2010-2614-Minutes for Meeting August 20,2007 Recorded 5/13/2010COUNTY OFFICIAL
NANCYUBLANKENSHIP, COUNTY CLERKS
COMMISSIONERS' JOURNAL 05/13/2010 10:08:35 AM
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Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960
(541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org
OF WORK SESSION
DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 2007
Present were Commissioners Michael M. Daly, Dennis R. Luke and Tammy
Baney. Also present were Dave Kanner, County Administrator; Mark Pilliod and
Laurie Craghead, County Counsel; George Kolb, Road Department; Susan Ross
and Teresa Rozic, Property & Facilities; Anna Johnson, Communications; Tom
Anderson and Peter Gutowsky, Community Development; Darwin Thurston and
Lee Smith of LIGI; Chris Stollar of the Bulletin and Andy High of Central Oregon
Builders ' Association. No other citizens were present.
Chair Daly opened the meeting at 1: 30 p. m.
1. Overview of Ramifications of Reintroduction of Steelhead in Local
Waterways.
Commissioner Luke said that meetings with cities, counties and irrigation
districts are taking place regarding the reintroduction of steelhead. Direction on
how to be involved is needed from the Board.
Peter Gutowsky stated that there will be opportunities to collaborate on
planning and to be proactive. They need to secure services from professionals
in the field of endangered species protection plans. A lot of planning has to
take into account the antonymous fish. The possibility of having to leave
additional water in the rivers is a concern to the irrigation districts. The scope
deals with water supplies and quality.
There will be an emphasis on integration of responsibilities. These include
water quality, ground water and surface water, and water temperature. Also
addressed will be storm water permits and pollution limits, sewer treatment
plants, water intake, road and bridge construction, weed spraying and
revegetation, and so on. It will be an ongoing process.
Minutes of Administrative Work Session Monday, August 20, 2007
Page 1 of 5 Pages
2. Discussion of Sales Agreement Language for La Pine Industrial Park
Property.
Darwin Thurston and Lee Smith of La Pine Industrial Park, and Susan Ross,
discussed the sale of property and language meant to protect the County and the
purpose of having the property available. They want to avoid having someone
buy property just to `flip it' and profit from it.
They discussed an offer to put in storage units. Mr. Smith said that this would
not be the best use of the land, as the goal is to create jobs.
After a brief discussion, it was determined that if earnest money is placed for a
sale and the buyers are unable to complete the purchase, 10% of the earnest
money will be forfeited to cover costs.
3. Update of Land Issues.
In regard to the sale of property discussed during executive session, the
following action was taken.
LUKE: Move the sale of property as discussed, with staff to confirm there
will be guaranteed access to all properties through an easement.
BANEY: Second.
VOTE: LUKE: Yes.
BANEY: Yes.
DALY: Chair votes yes.
Teresa Rozic said that Bend Habitat for Humanity has asked for ten acres on
which to build in 2009. She looked at the inventory, and all they need is 3,200
square feet. There is a strip of land off Portland Avenue that is about 3,750
square feet, but is very steep and rock, and only 25 feet wide.
Another location is Sisemore and McKinley, off Silver Lake, near other Habitat
homes. The lot is about 4,500 square feet, and is also very narrow. She will try
to get a value of these properties.
Minutes of Administrative Work Session Monday, August 20, 2007
Page 2 of 5 Pages
The Terrebonne lot has been cleaned up. Redmond Habitat got it in 2005, and
they put it on the market recently. She talked with the executive director who
said that his board deliberated the situation and decided they wanted to buy
property in another, more stable residential area. At a Planning Commission
meeting in October 2006, the people had wanted to change the zoning to
commercial since it backs up to Highway 97. However, there is no access to
Highway 97 and the zoning will be hard to change.
She indicated that they are agreeable to putting a reversionary clause on the new
property.
4. Economic Development Grant Requests.
"Branding Downtown Redmond" was granted $1,000 each by all three
Commissioners.
5. Update of Commissioners' Schedules; Meeting Details.
The Board was advised that the Ochoco Clinic has fired its bookkeeper, as the
books were $250,000 off. Building fund money was diverted into operations or
some other place. The County has no jurisdiction in this matter, but it could
affect the La Pine Clinic operation. There is a meeting on this satiation tonight,
and a professional audit is being done.
Commissioner Baney said that she received a letter from the DEQ regarding
south County groundwater issues, who asked that the Board go to Salem to
meet. Commissioner Daly suggested that staff handle it at this point.
Commissioner Luke added that the DEQ doesn't really want to meet at all.
However, the agenda and discussion items may not be the same.
Dave Kanner suggested that staff attend and report back to the Board.
Stephanie Hallock will probably say very little, and Jodie Hammond might do
all the talking. Perhaps one Commissioner might attend with staff.
Minutes of Administrative Work Session Monday, August 20, 2007
Page 3 of 5 Pages
Commissioner Baney asked how things can be discussed candidly in this
situation. She does not want the Board's time to be wasted again. DEQ has to
provide some answers. There needs to be a date set up in September when the
DEQ representatives can come to the County instead.
Mr. Kanner will contact them.
In regard to the increased landfill tipping fee, Mr. Kanner said that two
Commissioners will need to vote to hold the increase in abeyance until either
October 1 or January 1. It remains at September 1 unless the Board takes other
action.
Commissioner Baney stated that she hopes they can come up with an SDC or
something else by the first of the year. She wants to drag this out as long as
possible.
Commissioner Luke said that this is letting another governmental entity dictate
how the County operates. This is taking too much staff time, and is damaging
relationships. They need to make a decision and move on. They would not be
able to collect enough money from SDC's for years, and it will not offset the
losses.
Commissioner Baney asked about a $10 increase. Commissioner Luke said that
they can justify the increase due to wear and tear of the roads, but not more than
$5.
Commissioner Baney said she prefers a January 1 start date. Commissioner
Luke said that September 1 is too soon, but October 1 would be okay.
Commissioner Daly was undecided, but stated if Redmond is all right with
October 1, he would agree to that. Mr. Kanner stated that the haulers are aware
it won't be September 1, but know it is coming.
6. Other Items.
Commissioner Daly asked about a property exchange with the Department of
State Lands. None of the 1,800 acres near Redmond was ever offered to them
in trade. It is in urban reserve except for a little in City limits. The County
wants to have control of enough to do something with the land when it does
come in. The City does not have land to trade and no way to buy it.
Minutes of Administrative Work Session Monday, August 20, 2007
Page 4 of 5 Pages
Commissioner Baney said that the City should make it clear what its needs are.
She asked what the DSL has to trade, or what they want.
Commissioner Daly stated that the County needs the 320 acres near the
Fairgrounds. The DSL will look at just about anything, and are waiting for the
County to make an offer.
Commissioner Baney noted that there is no residential component in DSL land.
Commissioner Daly said that it is just value for value. The parcels may not be
the same size or use. A racetrack company may be interested in land there, and
this was in the original master plan for the Fairgrounds. Commissioner Baney
said that it would be good to hear from the DSL what it is they want.
Being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 3.30 p. m.
DATED this 20th Day of August 2007 for the Deschutes County Board of
Commissioners.
Michael M. Daly, Chair
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Dennis R. Luke, Vice Chair
ATTEST: Tammy Baney, Commi 'oner
If . Gjw-~.
rt
Recording Secretary
Minutes of Administrative Work Session Monday, August 20, 2007
Page 5 of 5 Pages
G
40 -A
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960
(541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.ora
WORK SESSION AGENDA
DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
1:30 P.M., MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 2007
Overview of Ramifications of Reintroduction of Steelhead in Local Waterways
- Joe Stutler & Peter Gutowsky
2. Discussion of Sales Agreement Language for La Pine Industrial Park Property -
Susan Ross
3. Update of Land Issues - Teresa Rozic
4. Economic Development Grant Requests - Susan Ross
5. Update of Commissioners' Schedules; Meeting Details
6. Other Items
PLEASE NOTE:
At any time during this meeting, an executive session could be called to address issues relating to: ORS 192.660(2) (e), real property negotiations;
ORS 192.660(2) (h), pending or threatened litigation; or ORS 192.660(2) (b), personnel issues
Meeting dates, times and discussion items are subject to change. All meetings are conducted in the Board of Commissioners' meeting rooms at
1300 NW Wall St., Bend, unless otherwise indicated,
if you have questions regarding a meeting, please call 388-6572.
Deschutes County meeting locations are wheelchair accessible.
Deschutes County provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.
For deaf, hearing impaired or speech disabled, dial 7-1-1 to access the state transfer relay service for TTY.
Please call (541) 388-6571 regarding alternative formats or for further information.
I 401b.
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DESCHUTES RIVER
CONSERVANCY
DESCHUTES 11513 LAND'IRWr
Contacts:
For Immediate Release
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Brad Nye - Deschutes Basin Land Trust - 541.330.0017
Ryan Houston - Upper Deschutes Watershed Council - 541.382.6103
Tod Heisler - Deschutes River Conservancy - 541.382.4077 ext.19
Sisters, Oregon - This week, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and
the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs released 200,000 steelhead fry into Whychus
Creek. These releases are a milestone in the effort to reestablish salmon and steelhead
runs in Whychus Creek and other area streams. The restoration of salmon and steelhead
passage at the Pelton Round Butte dams presents an unprecedented opportunity to restore
fish and wildlife habitat on a regional scale.
Recognizing that the restoration actions required to support reestablishment of salmon
and steelhead would be both diverse and complex, the Deschutes Basin Land Trust,
Upper Deschutes Watershed Council and the Deschutes River Conservancy developed a
coordinated conservation and restoration program designed specifically to support the
reestablishment of these fish runs.
In keeping with their established missions, each of these three groups is addressing a
specific conservation or restoration need identified by the program, which includes
specific actions for the priority stream reaches in the reintroduction area. On Whychus
Creek, the Deschutes Basin Land Trust is working cooperatively with private landowners
to protect Whychus Creek and its floodplain. The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council is
restoring degraded stream reaches and working with landowners to eliminate fish passage
barriers. The Deschutes River Conservancy is working with landowners and the Three
Sisters Irrigation District (TSID) to improve strearnflows. The coordinated restoration
program combines the strengths of these three groups together with ODFW, PGE, the
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and TSID to carry out the focused and strategic
restoration actions necessary to bring salmon and steelhead back to Whychus Creek for
the first time in almost 40 years.
Steve Marx, acting Deschutes District Watershed Manager, states that "involvement of
these local groups is critical to achieving the fish management goal of re-introducing
sustainable populations of summer steelhead and Chinook salmon in the Deschutes
Basin. Success of the reintroduction relies on the cooperative and multi-faceted approach
to habitat restoration, protection of the lands adjacent to the streams as well as
streamflow restoration provided by the DRC, DBLT, and UDWC,."
Pelton Round Butte, constructed in 1964, is jointly owned by Portland General Electric
and the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs and is the only hydroelectric project in
the U.S. co-owned by a Native American tribe and a utility. PGE provided state-of-the art
fish passage facilities at the dams, but downstream passage ultimately failed due to
swirling currents in Lake Billy Chinook, the reservoir behind Round Butte Dam. The
initial federal license for the Pelton Round Butte expired in 2001. In, 2005, the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission issued PGE and the Tribes a new operating license.
Restoring fish passage at the dawns is the centerpiece of the new operating license.
Here are the missions of the non-profit organizations working on the coordinated
restoration program:
Deschutes Basin Land Trust - Protecting special lands for present and future
generations by working cooperatively with landowners and communities.
Upper Deschutes Watershed Council - Protecting and restoring the watershed through
collaborative projects in watershed stewardship, habitat restoration and community
awareness.
Deschutes River Conservancy - Restoring streamflow and improving water quality.
2
The Nugget Newspaper I Steelhead fry swim in Whychus Creek
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http://www.nuggetnews.com/print.asp?ArticlelD=l 3032& Secti on 1 D=S.
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Tuesday, May 1:3, 2007
Steelhead fry swim in Whychus Creek
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
steelhead fry wiggled into the waters of Whychus Creek as more
50 people looked on. The fry are tiny, but the import of the event is
The two-day release marks the culmination of years of work to
the fish back to Whychus Creek after a nearly 50-year absence.
'he creek is being restored after nearly a century of abuse that ranged
min removing instream flow to use for irrigation, reshaping its banks to
ttempt to control it, building dams that cut off fish migrations and
estroying riparian growth through construction and recreation.
w The area of the creek that was chosen for the planting of the steelhead
Tiny steelhead fry will eventually fry is adjacent to where Camp Polk Road crosses Whychus Creek, not far
go to sea and return. photo by Craig from Aspen Lakes Golf Course. This area has well-developed riparian
May growth, and the water course is natural, allowing for small pools of
slowing moving water.
Critical to the release was the restoration of riparian growth and instream water flow, as well as a more
natural stream flow.
"We have been working on increasing habitat. If we don't have the habitat, releasing the fish won't mean
anything," said Mollie Chaudet, a member of the board of directors of the Deschutes Basin Land Trust,
which manages a large area of Camp Polk Meadow.
Although there has been greater public awareness over the last year, the work that led up to the release of
the fish has been a steady process for many years, involving extensive planning and, in some cases, the
spending of considerable sums of money to attempt to undo the damage that was wrought over the last
century.
The dollar cost of restoration does not always have to be high according to some community members.
"Fifteen years ago when we got involved in this property, we took the cattle out and let the stream go back
to establishing its meander," said Matt Cyrus, owner of one of the pieces of property where the fry were
released. "It has reestablished a natural state, whereas other properties are spending hundreds of
thousands of dollars to try to create what we have allowed the stream to do naturally."
The steelhead fry released in to Whychus Creek are tiny and have just lost their yolk sacks. They are still
very young, only recently emerging from the gravel in which they were spawned. The fry are just beginning
to swim and explore their environment. This gives the fish a jump start on the natural process as in
nature.
1 of 2 7/18/2007 11:21 AM
The Nugget Newspaper Steelhead fry swim in Whychus Creek http://www.nuggetnews.com/print.asp?ArticiclD=13032&ScctionlD=S.
"We have been working for a number of years to get to this point, but these steelhead came from summer
steelhead that spawned in February - March. It has turned out that we are going to release just under
200,000. There will be a lot of selective pressure on these fish, but the survival rate should be much higher
than it would be in nature," said Steve Marx, the acting Deschutes watershed manager for the Oregon
Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The fish were specially prepared for the two-day event.
"The fish are chilled so they use less oxygen, and oxygen is put in the bag with them. Then, when we get to
the stream, we warm them to the same temperature as the stream before we put them in. Fortunately, it is
a little overcast today so that the stream is not too warm for them. We don't want to shock them," said
Nate Dachtler, the Forest Service team captain of Saturday's release crew.
"Survival rate in nature is pretty low. You are looking basically to replace the two spawning adults. You
are lucky if you get a small excess. The adults lay between 1,500 and 3,000 depending upon the size of the
fish, so when you are looking at how many return to spawn, you can see that it is a pretty low percentage.
With these hatchery fish, they have a real advantage since in nature a lot of the eggs never survive in the
gravel to become fry," said Dachtler.
No one is sure when the fish will return to the Whychus Creek as adults ready to spawn and restore the
natural cycle to the stream. It is guessed that it will be between three and five years. It will be "one to two
years before they smolt (a physical change) and go to sea. They will probably spend two years at sea before
they return. The Deschutes Basin mostly has two salt fishes. There are some one salt and a few three salt
fishes, but they are pretty rare," said Dachtler.
The restoration of the creek has involved the mutual efforts of individuals, commerce and organizations all
of which have had different interests but cooperated for the greater good. Without this broad alliance, the
events on Whychus Creek could never have happened. "Cooperation is the future of conservation," said
Chaudet.
Related Links
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2 of 2 7/18/2007 11:21 AN
US 97 WORLD WAR II VETERANS HISTORIC HIGHWAY COMMITTEE
Allan R. "Dick" Tobiason, Chairman
LTC US Army Retired
22325 White Peaks Drive
Bend, OR 97702
541 388-5591
dobiason@bendcable.com
July 30, 2007
Our Committee will. be sending the attached letter to the Director of the Oregon
Department of Transportation (ODOT) requesting US 97 in its entirety from Biggs
to the Oregon/California line be designated the "WORLD WAR II VETERANS
HISTORIC HIGHWAY". Our letter provides information we believe justifies the
request to honor Oregon's WW II veterans and install twelve (12) WORLD WAR
II VETERANS HISTORIC HIGHWAY signs at specified WWII historic places on
US 97. This notice is being sent to all individuals and organizations listed in the
attached letter.
We respectfully request you review the proposal and support it by sending a first
class letter with a copy by email if possible to me before August 31. All letters of
support will be attached to the letter to ODOT when it is sent in early September.
The request will be made on behalf of all who support it and with their names
listed in an up to date attachment to the letter to ODOT.
Your letter, on your letterhead can simply state you have reviewed the WORLD
WAR 11 VETERANS HISTORIC HIGHWAY proposal (attached letter) and
vigorously, wholeheartedly, etc. support the proposal. Please add background
information about yourself or your organization, why the highway designation is
important, and any information on the role of US 97 during WW II we may not
have included.
If you have questions or comments, please call me at 541 388-5591 (cell phone
541 390-9932) or contact me by email at dtobiason@,bendcable.com. Please also
let me know of any other organizations and individuals you believe would likely
support this proposal. We will inform all who support the proposal ODOT's
response to our request.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Q -
Sincerely,
Chairman
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
AOMINISI RATION
Page 1 of 2
Bonnie Baker
From: Dave Kanner
Sent: Friday, August 03, 2007 8:46 AM
To: Bonnie Baker; Dennis Luke; Mike Daly; Tammy Baney
Subject: RE: Media Release: DESIGNATING US 97 WORLD WAR II VETERANS HISTORIC HIGHWAY
This appears to be a request for a letter of support. Schedule for discussion at the August 20th p.m. work session.
Dave
From: Bonnie Baker
Sent: Friday, August 03, 2007 8:39 AM
To: Dave Kanner; Dennis Luke; Mike Daly; Tammy Baney
Subject: FW: Media Release: DESIGNATING US 97 WORLD WAR II VETERANS HISTORIC HIGHWAY
Does anything need to be done regarding a letter?
thanks,
bonnie
From: Dick Tobiason [mailto:dtobiason@bendcable.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2007 12:02 AM
Subject: Media Release: DESIGNATING US 97 WORLD WAR II VETERANS HISTORIC HIGHWAY
Below is a media release from the US 97 WORLD WAR II VETERANS HISTORIC HIGHWAY Committee.
Attached is our "cover" letter and the July 30 letter mentioned in the release.
Thanks for helping to publicize this long overdue honor to Oregon's WWII veterans and the vital role US 97 in
Oregon played during WWII.
Dick Tobiason
541 388-5591
cell 541 390-9932
MEDIA RELEASE
IMMEDIATE
CONTACTS: Dick Tobiason, 541 388-5591 Cell 541 390-9932
Lee Flegel, 541 923-6989
PROPOSAL TO DESIGNATE US 97 WORLD WAR II VETERANS HISTORIC HIGHWAY
A group of Central Oregon veterans proposes that ODOT designate US 97 in its entirety in Oregon the "WORLD
WAR II VETERANS HISTORIC HIGHWAY" to honor Oregon's WW II veterans and the vital and historic role
US 97 played during WWII.
Twelve signs displaying that name would be installed at each end of the highway, and at prominent locations on US
97 at Madras, Redmond, Bend, Sunriver, and Klamath Falls where WWII history was made during the latter part of
WWII.
8/3/2007
Page 2 of 2
US 97 was the main north-south artery used during WWII by military training units in Madras (Madras Army Air
Base), Redmond (Redmond Army Airfield), Prineville (Army pilot training), Bend (pilot training, lumber mills,
military housing, hospital, vehicle repair shop, and USO center), Sunriver (Camp Abbot and Oregon Maneuver), and
Klamath Falls (Naval Air Station and Marine Barracks).
Committee Chairman Dick Tobiason, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, Vietnam veteran, and military historian
said "Over two hundred thousand Army, Army Air Corps, Navy and Marine personnel trained here on the high desert
during WW H before shipping overseas for combat. This area had the largest concentration of WW H training in the
Pacific Northwest. Unlike other states, Oregon has not designated or named a highway to specifically honor its
113,000 WW II veterans who served and the 2,835 who died during WWII. Only 46,000 WWII veterans of the
"Greatest Generation" are living in Oregon today and they are dying at the rate of about 15 each day. All but a few
will have vanished from our midst in 10 years or so. We must honor all of them and the vital role US 97 played during
WWII. We have a grand opportunity to do both at the same time."
A letter to be sent to ODOT signed by the Chairman and Vice Chairman Robert D. Maxwell was sent to Central and
Southern Oregon historical organizations, local governments, veterans groups, state representatives and senators,
civic groups, and ODOT District Managers located along US 97 from Wasco to Klamath Falls on July 30. The letter
was also sent to other history and veterans organizations throughout the state. Mr. Maxwell is an Army WWII
veteran (Technician 5th Grade) and the only Medal of Honor recipient living in Oregon. The Committee requested
recipients of the letter to support the proposed highway designation by sending letters of support to the Committee by
August 31. The Committee plans to send the proposal and supporting letters to ODOT in early September. Lee Flegel,
an Air Force First Lieutenant and Korean era veteran and Trustee Emeritus of the Oregon Military Museum
Foundation is the Committee's Secretary.
Tobiason emphasized that the proposed highway designation is an honorary designation and as such no addresses or
road names need to be changed if ODOT approves the proposal.
A copy of the July 30 letter is attached.
8/3/2007
US 97 WORLD WAR II VETERANS
HISTORIC HIGHWAY COMMITTEE
Allan R. Tobiason, Chairman
LTC US Army Retired
22325 White Peaks Drive
Bend, OR 97702
541 388-5591
July 30, 2007
Robert D. Maxwell, Vice Chairman
Tech 5, WWII Recipient Medal of Honor
1001 SE 15t}' St. #44
Bend, OR 97702
541 388-1753
Mr. Matthew Garrett
Director, Oregon Department of Transportation
355 Capitol St. NE
Salem, OR 97301-3871
Dear Director Garrett:
We historical organizations, local governments, civic groups, veterans
organizations, and individuals respectfully request ODOT designate US 97
from Biggs, Oregon to the Oregon/California border "WORLD WAR II
VETERANS HISTORIC HIGHWAY". We understand that would be an
honorary designation and no maps, addresses, or the official name would be
changed. Letters and emails from organizations in Sherman, Jefferson,
Deschutes, and Klamath Counties and elsewhere in Oregon supporting this
request are attached.
We thank you for your recent decision to honor the request of Southern
Oregon veterans to designate SR 62 from Medford to US 97 as "Veterans
Memorial Highway". Our proposal compliments that highway designation.
OREGON'S WW II VETERANS SHOULD BE HONORED:
Our nation's WW II veterans have become known as the "Greatest
Generation". Sixteen million American veterans served during that war with
400,000 dying during the war. Now, three fourths of the 16 million veterans
have died and the remaining 4 million are dying at the rate of 1,100 each day.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Oregon is home to
approximately 357,000 living veterans representing about ten percent (10%)
of the state's total population. About 46,000 of them are WW II veterans.
They are dying at the rate of about 13 per day meaning all but a few of
Oregon's (and the nation's) WW II veterans will have vanished from our
midst in the next ten years or so. Oregon's last WW I veteran died this year.
During WW II, approximately 113,000 Oregonians served in uniform and
2,835 of them died. The State of Oregon has not honored them with a
memorial highway as other states have - notably California, Oklahoma,
Virginia, Nevada, and other states. Designating US 97 in part a WW II
Veterans Highway will at long last honor all Oregonians who served their
country in uniform during WW II. Two hundred twenty one (221) WW II
veterans from the four counties traversed by US 97 died during WW II.
Oregon's Korean War and Vietnam War veterans are honored with grand
memorials in Wilsonville and Portland. With about 46,000 living WW II
veterans, it is not too late to honor all of Oregon's WW II veterans by simple
honors such as signs in prominent public places on US 97. US 97 was
selected as their "memorial" highway because of the vital historic role it
played during WW II.
US 97 HISTORIC ROLE DURING WW II:
During WW II, US 97 was vital to military training activities here in Central
and Eastern Oregon including the Oregon Maneuver (sometimes referred to
as the Northwest Maneuver), the final training exercise for three Army
infantry divisions and supporting troops before committing them to combat.
The maneuver was lead by Major General Alexander M. Patch with
headquarters located at Camp Abbot, now Sunriver. Approximately 100,000
troops trained in the maneuver over eight million acres of public and private
land located in seven counties and astride US 97. It was the largest WW II
training exercise in the Northwest.
Camp Abbot located on US 97 was also the training site for 90,000 combat
engineers and served as headquarters for the Oregon Maneuver. Camp Abbot
was developed into Sunriver after WW II. The Officers' Club built there
during the war remains in use as the "Great Hall". A small museum at the
Sunriver Nature Center displays WW II activities at Camp Abbot.
2
A new bridge and interchange at milepost 172 on US 97 is being constructed
to serve this growing community located on the grounds of Camp Abbot.
Army pilots trained at Bend Airport. An Army repair depot, Army hospital,
USO organization, and officer housing complex were located in Bend. Bend
supported Camp Abbot and the Oregon Maneuver with civilian personnel and
services. The lumber mills in Bend worked day and night supplying the
military with lumber and ammunition boxes as they did in WWI. US 97 and
the railroad provided the means to deliver these vital wartime products. The
former Army officers' quarters are still in use. The Army vehicle repair
facility is now used by the US Forest Service and is visible from US 97.
Redmond Army Airfield was located near US 97 just south of Redmond.
Pilots trained in P-38, B-17, and other aircraft there and supported the Oregon
Maneuver. Redmond AAF became Roberts Field after WW II and has
provided scheduled airline service since then. Both WW II runways and one
WW II aircraft hangar remain in use.
Madras Army Air Base was located in Madras near the junction of US 26
and US 97. Pilots trained in P-38, B-17, and other aircraft there. Several WW
II hangars are still in use as is the main runway.
Prineville's airport was built for Civilian Pilot Training in US Navy N3N
aircraft. Portions of the WW II runway, office, and hangar are still in use.
Navy pilots trained at Klamath Naval Air Station. Marines also trained at
the Marine Barracks at Klamath Falls, which is located on US 97. The 173rd
Fighter Wing, Oregon Air National Guard operates fighter aircraft at Kingsley
Field named in 1957 to honor WW II Medal of Honor recipient 2nd Lt. David
R. Kingsley. Scheduled airline service is provided at the WW II airport.
US 97 was commissioned in 1934 and was the only north - south highway
connecting the above military units with their higher headquarters in
Pendleton, Portland, and Ft. Lewis (Washington).
Culver native I" Lt. Rex T. Barber was a WW II Army Air Corps fighter pilot
credited with shooting down Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, architect
of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Lt. Barber
received the Navy Cross and two Silver Stars for his heroic actions then and
later.
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The new bridge on US 97 crossing the Crooked River was named the Rex T.
Barber Veterans Memorial Bridge in 2003 on the 60th anniversary of the
historic Yamamoto Mission. It replaced the adjacent 1926 "high bridge" on
US 97, which was heavily used during WW II. A kiosk in the adjacent Peter
Skene Ogden State Park displays Colonel Barber's military and civilian life
and Gov. Kulongoski's proclamation naming the bridge.
The Cal Butler Veterans Memorial Parkway at the Redmond airport connects
US 97 with Veterans Way. Maj. Cal Butler, a native of Redmond was a WW
lI fighter pilot and prisoner of war (POW).
The only recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor living in Oregon is
WW II US Army veteran T/5 Robert D. Maxwell. Mr. Maxwell a long time
resident of Redmond and Bend is Vice Chairman of our committee.
Deschutes County Road 42 connects US 97 to the Cascade Lakes Highway
(Route 46) and crosses the Robert D. Maxwell Veterans Memorial Bridge
south of Sunriver.
As mentioned earlier, Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls was named for WW II
veteran 2nd Lt. David R. Kingsley who received the Medal of Honor for valor
during WW II. David Kingsley was killed in action on June 23, 1944 after a
bombing mission over the oil fields of Ploesti, Rumania. Memorials to Lt.
Kingsley are displayed at Kingsley Field.
Thus US 97 can also be identified with several WW II veterans who have
been honored by the military and local government as well as the WW II
training activities described above.
The Deschutes Historical Center's "Heroes of the High Desert" military
display located in Bend exhibits Central Oregon's WW II history. It and the
Redmond Historical Commission are the major sources of the above historical
information. Some of the WWII buildings described above have been
designated as historic.
Eight Blue Star Memorial Highway markers were installed on Oregon's
portion of US 97 after WW II. Four of the signs are no longer present
including those at both ends of US 97. Three are located in rest stops making
them visible only to travelers who visit rest stops.
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Only the marker installed on US 97 at Madras is visible to travelers
(northbound on US 97). No other Blue Star Memorial marker is visible from
US 97. We urge ODOT and the Oregon State Federation of Garden Clubs to
reestablish the missing markers.
Coincidentally, US 97's southern terminus in Oregon is at the Francis S.
Landrum Historic Wayside, which commemorates the Applegate Emigrant
Trail, the southern portion of the Oregon Trail. Thus, the proposed WORLD
WAR II VETERANS HISTORIC HIGHWAY which would also end there
will be a fine compliment to Oregon's earliest transportation history about
one hundred years before the end of WW 11. This Wayside is a. Klamath
County park funded in part by ODOT and dedicated in 1996.
We chose not to request I-5 or I-84 be designated a WW II Veterans
Memorial or Historic Highway not because they did not exist during WW II,
but because we want to identify and preserve the historic role US 97 played
during WW II and honor Oregon's WW II veterans at the same time.
We estimate twelve (12) signs would be required on US 97 in Oregon placing
one on each end of US 97, two signs (opposite sides of the highway) near the
intersection of US 26 and US 97 at milepost 95 in Madras, two signs in
Redmond at Veterans Way, two signs on the ends of the Bend Parkway, two
signs near the new bridge at milepost 152 serving Sunriver, and two signs in
Klamath Falls at milepost 279 near the road leading from US 97 to Kingsley
Field.
We recommend signs of the design ODOT installed at the Rex T. Barber
Veterans Memorial Bridge (three feet high by four feet wide signs with brown
background and white lettering). Smaller signs at Madras, Redmond, Bend,
Sunriver, and Klamath Falls should be attached below them to identify the
local WW II activity: Madras Army Air Base, WWII; Redmond Army
Airfield, WWII; Army Hospital, Lumber Mills, and USO Center, WW 11
(Bend); Camp Abbot and Oregon Maneuver, WW II (Sunriver); and Klamath
Naval Air Station and Marine Barracks, WWII.
We hope you will agree that US 97 played a vital role during WW II and
Oregon's WW II veterans should be honored sooner rather than later. To our
knowledge, no Oregon highway has been designated or named to specifically
honor an Oregon WW II highway or WW II veterans. We request ODOT
waive any naming criteria and fees.
5
By copy of this letter, we respectfully request the President, Oregon
Geographic Names Board provide advisory recommendations on our proposal
to the Director, Oregon Department of Transportation with a copy provided to
this Committee.
With ODOT approval, we would like to plan multiple simultaneous
dedications of the WORLD WAR II VETERANS HISTORIC HIGHWAY
signs on June 6, 2008, the 64th anniversary of "D-Day", the Allied Invasion
of Europe that led to victory in Europe, a major historic event of the 20th
century. We believe the signs will cause increased public awareness of local
WWII history and visits to museums.
We appreciate your consideration of our proposal. Please contact us if there
are any questions or comments.
Respectfully,
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Cc: ODOT Region 4, District 9, 10, 11 Managers
Jim Willis/Director Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs
Champ C. Vaughan/President, Oregon Geographic Names Board
Dr. George L. Vogt, Oregon Historical Society
Rep. Greg Walden, Sen. Gordon Smith, Sen. Ron Wyden
Representatives and Senators from Sherman, Jefferson, Deschutes, Klamath
Counties
Oregon Departments: American Legion, Disabled American Veterans,
Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars
Oregon Council of Chapters Military Officers Association of America
Oregon State Council Vietnam Veterans of America
Individual Veterans Service Organizations from Wasco to Malin
Jerry Barnes, Former Chairman, Southern Oregon "Veterans Memorial
Highway" Ad hoc Group
Oregon Military Museum & Foundation
Pacific Northwest Historical Group
George Chandler, Second Yamamoto Mission Association
Bev Clarno Aloha Kendall Ray Vanderhoof
Richard Van Hoomissen Louis McArthur
Rick Meyers Phil Richart Gerry Egland
Mrs. Jack Brown Bill Tolke Ken Jernstedt
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Gary Halvorson
Jan Iseli
Dale Potts
Mack Gardner
Lyle Cox
Leon Pantenburg
Ed Eberle
Rick Peters
Mark Hemstreet
Mike Donohue
Curt Lantz
Paul Patton
Organizations on or Near US 97 Requested to Support Designating Oregon's
US 97 "WORLD WAR II VETERANS HISTORIC HIGHWAY"
(listed from north to south)
WASCO:
Wasco City Council
MORO:
County Court, Sherman County
CONDON:
American Legion Post 25
N4Ai TPIN-
American Legion Post 73
Antelope:
American Legion Post 60
WARM SPRINGS:
American Legion Post 91
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
Lodge 1869
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4217
MADRAS:
Madras City Council Board of County Commissioners
Jefferson County
American Legion Post 125 Jefferson County Historical
Commission
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 2017
PRINEVILLE:
Prineville City Council Crook County Court
Crook County Historical Society
American Legion Post 29 Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1412
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 1814
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REDMOND:
Redmond City Council Redmond Historical Commission
American Legion Post 44 VFW Post 4108
Rotary Club
SISTERS:
Sisters City Council American Legion Post 86
BEND:
Bend City Council Board of County Commissioners
Deschutes County
Deschutes County Historical Society Deschutes County Historical
Landmarks Commission
American Legion Post 4 Disabled American Veterans Chapter 14
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1643 Central Oregon Chapter, Military
Officers Assoc. of America
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 820
Central Oregon Veterans Council
Greater Bend Rotary Club Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks Lodge 1371
Bend Chamber of Commerce Bend Downtowners
SUNRIVER:
Sunriver Nature Center
LA PINE:
La Pine City Council
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7242
KLAMATH FALLS:
Klamath Falls City Council
Klamath County Historical Society
American Legion Post 8
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1383
Rotary Club
MALIN:
American Legion Post 84
American Legion Post 45
Vietnam Veterans of America
Chapter 821
Board of County Commissioners
Klamath County
Klamath County Chamber of
Commerce
Disabled American Veterans of
America Chapter 12
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
Lodge 1247
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6147
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