5 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Building codes should be changed to anticipate fires. Fire
resistant materials and designs are essential as fire danger
increases each year due to drought and climate change. No new
construction should be permitted at the forest interface. There
should be an increased focus on climate change, future
droughts, and wildfire threats. Any increases in the population
of rural areas exacerbates an already difficult water shortage.
Farmers do not have enough water for their crops, wells are
going dry, and increasing the number of people in any way on
rural lands would further deplete this precious resource. New
construction should not be allowed in areas of high wildfire risk.
Building codes should change to require fire-safety as a part of
building design. Build more wildlife passages beneath
highways/roads
6 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Climate change and the associated impacts from drought and
wildfire will only increase across the state, including central
Oregon. We need a comprehensive approach to direct
community development away from areas of high risk while
ensuring what already exists begins to transition towards a
mindset of living with wildfire and water conservation broadly.
The County should ensure that state efforts such as Senate Bill
762 are promoted are implemented within our region to the
greatest extent possible.
7 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Climate change is my biggest concern
8 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Community events to educate the residents about the plans to
deal with hazards/disaster and what the residents can do to
prepare and to safely escape a hazard
9 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Consider adding Goal 2: Evaluate natural hazard impacts when
developing Deschutes County rural areas.
10 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Disallow new development outside UGBs in high and severe fire
areas as mapped under SB 762. Channel all available wildfire
funding to home hardening, not fuel reductions.
11 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Drought should be our biggest concern we need to think about
water conversation and sustainable growth
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12 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Fire terrifies me.
13 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Fires and drought seem the biggest risks Need to educate people
about landscaping for fire mitigation and less need for water
Also encourage use of native plants
14 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
For years now we have watched and seen how wildfires destroy
complete neighborhoods and towns. They county must be
proactive in requiring firesafe structures in new construction.
Codes should include non-flammable siding, decks, eves, vents,
firesafe landscaping and buffer zones to isolate structures that
are not firesafe. Development near forests and other fuel-rich
areas should be discouraged or excluded from construction.
Earthquakes are not common here, but they can destroy large
areas and population centers. All new buildings should be built
to withstand these events.
15 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Goal 1 needs to be inverted with the caveat of "protect people"
being second to "hazards" (which are moot without addressing
climate change and ecological "sustainability)."
16 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Good goals
17 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
High levels of risk. Little is being done to mitigate risk. Cannot
continue to build in the wild land/urban interface.
18 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
I am most concerned about wildfire and am interested
mitigating their risks - of spreading, of their destruction.
19 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
I believe the County is leading the way in natural hazard
mitigation. However, new development should be banned or
severly limited in high risk areas. Developments like Tetherow
only increase the risk of natural disasters, so don't allow them to
be built.
20 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
I think drought and fires are most concerning. I would like the
plan to address these as a priority.
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21 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
I think the county is doing a fair job with this issue, although I
think more could be done. Specifically, more education and
incentives to appropriately thin the lodgepole thickets around
the county, and to counteracting the current misinformation
that tells people that large ponderosas are the 'cause' of
catastrophic wildfire and need to be logged. I also think people
need to be treated more like adults who, if they choose to live in
a wooded WUI need to accept the risk of such a choice and not
be allowed to convert the land into a west-Oregon suburb.
22 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
I think the Goal here is to vague. Is there a way to focus it more
as to what the county will be able to do to mitigate it? No way
to measure if this goal is working or not. Suggest: Goal 1:
Protect people, property, infrastructure, the economy and the
environment from natural hazards by preparing for wildfire,
drought, and winter storms through the funding and support of
...
23 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
I think the occurrence of natural hazards, especially wildfires,
have increased in the past 23 years. With the massive increase in
new construction, the County should be encouraging and
incentivizing water saving and fire preventative building and
landscaping techniques. Using native plants, xeriscaping, using
watersense plumbing fixtures, eliminating irrigation, fire rated
siding and roofing is all critical.
24 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
I think while a comprehensive natural hazard mitigation plan is
necessary, we should do more as a county to change the
systems that increase the frequency and severity of natural
hazards in the first place. More emphasis should be placed on
making the county carbon neutral.
25 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
I worry most about wildfire and drought/ water availability. I
think its very important we do everything we can to mitigate
wildfire as much as possible. I also think we need to be very
thoughtful about where our water goes - water for farming or
drinking is exponentially more important than water for golf
courses.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-93
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Number
Topic Comment
26 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
I'm encouraged with the work of Project Wildfire and Firewise.
We are working to harden our home and yard. I've noticed some
statewide materials emphasize lawns as firebreaks; however,
widespread use of water-intensive lawns is inappropriate in a
desert ( and drough). I'd like to see more examples using low
water options like xeriscaping, native plants and rocks.
27 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Improve proactive wildfire mitigation - thinning, prescribed
burns, free slash days, etc
28 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
It's fine—very broad. My biggest concerns are wildfires and air
quality. Second would be drought. I think we need to look at
what stars like Arizona and Nevada have done in some places in
terms of fire risk and water preservation in landscaping. Tahoe
would be an example of what to avoid in terms of lack of
sufficient escape routes and overdevelopment in the WUI. Also
local codes have not caught up with need for water wise
landscaping which is better for environment, including local
insects and animals, and conserves water.
29 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
limit sprawl to limit fire risk
30 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
More free dump days to reduce debris burning, proactively
manage water use to help mitigate drought issues.
31 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
More no cost green waste days at knitting landfill.
Alternatively- green waste pick up in the county. Recycling!
Please take glass from my house in the county. And expand
recycling services.
32 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
N/A
33 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Need to educate people about landscaping for fire mitigation
and also the use of native and drought tolerant plants
34 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
pipe all canals, active thinning in surrounding forests for fire
suppresion
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-94
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Topic Comment
35 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Prevent people from camping in the forests near us to avoid
wildfire. Do a better job clearing roads in Bend after snowfall. Do
our part to mitigate effects of climate change. Cut down on the
crazy development to save water.
36 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Properties that face irrigation issues are drying up. This creates a
significant risk of a wildfire that can take out cities. Better
planning can help protect these dense housing areas. When
moving the UGB boundaries, use existing man made boundaries
like paved roads and rivers as boundaries. This help provide a
fire break between subdivisions and the WUI. Currently we have
dry fuel right up to the back door of houses with not break at all.
It is a matter of time until we lose a whole city here in Central
Oregon.
37 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
real threat but somewhat out of our control
38 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Residents need additional Incentives to reduce excessive fire
loading, such as free yard debris disposal options and tax credits
for remediation efforts. Also, a significant number of people still
burn household trash, creating extremely toxic smoke that
spreads county-wide.
39 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Review climate change appropriate policy and actions to help
protect from increasing natural disaster events.
40 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Severe risk for our natural environment, safety, and property
values
41 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
The County should not approve any more subdivision of
properties in high risk wildlife zones (wildland urban interface).
Such areas include ponderosa pine and lodgepole forests or
forest edges. The county should act as though it would be
financial liable if a permitted property burned because of
wildfire.
42 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
The population needs to be better educated on these hazards. In
addition, what is the plan/how can the citizens prepare for the
eventuality of an earthquake/tsunami on the coast?
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-95
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Topic Comment
43 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
The urban-wildlife interface needs to be better identified for fire
mitigation purposes. The county's wildfire prevention programs
need to be expanded. The county need a longer range plan to
anticipate sheltering larger populations from the Coast in the
event of a Tsumani or other disaster.
44 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
There aren't enough regulations on what homeowners need to
do to maintain a safe property. Best I can tell there is no true
evacuation plan/ROUTE for the city of Bend which is bad.
45 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
There should be no new construction in areas of high wildfire
risk. Fire-safe design should be required in all new buildings.
Ignore complaints from newcomers coming from the upper
midwest or east who complain about inadequate snow removal.
Taxpayers shouldn't foot the bill for equipment and personnel to
quickly clear all streets and roads in a 100-year storm.
46 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
They need to change the antiquated assbackwards water right
laws. The idea that water is based on seniority from 100 years
ago is asinine. There needs to be a more equitable way to
distribute the irrigation water. They also need to give incentives
to people willing to "give back" their irrigation water instead of
forcing them to waste water or get penalized.
47 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Too much building is happening in the rural/forest interface.
48 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Water is limited, fire could destroy many structures.
49 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Water shortage is going to become worse and worse as the
population continues to grow and climate change intensifies. Far
more needs to be done to prohibit the development of
destination resorts, water ski parks, and other water guzzling
operations when farmers and current residents do not have
enough water even today. There may need to be a moratorium
on new wells. Building codes should be changed to anticipate
fires. Fire resistant materials and designs are essential as fire
danger increases each year due to drought and climate change.
No new construction should be permitted at the forest interface.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-96
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Topic Comment
50 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Water, coupled with sunlight, is the source of life. Water should
be central to every decision the planning commission makes.
51 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
We certainly have plenty! Wildfire safety, there's always more
to do...drought, I'd love to see if vertical farming could help
some of these families who are selling the farms because they
don't have enough water. But I'm only just learning about it.
52 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
we must be better prepared for drought conditions by being
better stewards of our water resource: - Promote use of grey
water systems, rainwater capture - Continue capping/piping of
irrigation canals - Restrictions on businesses (data centers) and
recreation activities (golf) that use large volumes of water
53 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
We must prioritize protecting the environment.
54 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
We need to be more proactive about this goal. We know these
hazards are not just possible, they're here or they're coming. We
need to address water rights and prepare for the Cascadia event
which will make our region the center for everyone
55 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
We're fucked
56 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
We've been lucky so far in Deschutes County in regards to
wildfire but the amount of juniper infilling is unprecedented,
resulting in increased fuel loading during a time of drought and
above-average temps. Thinning of juniper trees should be
encouraged by the county.
57 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
wildfire is at the top of my list
58 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Wildfire is probably the biggest threat, but so is smoke from
wildfires. The goal above is extremely generic so it's hard to
comment on that. What matters is how it's implemented. Is
wildfire risk being adequately considered in land use decisions
and in the building code? How is the County addressing the
need to reduce our carbon footprint which is contributing to
climate change (and the role climate change plays in continually
increasing our susceptibility to more wildfires in the future)?
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-97
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Topic Comment
59 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Wildfire is the biggest natural hazard threat facing Deschutes
County in the near future. It isn't hard to avoid disaster - limit
new development in fire prone areas and focus development
within the safety of established cities, where wildfire risk is the
lowest.
60 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Wildfire risk due to climate change needs much more attention,
especially related to permitting new development. Water
conservation measures and sharing programs must be taken
much more seriously. Water must be returned to the Deschutes
River.
61 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Wildfire risk must be one of the first concerns when deciding the
appropriate density for proposed development. Exit routes are
few on the westside.
62 Natural Hazard
Thoughts
Wildfires and dwindling water in our lakes and rivers are a
constant and ever increasing worry
1 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
Add more goals, add more historic sites
2 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
Continue to support
3 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
Develop modern cultural resources not just preserve old ones.
Bend and surrounding communities need performance space
and large venues for sporting events.
4 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
Development is inevitable. But major historic buildings and
landmarks (like Tower Theatre) must be preserved
5 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
Ensure that DEI is incorporated into the historic storytelling and
preservation
6 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
For a county this large, we should have 5, not 3, County
Commissioners. Some of these slots should be required to be
representatives of rural Deschutes. A total of only three
commissioners means that a single person can determine the
future of all the residents of Deschutes County.
7 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
Giving power to indigenous groups and following their lead for
land stewardship and curation.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-98
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8 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
Goal 1 is laudable and do-able. Let's continue to support it.
9 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
I am very interested in our PNW tribes and specifically the Warm
Springs.
10 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
I support the goal.
11 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
I think we need to be mindful of whose culture and history we're
focusing on. There needs to be more inclusivity of indigenous
people and people of color in what we define as significant
history and cultural resources. An impediment to doing this in
Deschutes county is that there are lot of overt MAGA
racists—it's purple here—but also a lot of cowardly liberal
white people that aren't willing to do anything or try to see
things from others' perspectives. Yes white people and lumber
barons have shaped the landscape but are those the narratives
that we want to hold up as heroic including in how we protect,
name, and recognize historic places. There is a real opportunity
to work with warm springs and to also include the chicano and
latino communities in the area. The high desert museum could
also be a good partner for any work done by the county, and the
HDM has demonstrated that it is going to continue to include
indigenous folks in its museum activities and exhibits.
12 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
I totally agree with the County's goals, but it seems the county is
prioritizing the preservation of Euromerican history and culture.
I would like to see indigenous land acknowledgement on city
and county buildings, street names, city entrance signs. I think it
would be fantastic for Deschutes County to work with the Warm
Springs Tribes on a land acknowledgement program and
educational signange detailing the history of native peoples in
Central Oregon.
13 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
I wasn't aware of these historic & cultural resources. Consider
adding the words "outreach" or "awareness" to the goal
statement.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-99
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Topic Comment
14 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
it would be lovely to promote and advertise visiting these sites
more proactively. The images above appear to have landmarks
that are in disrepair. It would be wonderful to engage the
community in efforts to restore and value these landmarks while
also communicating the story of people who lived in this region
before white settlement. These sites could provide an
opportunity to learn about modern history and the history of
this place before Western expansion. It would be wonderful to
partner with the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs to
erect some additional outreach kiosks in some of these areas to
educate the visitors to our region.
15 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
Love it
16 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
Love it! Keep it up!
17 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
our native American past is not even mentioned. Who had this
land before settlers moved here? This is important.
18 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
Preservation is where it all begins. Without that there isn't much
opportunity for education.
19 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
Preserve what reasonably can be preserved
20 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
seems fine
21 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
The Goal should be expanded to also protect significant historic
and cultural resources that are not designated but would likely
be eligible for such designation.
22 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
The historic and cultural resources MUST BE preserved in Central
Oregon and surrounding areas (Warm Springs).
23 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
There are no cultural resources in Deschutes County. Just white
people doing sports and drinking beer.
24 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
There is a vast array of historic and cultural offerings in
Deschutes County. Continue to make the best possible.
25 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
These are great goals to have.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-100
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Topic Comment
26 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
These can be found here, but they are not the components that
offer the rich diversity of the outdoors. Music venues at the
Hayden Homes Amphitheater does. This offers enough that little
time and money should be spent to embellish it further. The
High Desert Museum has a great section on history and other
cultural values. The Deschutes Historical Museum also has value.
Perhaps these two facilities are enough.
27 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
They should be preserved and used for recreational and
educational purposes.
28 Historic and Cultural
Resources Thoughts
Update Goal 5 inventory of historical and cultural resources and
adequately protect.
1 Transportation
Priorities
We need a system that actually serves the whole county.
Possibly something that could move some commodities as well
as people without that could reduce the truck traffic.
2 Transportation
Priorities
Updating roads to handle our increased traffic and provide bike
lanes on newly paved roads. For example, roads out east, like
Rickard Road, have recently been updated and paved, but a bike
lane was not included. This has always been a popular cycling
route. Because it was recently updated, tractor trailer traffic has
increased substantially on this road as has regular traffic due to
more people living in the area. It is scary to come across a cyclist
while driving this road. Why wasn't a bike lane put in?
3 Transportation
Priorities
Traffic flow. Bicycle lanes
4 Transportation
Priorities
Traffic congestion!
5 Transportation
Priorities
Traffic and speed on the main roads accessing Deschutes
County. Should roads be widened? Bike lanes on a lot of the
secondary roads, and access to these roads across busy main
roads.
6 Transportation
Priorities
To expand major arteries throughout the County. Develop a
road department that is actually prepared for snow when it
inevitable comes year, after year. Plowing is pathetic here.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-101
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Topic Comment
7 Transportation
Priorities
to encourage getting around without using a car.
8 Transportation
Priorities
The Bend/Redmond corridor. Get rail mass transit easements
set now for Bend to Redmond (including airport) to Sisters and
Lapine.
9 Transportation
Priorities
Take the traffic around the city not thru it. Create another east
west access crossing Make Wall and Bond in old town walking
only no traffic.
10 Transportation
Priorities
Supporting the anticipated growth over the next 50 years,
adapting to climate regulations for electric cars, and increasing
connectivity between Bend and surrounding cities.
11 Transportation
Priorities
Supporting non-gas powered modes of transportation: bikes,
walking, etc. How might these be a priority for how we design
our community? Pedestrian only zones downtown? Road design
that prioritizes people over cars? How might roundabouts be
friendlier to bikes instead of terminating the bike lane at the
entrance?
12 Transportation
Priorities
Safety and multi-modal use. I'm a big supporter of the
roundabouts going in on 20 and of the 97 realignment. I think
we need to do more to make biking and walking safe, which is
challenging in a land of lifted trucks. I would support higher
impact fees or something like that if possible for planned
communities, destination resorts, so that the county has enough
funding for maintenance.
13 Transportation
Priorities
safe systems and routes for alternate (non-single car)
transportation
14 Transportation
Priorities
Safe speed limits...current rural roads speeds are entirely too
fast
15 Transportation
Priorities
Road improvement especially hwy 20 and 97
16 Transportation
Priorities
Repair and maintenance of roads, in particular the east side of
town and not focusing on just the west side of town. Also,
increased safety measures on the hwy 97 corridor, especially
between Redmond and Bend.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-102
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Topic Comment
17 Transportation
Priorities
Remind drivers that none of these are their own private roads,
and it's not 2:00 am so they have to follow basic road rules. It's
not always the newcomers who drive crazy.
18 Transportation
Priorities
Reliable and convenient bus- to get around town/ DRW/ bend to
Redmond, bend to Prineville, bend to Tumalo etc. Public transit
option to get to mt bachelor: park in downtown (where you park
to float) and have buses that run with more frequency and
reliability. Regional rail: Train from Klamath to bend to
Portland…. Bend to Boise
19 Transportation
Priorities
Regional Transportation integration and use. Safe Bike Lanes on
major highways. Municipal parking and coordination with
private parking lots. E-Bike and alternative transportation use
routes and safety.
20 Transportation
Priorities
Reducing and slowing traffic, plus encouraging bike and mass
transit travel.
21 Transportation
Priorities
Reduced vehicle miles traveled by emphasizing alternative
modes of transportation and greater bicycle connectivity that is
not on active roads.
22 Transportation
Priorities
Reduce traffic congestion. Don't build houses until you have
rapid transit in place!
23 Transportation
Priorities
Public transportation and increased bike and walkability
24 Transportation
Priorities
Public transportation
25 Transportation
Priorities
Providing a strong system and well maintained system. Many
roads are dead ends or zig roads. This is from years of lack of
planning for future growth. The amount of money spent on
traffic circles is ridiculous when roads are not maintained. Look
at other countries, circles are not the fix to traffic congestion.
Those countries have had to add traffic light on the circles are
well.
26 Transportation
Priorities
Provide a good public transportation network. Reduce traffic
congestion.
27 Transportation
Priorities
Prioritize walkability and bikeability in cities. Expand or improve
public transportation systems.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-103
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Topic Comment
28 Transportation
Priorities
Preparing for electric vehicles Better bus service Bike paths or
lanes
29 Transportation
Priorities
Need better and safer facilities for bicycle and other active
transportation modes to access jobs, retail and other daily trips.
Need public transit system that's convenient, quick and
responsive to the needs of inter-city home to work trips
30 Transportation
Priorities
Multi-use trails connecting communities
31 Transportation
Priorities
moving cars efficiently
32 Transportation
Priorities
More public transportation. Account for the increased
population with our roads. Find a way to keep homeless out of
our forests beyond the 14 day limit, which could mean gates on
forest service roads.
33 Transportation
Priorities
More investment on pedestrian access and public transit. 1 in 3
Redmondites commute to Bend daily (I'm one of them). To
maintain regional economies, inter-city access needs to be
possible for workers without a vehicle. A daily commute for
work this summer cost people up to $400/month. Bend lacks
service workers because we live in Redmond and can't afford to
commute to Bend for $15/hour.
34 Transportation
Priorities
More bike/pedestrian friendly, low/no emission commuter rail
system in central Oregon.
35 Transportation
Priorities
More bike pedestrian off-road trails
36 Transportation
Priorities
More bike paths that are separated from the road
37 Transportation
Priorities
More affordable public transit is truly needed. The limited bus
service in Bend is quite successful and offers rides within the city
limits. The neighboring communities like Tumalo, Sisters,
Redmond, and La Pine would benefit from good public
transportation as well. If the service were coordinated with the
same times that traffic is bad in Bend, like at 7:30 am, 10 am,
noon, 3 pm and 5:30 pm, it would help with congestion as well.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-104
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38 Transportation
Priorities
minimizing sprawl so that there isnt additional impact to the
roads; making it safe and easy for people to get around without
having to own a car
39 Transportation
Priorities
Minimize traffic: What about park-and-ride places for those in
outlying areas like Tumalo, La Pine, and Sunriver to reduce the
number of vehicles on the roads? Affordable public transit
between Redmond and Bend and Bend and Sunriver could limit
vehicle use. Mt. Bachelor Ski Area should provide free bus
service to and from the mountain throughout the day. That road
in winter can be insanely crowded. This generates a huge carbon
footprint, yet there is a simple solution. If the managers
complain about costs, they could simply add a few dollars to
each ski ticket to cover the expenses.
40 Transportation
Priorities
Minimize rural nonfarm growth to reduce traffic. Support
transit, walking, and biking between and inside urban areas.
41 Transportation
Priorities
Mass transit and walking/biking
42 Transportation
Priorities
Making updates to roads and infrastructure that actually make
sense. There are certain parts of town where road projects have
been going on for over 5 years. Also, this is one of the most
unsafe places to bike, I realize there are bike lanes but people
drive like they don't exist and trying to bike downtown is just
asking to get hurt. If you're going to start building 3-6+ story
apartment complexes like we have all over the west side you
need him to have infrastructure to support that. Adding
hundred/thousands of units near major round-abouts with
single lane roads will only continue to contribute to the
nightmare of traffic that already exists
43 Transportation
Priorities
Make transportation available from/to more areas of Bend.
44 Transportation
Priorities
Make it easier to get around without a car - that will do the most
to alleviate congestion and improve quality of life.
45 Transportation
Priorities
Maintaining safe, navigable roadways
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-105
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Topic Comment
46 Transportation
Priorities
Maintaining safe roads. Foster the reduction of car trips
(prevent sprawl).
47 Transportation
Priorities
Maintaining existing roads (no new lanes) and improving transit
and bike per infrastructure, Also recognizing that land-use is one
of the biggest drivers of transportation demand, so keeping all
new development of workforce and housing in concentrated
cities
48 Transportation
Priorities
Maintain and improve, do not expand.
49 Transportation
Priorities
Less emphasis on bicycles, not practical for most people
50 Transportation
Priorities
Keep the traffic flowing, develop mass transit options,
encourage bike use.
51 Transportation
Priorities
Keep a focus on having traffic flow, fix areas like Reed Market
and 9th to be less dangerous. Roundabouts are a good thing.
52 Transportation
Priorities
Increased car-friendly areas and parking structures
53 Transportation
Priorities
Increased capacity on highly traveled roadways.
54 Transportation
Priorities
Improving road conditions and bike lanes.
55 Transportation
Priorities
Improve traffic flow through Terrebonne Redmond Bend and
Sisters
56 Transportation
Priorities
I'd ride my bike more if there were pathways separate from
roadways. We've all watched inattentive drivers, and I don't feel
safe sharing the road with them. Completely separate pathways
would be so much safer, and I think they'd get a lot of use.
57 Transportation
Priorities
I'd like them to continue installing roundabouts. Also need to
focus on Reed Market Road, it's unsafe to take a left onto it from
side streets as it's always busy. It's a main thoroughfare and
isn't set up for that amount of traffic.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-106
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58 Transportation
Priorities
I think the parkway is outdated for the growth in Central
Oregon. Traffic entering from a dead stop through the
downtown area. Stop lights. Crosswalks. Homeless camps along
the parkway and major off ramps.
59 Transportation
Priorities
I love the open spaces in Central Oregon, and recognize that
rural living typically means further driving and less infrastructure
in general. However, I do think more emphasis could be placed
in Bend and Redmond on public transportation and safe bike
lanes. We all know that the traffic in Bend can be horrendous,
and I fear that Redmond is trending in that direction with the
"islands" of housing being created.
60 Transportation
Priorities
Fix the potholes. keep the lines painted. resurface older roads.
Remove those dedicated roads that aren't used or maintained
by the county and thereby increase revenue
61 Transportation
Priorities
Fire evacuation plans seem to be non-existent or not public. As
we build housing we need to consider how to get people out of
the cities.
62 Transportation
Priorities
Find ways to support transportation access that don't depend on
passenger cars
63 Transportation
Priorities
Exploring public transportation from LaPine and Sunriver to
Bend and across Bend.
64 Transportation
Priorities
Ensuring that everyone has safe and convenient multi modal
options, not just single occupancy vehicles.
65 Transportation
Priorities
Ensuring connectivity between N/S and E/W without massive
delays, and adding public transport to assist those without cars,
etc., to allow them to efficiently travel to and from work.
66 Transportation
Priorities
Ensuring adequate roadways to keep up with those areas in the
county that are growing the fastest.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-107
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67 Transportation
Priorities
Encouraging the use of bicycles and foot traffic is admirable, but
it simply is not practical during cold, stormy, inclement weather.
Our community will continue to provide for traffic from cars and
buses. Increasing the availability of public transportation to
reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads would be
helpful. What about park-and-ride places for those in outlying
areas like Tumalo, La Pine, and Sunriver? Affordable public
transit between Redmond and Bend and Bend and Sunriver
could limit vehicle use. Mt. Bachelor Ski Area should provide free
bus service to and from the mountain throughout the day. That
road in winter can be insanely crowded. This generates a huge
carbon footprint, yet there is a simple solution. If the managers
complain about costs, they could simply add a few dollars to
each ski ticket to cover the expenses.
68 Transportation
Priorities
Developing commuter options for people who live in
unincorporated communities such as Alfalfa, Terrebonne, and
other hamlets that do not have any public transportation
infrastructure. Maintain the safety and quality of existing road
systems.
69 Transportation
Priorities
Concentrated transit from town to town and in urbanized areas
70 Transportation
Priorities
Bike lanes/safety
71 Transportation
Priorities
Bike lanes to connect all communities.
72 Transportation
Priorities
Bike lanes or biking streets. Use what can be learned by studying
Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. Most people use bikes to get
around because they feel safe on the paths and streets. Here in
CO it is too scary to ride.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-108
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73 Transportation
Priorities
Better cycling infrastructure. Roundabout at hwy 20/o.b. Riley in
Tumalo (why was that removed from the current
improvements? That intersection is so dangerous and
roundabouts are great passive traffic calming measures). Chip
seal roads and the bare-mininum two strip reseals are
dangerous for cyclists and motorcyclists. Repave roads properly
so they last longer.
74 Transportation
Priorities
affordable, easy, frequent mass transportation. we have the rail
lines. do it now before more growth. this will cut down on car
traffic, allow those without good vehicles to get to work in
inclement weather, reduce traffice congestion etc.
75 Transportation
Priorities
Adequate public transportation within city limits or close by, and
along the Hwy 97 and Hwy 20 corridors. Plenty of park and ride
lots adjacent to stops along those corridors.
76 Transportation
Priorities
Actual working public transportation that allows people to get to
work without their cars.
77 Transportation
Priorities
Acknowledge that not everyone rides a bike or is comfortable
using public transportation. Safe roads and enforcement of
traffic laws
78 Transportation
Priorities
Accomodating growth. The growth occurring has been known
for a long time and is taking off at a fast rate and the
transportation is not keeping up. You can't just add an
apartment building on every corner and just put in a new round
about and think that solves the problem. also, with zone
changes comes new houses and traffic. I think that
transportation needs to be integral and coincide with
development. You shouldn't be able to develop at this rate
without a tranportation plan to accomodate.
79 Transportation
Priorities
A better view as to keeping the existing roads in good shape and
"PLANNING" for future increased travel on these roads. Lots
needs to be done in this area. 97 cannot handle the traffic
volume and that overflow is being pushed onto Old Bend
Redmond road. Address this as well as a eastern truck route
around Bend to get truck traffic off of 3rd street.
80 Transportation
Priorities
1) Safe options to improve nonmotorized access throughout the
county 2) Better enforcement of speed limits
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Topic Comment
81 Transportation
Priorities
1) Planning and updating roadways as needed to effectively and
safely handle the expected vehicle traffic capacity in future
years. 2) Designing roadways that provide for safe usage by
bicycles where appropriate.
1 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Your survey is confusing. This category is not listed among the 7
main topics. I put my comments about this important subject
under farms and forests but now see that I can put them here. I
will include them one more time below because for me, this is
probably the highest priority category: Natural Resources and
Wildlife The wildlife habitat updates for elk and eagles, along
with the one for mule deer should be prioritized. No new
developments should be permitted without first completing this
effort. Rural lands are heavily used by many species of wildlife. It
is critical to minimize human activities and construction in areas
important to wildlife, so these overlays should be completed as
soon as possible to help with future planning based on scientific
research, not the desires of greedy developers. Many people
cherish the wildlife in Central Oregon and would love to see
more. Legal trapping may have been appropriate at one time in
this area, but it is no longer. Dogs get caught in traps. Bobcats
and other furbearers have more value alive than as pelts. As
drought remains an annual constant, we need beavers more
than ever to restore habitat that will retain moisture. A dark sky
ordinance that is enforced is desirable for rural lands and for the
city of Bend as well. Light pollution is the easiest pollution to
reduce if people simply pay attention. It threatens the health
and populations of species that depend on the dark including
insects, migrating birds and even humans. Down-facing outdoor
lights that do not illuminate areas beyond the home dwellers'
property should be required. Timers and motion sensors can
also limit light pollution. A single light bulb, if not shielded, can
be seen from great distances and can be an annoyance to
neighbors who want to see the stars and naturally dark vistas.
This issue is so important that the High Desert Museum had a
special display about it earlier this year. The ice skating rink
within the Bend city limits is a good example of extremely poor
planning when it comes to light pollution, and it should never
have been approved. Open space shrinks daily almost
everywhere in Central Oregon. Far more effort should be made
to protect these landscapes because they provide recreational
opportunities and wildlife habitat. I think the planners for our
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-110
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Topic Comment
county should prioritize protections for the spectacular natural
environment that makes Central Oregon such a fantastic place
to live and to visit.
2 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Work with indigenous peoples to restore the habitat
3 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
with too much population growth, there will be no room for
open space and wildlife habitat
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-111
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Number
Topic Comment
4 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
With increased people and traffic, we have increased the
problems for wildlife. Goals regarding caring for the wildlife
should be a priority as opposed to killing anything deemed to be
a threat because it is in our space or ignoring the historical
wildlife corridors.
5 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Wildlife overlays should be completed as soon as possible to
allow for better planning. To avoid conflicts, no developments
should be allowed before these habitat maps are finalized and
approved. The natural resources of Central Oregon are priceless
and are a big part of what makes this area unique. These wild
landscapes should be protected for recreation, scenic beauty,
and wildlife.
6 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Wildlife migration corridors, particularly where those area may
conflict with increasing development or transportation routes
7 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
wildlife habitat updates should be completed as soon as possible
8 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
wildlife Goals
9 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
wildlife goals
10 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Wildlife Goal 2: Why is economic benefits of wildlife a goal!? I'd
like to see us not think about profit when it comes to wildlife.
11 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Wildlife corridors under highways
12 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Wildlife corridors / under/over passes are needed
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-112
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Number
Topic Comment
13 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Wildlife Areas
14 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Wildlife areas
15 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
wildlife areas
16 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
wildlife areas
17 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Wildlife areas
18 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
wildlife areas
19 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Wildlife
20 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Wildlife
21 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
wildlife
22 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Wildlife
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Topic Comment
23 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Wildland Urban interfaces need special treatment where the
UGB meets county land. Defensible space should be encouraged
around these areas. Forest thinning on county land (if
applicable) should be funded. I see Tetherow constantly
watering the open-space with huge amounts of water. I imagine
this is for fire suppression concerns, but seems wasteful in how
it is applied (i.e. during the heat of the day and firehose type
"sprinklers").
24 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Wildfire mitigation
25 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
wildfire
26 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Why do people want to live in Deschutes County. Because it is
beautiful. The update should include a "Deschutes the
Beautiful" road side trash mitigation plan and dump the Adopt
the Road, Adopt the Highway for the nonsense it is, an
advertising program that conntributes to visual pollution.
27 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
We need to make maintaining our Natural Resources and Open
Spaces a huge priority! It feels like it has fallen in priority
because we have so many new people here now.
28 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
we need as much open space as we can get.
29 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
We are failing at achieving these goals in Deschutes County.
30 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Water use and use of piping for agricultural/irrgation for
farming.
31 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Water use and limiting housing, resorts or other human
habitation in ecologically sensitive areas.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-114
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Number
Topic Comment
32 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Water use and fish habitat protection
33 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Water conservation
34 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Water
35 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Use thoughtful design for developments, including maintaining
native trees.s
36 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Updating wildlife inventories
37 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Updating wildlife inventories
38 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Updated wildlife inventories for all species and prohibiting all
conflicting uses within their habitats.
39 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Update wildlife corridor maps and respect them in the
permitting process
40 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Update the wildlife overlays NOW and make sure they are
monitored to restrict development. For example: Coyote
Canyon (Tumalo, off of Tyler Road) 160-acre property has been
approved for three residences, even though it is a MAJOR elk
and deer habitat. With all the people, dogs, outbuildings, and
motorized vehicles that will result, the elk will lose a vital
resource. This is a huge mistake.
41 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
ungulate habitat restoration
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Topic Comment
42 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Try to protect more wild areas that currently arent protected
43 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Those are all good and lofty goals. If we were actually paying
attention to them we would not be so surprised by the number
of cougars showing up in our neighborhoods.
44 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Thin jackpine
45 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
These goals mean nothing if we continue to develop at this pace.
46 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
There should be some language for improving wildlife conditions
within town, such as encouraging native plant landscaping,
discouraging fences that block wildlife movement, etc.,
47 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
The goals here are good, but need to kept up to date with the
growing population and drought conditions.
48 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
The goals as stated remain viable today.
49 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
The County must take its natural resources, wildlife, and open
space goals seriously: commit to these goals, support them, and
uphold Oregon's land use laws.
50 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
teach young people not to litter
51 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Sustainability
52 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Supporting endangered species
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Topic Comment
53 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
support urban growth boundaries; discourage sprawl
54 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Support retaining populations of Federal and State protected
endangered species.
55 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Support retaining populations of Fed and State protected
species
56 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Support research and retention of populations of Federal and
State species which are considered 'of concern,' endangered,
threatened, or declining.
57 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Support protection of endangered species, including habitat
protection
58 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Support Land Management (land trusts)
59 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
support Federal and State lands and endangered species
60 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Support endangered species
61 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Stop giving away open space to developers
62 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Stop development in and near core habitats.
63 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Stop degrading it with development and roads/trails. No new
subdivisions or destination resorts. There are too many
disruptive mountain bike trails. Maintain open space and views.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-117
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Topic Comment
64 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Smart, mixed-use of natural resources
65 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Skyline forest protection from development
66 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Skyline Forest
67 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Science-based ecology
68 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
scenic views
69 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Sage-grouse habitat in eastern Deschutes county
70 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Rivers and wetlands
71 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Riparian areas and other water resources such as springs and
ground water recharge points
72 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Restoring the natural flow of the Deschutes River
73 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Restoration of natural hydrology to Deschutes river
74 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Resource protection
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-118
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Number
Topic Comment
75 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Remove Juniper trees
76 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Reduction of golf courses on county land. Enforce/create water
use rules.
77 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Reduce light pollution and enforce dark sky standards
78 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Recreational benefuts if wildlife & habitat will have economic
benefits - eg fishing tourism o
79 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Recreation fragments and displaces wildlife.
80 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Public access
81 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Provide better options for reducing trash dumping and
increasing enforcement on public lands.
82 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
protection of the land
83 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Protection commercial interests
84 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Protection
85 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Protecting wildlife resourses
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Number
Topic Comment
86 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Protecting open spaces
87 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
protecting open space and scenic areas from development
88 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
protecting open space and scenic areas for recreation
89 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat
90 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat
91 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Protect/create migration corridors and greenspaces to aid
wildlife moving through the landscape and reduce
human/wildlife conflicts.
92 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
protect wildlife
93 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Protect wilderness areas from being overwhelmed by too
many people need to
94 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
protect waterways & quality
95 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
protect water resources
96 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Protect the aquifer as the glaciers go down and decrease pull on
the aquifer
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Number
Topic Comment
97 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Protect Skyline Forest from development!!!
98 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
protect scenic vistas
99 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Protect rivers from nearby development
100 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Protect recreational options on public lands while prohibiting
homeless camps in these areas.
101 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
protect our waters
102 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Protect open spaces and wildlife
103 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Protect open space limiting rural development and increasing
connected wildlife habitat
104 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Protect open space & scenic views and sites
105 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Protect open space
106 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Protect open lands and spaces
107 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Protect and restore animal habitats
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Number
Topic Comment
108 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
protect
109 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Property rights should be first. If open space on private property
is desired by the county, then the property owner should get
discounted taxes. Public Lands should be better maintained-
better scientific forestry practices- composted wood/forest
create heat and increase wildfire danger. Harvest the timber!
Junipe Trees are invasive, non-native & water sucking!
110 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
promoting economic impacts of wildlife and nature
111 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Promote well-being of wildlife and habitats
112 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Promote the intrinsic ecological and economic benefits of
wildlife and habitat.
113 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Promote the economic and recreational benefits of wildlife and
habitat.
114 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
promote recreation in our open spaces
115 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
promote recreation
116 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Promote economic and recreational benefits of wildlife and
habitat
117 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Promote economic and recreational benefits
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Topic Comment
118 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
promote
119 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Privately owned open space and natural resource tracts such as
Skyline Forest on Bend's western edge
120 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Preventing the urban/suburban sprawl that places like
Sacramento, Boise, and Phoenix are experiencing is the MOST
essential way to protect our natural resources. Urban Sprawl
degrades our social, economic, and enviromental sustianability.
Preventing urban sprawl in Central Oregon will protect wildlife
migration routes, water resources, open space, and the rural
economy. Stop changing zoning from farm/forest land to rural
residential. It's degrading our natural resources and open space.
121 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Prevent urban sprawl and development of wild areas.
122 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Preserving wild areas from motor vehicles and grazing
123 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Preserving access to natural resources while balancing need to
protect wildlife
124 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Preserve wildlife habitat
125 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Preserve wildlife and help wildlife flourish in DC
126 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Preserve wild spaces and natural areas outside of our cities
127 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Preserve recreational access to public land
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Number
Topic Comment
128 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Preserve open space
129 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Preserve natural areas such as parks and wild lands within cities
130 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Preserve as much open space as we can
131 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Preserve as much open space as we can
132 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Preserve as much open space as we can
133 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Preservation, conservation
134 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Preservation
135 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Phil's trail
136 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
people dumping garbage
137 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
ordinances to reduce light pollution should be required for all
structures and these rules should be enforced
138 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
ordinances to reduce light pollution should be required for all
structures and these rules should be enforced
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-124
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Number
Topic Comment
139 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Open spaces, etc
140 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Open Spaces
141 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
open spaces
142 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
open spaces
143 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Open spaces
144 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Open Spaces
145 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Open spaces
146 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
open spaces
147 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Open spaces
148 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
open space should be protected
149 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Open space goals needs to be updated. Our open spaces are
being ruined by people who don't have outdoor space etiquette.
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Topic Comment
150 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
open space
151 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
none of these goals will be maintained if the city continues to
allow sub-dividing and allowing mass production of homes in
open spaces
152 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
No more destination resorts
153 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
No conflicting uses in riparian and wetlands resources.
154 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
No conflicting uses in inventoried open spaces and scenic
corridors.
155 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Need to drastically increase preservation/conservation of water.
156 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Near smith rock
157 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
natural resources and open space is one of the things that
makes our area special. It is important to me to protect animal
habitats, support a diverse native environment, and protect our
land for animals, the environment, and our community
158 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
natural resources
159 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Natural Resources
160 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
natural resources
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-126
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Number
Topic Comment
161 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
natural resources
162 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Natural Resources
163 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Mule deer
164 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Mt Batchelor and surronging high lakes
165 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
More properties are being developed and fenced off, further
limiting the movement of wildlife, particularly large mammals
like elk and deer. Fences and structures may eliminate access to
suitable habitat or migratory routes. Wildlife friendly fencing
should be used by the county.
166 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
More parks
167 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
More controlled burns.
168 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Minimize water use in planning
169 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Minimize intrusive development
170 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Manage deer populations
171 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Make sure to include all wildlife, such as birds, rabbits, etc. not
just deer and elk.
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Topic Comment
172 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Make skyline forest a public natural space. Protect it from
development.
173 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Maintaining wildlife habitat
174 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Maintaining our wildlife habitats
175 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Maintaining it and preventing overuse/overcrowding
176 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Maintaining greenspace and old growth trees , especially in new
developments
177 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Maintaining cleanliness and public accessibility to lakes, streams,
and rivers.
178 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Maintain wildlife
179 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
maintain the natural environment
180 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Maintain protection of publicly owned land, and protect more
lands through public and public/private partnerships
181 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
maintain healthy wildlife
182 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Maintain diversity of wildlife and habitats
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Topic Comment
183 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
maintain and protect current wild areas.
184 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Maintain and enhance ecological diversity
185 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Maintain and enhance a diversity of wildlife and habitats.
186 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Maintain and enhance a diversity of wildlife and habitats.
187 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Maintain and enhance a diversity of wildlife and habitats
188 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Maintain and enhance a diversity of wildlife and habitats
189 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
maintain and enhance a diversity of wildlife and habitats
190 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Maintain and enhance
191 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Listening to the recommendations of ODFW and updating
wildlife inventories
192 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Limit the impacts of infrastructure and recreation on wildlife.
193 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
limit endangered species
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Number
Topic Comment
194 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
leave things natural if possible
195 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Keep trees
196 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
keep the wildlife areas
197 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
keep the open spaces
198 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Keep some natural spaces natural by increasing fees for use
199 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Keep open space open. Once developed, open space is lost
forever. This is the defining characteristic of the West. Let's keep
it.
200 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Invasive weeds are a big issue, especially cheat grass. I am
astounded at how much is at the trailheads in the county. And
with so many dogs in the area, this is a dangerous thing.
201 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Intact and connected wildlife habitat
202 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Increase public transit to trail heads.
203 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Improving access
204 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Improve stream flows in upper deschutes river
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Number
Topic Comment
205 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Improve protections of wildlife migration routes
206 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
I'd like Wildlife to exist here 20 years from now. It feels less and
less likely, but proactive protections for resident species could
help.
207 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
I would like to see a limit on the spending in this area. There are
many more pressing issues that must be addressed. With limited
resources, this falls to near the bottom of the list.
208 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
I understand the housing crisis that its obviously a tough
problem to solve but I think one thing I find important is making
sure we don't sacrifice our natural spaces and wild areas in our
cities for the sake of housing development.
209 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
I think we should harvest juniper
210 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
I see too many disturbing trends already happening . I would
strongly advise to greatly curb development, protect our wild
places, water ways and wildlife. Make Dark Skies ordinances
enforceable. This is why we are here. If we wanted city life, we
would have stayed in the city. Please don't destroy our lovely
wild places.
211 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
I don't like wildlife goal number two. What does that mean? It
sounds like a fancy way of saying we're not going to protect
wildlife. Economic and recreational benefit don't need a boost.
We need to mitigate against those impacts. Please work with
and look at the work of conservation orgs like DLT and UDWC.
We need more land in trust and more preservation and
restoration efforts like what they're doing. The opposite
outcome we should avoid is another ranch at the canyons.
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-131
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Number
Topic Comment
212 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
I disagree with the above statements about abundant wildlife,
habitat, and native species. Mule deer in particular have been
declining statewide and in Central Oregon, and though we have
winter range and migration corridors mapped we have done a
poor job of considering and planning for actual habitat
connectivity that facilitates animal movement. Furthermore, the
fact that we have native plant species remaining in some parts
of the county are less a product of policy and more a function of
fortune. Invasive species are rampant in many places, and the
region remains quite passive with respect to invasive species
management on both public and private land. Finally, water
resources continue to be poorly managed, with few policies in
place to either encourage efficient water use or discourage
inefficient use. The advancements in water conservation that
have occurred are entirely the result of non-profits (e.g. the
Deschutes River Conservancy) or law-suits (e.g. for the Oregon
spotted frog) rather than pro-active policy at the city or county
level.
213 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
I agree… but we have NOT been doing a good job the last 5
yrs!
214 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
habitat connectivity
215 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Goal 1: Maintain and enhance a diversity of wildlife and habitats.
216 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
goal 1
217 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Goal 1
218 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Goal #3
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Number
Topic Comment
219 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Goal #1
220 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Generally speaking, I think our perspective about natural
resources and open spaces is inherently flawed. The way these
goals are worded is from the perspective of things we are above,
instead of a part of. If we consider ourselves as part of the
natural world, instead of beneficiaries of it, policies regarding
natural resource management will inherently adopt a more
holistic approach.
221 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Funding wildlife jobs
222 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Forests
223 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Forests
224 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Forest/open space conservation
225 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Focus on protecting key migration corridors
226 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Figure out the water rights issues so wildlife doesn't suffer
(fishkill in the Deschutes)
227 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Expansion when available
228 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Ensure protection of open spaces
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-133
Ref
Number
Topic Comment
229 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Enjoyment of wildlife and natural areas are what draws people
here. Working to create wildlife friendly human habitats is an
opportunity for all of us.
230 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
enhance fish habitat
231 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Enforcing permits
232 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
enforce the existing laws and not keep adding additional laws
that will not be enforced
233 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Endangered species are very important but there is sparse
evidence that government can ensure the protection of
endangered species on a planet with soon, 8 billion people and
human desires to own and control. It is a big dilemma that I
admit but require changes in human behavior.
234 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Encouraging and incentivizing the use of alternative energy
sources in commericial and residential construction to preserve
our climate and air quality in the long-term
235 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
encourage fencing in farm and other rural areas that allows
wildlife passage without harm
236 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Encourage development in cities to protect the county.
237 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Eliminating shooting and hunting in highly used recreation areas
and near residential areas.
238 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
educate
239 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Don't sell off public lands for new developments!
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-134
Ref
Number
Topic Comment
240 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Don't kill the wildlife
241 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Don't convert large private acreage properties far away from the
city into large acre lots or suburban neighborhoods.
242 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Do you have any other thoughts about Natural Resources and
Open Space for the comprehensive plan update? Â
243 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Do not allow the Thornburgh or other resorts to take up more
open space and further limit recreational opportunities for all.
244 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Do not develop
245 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Diversity of wildlife and habitats.
246 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Diversity of wildlife & habitat
247 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Desert
248 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Deschutes River/Cascades Lakes
249 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Deschutes county is an amazingly beautiful place and needs to
be protected Once it's gone it's gone
250 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
dark sky efforts
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-135
Ref
Number
Topic Comment
251 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Dark skies initiatives to prevent light pollution.
252 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Create more protected areas
253 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Coordinate with property owners to ensure protection of
significant open spaces and scenic views and sites.
254 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Coordinate with owners to protect significant open spaces and
scenic views.
255 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Controlling too much traffic of wildlife habitat areas.
256 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Continue to put deer traffic controls in
257 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
continue to protect the wildlife and endangered species
258 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Continue goal 3
259 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Continue goal 1
260 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Conserving water usage and leaving water in our aquifers and
rivers
261 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
conserve water by limiting development
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-136
Ref
Number
Topic Comment
262 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
concentrating growth within the Bend UGB, not increasing
development in rural Deschutes
263 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
common efforts to help in these efforts.
264 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
clean water and air
265 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Clean up of the homeless
266 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Clean up and remove the homeless camps.
267 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
China Hat, Juniper Ridge, and other homeless camping needs to
be addressed as there's fire danger, human danger, and
destruction of natural areas.
268 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Center indigenous voices
269 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Caring for and restoring BLM land by preventing further
dumping in places like China Hat as well as homeless camps
270 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Build a biomass
271 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Be mindful of wildlife habitat when deciding on building
projects, roads, etc.
272 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Be aggressive in the protection of open space and resources
DRAFT Open House and Online Survey Summary – Appendix C Page C-137
Ref
Number
Topic Comment
273 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Along rivers and tributaries
274 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Along cascade lakes highway
275 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Again, water is our most important natural resource. Central
Oregon has experienced 10 years of drought. Nothing I have
read leads me to believe this trend will be reversed. Make
preserving water foremost in development decisions.
276 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Addressing dark-sky lighting issues would benefit rural residents
as well as migrating birds an other wildlife.
277 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Actually protect the habitat that is proposed by ODFW.
278 Natural Resources
and Open Space
Priorities
Acquire more open space