2024-271-Minutes for Meeting August 05,2024 Recorded 9/23/2024BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS
1300 NW Wall Street, Bend, Oregon
(541) 388-6570
Recorded in Deschutes County CJ2024-271
Steve Dennison, County Clerk
Commissioners' Journal 09/23/2024 3:07:58 PM
J'S ES
I
FOR RECORDING STAMP ONLY
BOCC MEETING MINUTES
1:00 PM
MONDAY August 5, 2024
Allen Room
Live Streamed Video
Present were Commissioners Patti Adair, Tony DeBone and Phil Chang. Also present
were Deputy County Administrator Erik Kropp; Deputy County Administrator Whitney Hale; Senior
Assistant County Counsel Kim Riley; and BOCC Executive Assistant Brenda Fritsvold.
This meeting was audio and video recorded and can be accessed at the Deschutes County
Meeting Portal webpage www.deschutes.org/meetings.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Adair called the meeting to order at 1:00 pm.
CITIZEN INPUT:
• Brooke Dilley said her family was given 20 minutes to evacuate their home last
Friday due to a fire which started at juniper Ridge. Saying that the fire danger in this
area is very real, Dilley said neither the County nor the City have taken appropriate
measures to protect people and property from fires which start in encampments.
She proposed either clearing these properties of encampments or creating more
defensible space between the encampments and nearby residences. Stressing that
last week's fire jumped the railroad tracks and the road, she urged the selection of a
solution and an expedited timeline for its implementation to address this very
unsafe and untenable situation.
The Commissioners spoke to funds available for creating defensible space and the
availability of shelter space to relocate campers.
BOCC MEETING
AUGUST 5, 2024 PAGE 1 OF 8
• Jeff Burgin shared his experience of being in California when he heard of a fire a few
miles from his house. Saying he believes fires are being started by persons who live
in dispersed encampments, he said this must be addressed.
Commissioner Chang responded that 90% of wildfires are started by human activity,
including pile burning, fireworks and target shooting. He said any efforts to eject
people from unsanctioned camping sites when they have nowhere else to go will
only result in them camping elsewhere.
Commissioner Adair agreed that more needs to be done to protect against fires that
start in encampments.
• Jill Martinusen corroborated remarks made by the previous two speakers and
agreed that the encampments should be cleared and defensible space established.
• Jenny Lingard was hopeful that existing camping codes will now be enforced as it's
ciear that the status quo is not working. Noting that the fire near La Pine in June
could have been worse, she urged enforcement of County and City camping
restrictions, advised the declaration of an emergency regarding wildfires, and said
camping should be prohibited near the chemical plant.
AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Grant opportunity to explore the development of a recreational
campground on County -owned property at Fort Thompson Lane
Jen Patterson, Strategic Initiatives Manager, reminded of the opportunity to
submit an application for grant funding to explore the development of a
recreational campground on County -owned property at Fort Thomspon Lane.
She delineated two options for moving forward to develop a masterplan, saying
the first is to pursue funding for a masterplan that would not include addressing
the issue of access to the property. The other option is to seek a grant which
would result in a detailed masterplan with an artistic rendering of a potential
campground and also provide for a traffic study that would explore possible
access point(s) to the property.
In response to Commissioner Chang, Patterson confirmed that for either of these
scenarios, significant public engagement would happen after the plan was
developed.
Commissioner DeBone suggested that the Board determine a vision and mission
for this proposal, saying it is important to be clear on why the County is
considering developing a recreational campground on this property.
BOCC MEETING
AUGUST 5, 2024 PAGE 2 OF 8
Noting that the County could pursue this grant in the future, Commissioner Adair
said there are much more important things to address at the current time such
as adequate public safety for the community.
Commissioner DeBone said both the Fort Thompson and Drafter Road sites may
be appropriate for transitional camping for persons who use RVs as mobile
primary living spaces. He estimated this type of market demand will continue for
the next 50 or100 years.
With regard to a vision and mission, Commissioner Chang said Deschutes County
is an outdoor recreation destination, and new trails, parks and campgrounds are
not being produced at a level that is keeping pace with the demand. He expected
that fewer people would be dispersed camping if more developed campgrounds
were available and said many trails and viewpoints could be provided at Fort
Thompson along with picnic areas, playfields and campsites.
Commissioner DeBone noted that the Fort Thompson property is zoned EFU, and
the County would not allow a private property owner to establish a public
campground on EFU-zoned property. He questioned why a public agency would
do this if the real market does not.
Will Groves, Planning Manager, spoke to opportunities for private developers
who own land within three miles of the UGB and described a process by which an
applicant could seek approval via a conditional use permit. Another option would
be to undergo a full masterplanning process.
Commissioner DeBone envisioned a facility with campsites, power and water,
but no sewer connection. Commissioner Chang agreed that some infrastructure
would be necessary, and expected that such a development would not only pay
for itself but generate a profit over time.
Commissioner DeBone supported proceeding with an RFP for the La Pine
property, saying he was not motivated to proceed with applying for a grant for
Fort Thompson at this time, especially considering the required 50% match.
Commissioner Adair stressed the need to remain frugal.
The Board agreed to bring this matter back in a few weeks following the
scheduled joint meeting between the Board and the City Council of La Pine on
August 28th
BOCC MEETING
AUGUST 5, 2024 PAGE 3 OF 8
2. Deliberation #4: Deschutes County 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update -
Chapter 11, Unincorporated Communities and Destination Resorts
Nicole Mardell, Senior Planner, reviewed the process approved by the Board to
deliberate on changes to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and invited the Board to
suggest revisions to Chapter 11— Unincorporated Communities and Destination
Resorts.
On page 11-2, Commissioner DeBone suggested adding a qualifier in the third
sentence of the introductory paragraph to state that "some community
members" have expressed concern about the creation of new resorts, and
changing the last sentence to state that "many residents have expressed concern
..." instead of "many residents have expressed opposition ..." Commissioner Adair
agreed these are duplicate statements that could be consolidated.
Commissioner Chang supported language referencing all resort communities
rather than just destination resorts. He also suggested mentioning that the
development of new resorts is an increasingly contentious process which renders
the County an unwilling party to conflict.
The Board discussed moving the paragraph regarding the one parcel outside of
La Pine which was mistakenly left out of the city's UGB to elsewhere in the
document.
Commissioner DeBone noted that Tumalo and Terrebonne were both platted
before 1973. He said he viewed the descriptor of a Rural Service Center as a Rural
Service Center Designation.
Noting that the importance of destination resorts to the economy of Deschutes
County is mentioned twice, Commissioner Chang recognized that resorts may
have at one time been a key economic development strategy, but this may no
longer be the case. Discussion ensued about destination resorts and the fact that,
historically, these developments served as a stabilizing force in Central Oregon' s
economy.
Commissioner DeBone noted a needed edit to page 11-3 to reflect the current
status of the Thornburgh development. He suggested adding at least one goal
under "Goals and Policies" on page 11-4. On page 11-7, he suggested clarifying
that the Architectural Review Committee referred to in Policy 11.2.2 is a body of
the Black Butte Ranch HOA.
Commissioner Chang proposed adding "aquifer" to the list of natural resources in
Goal 11.6.
BOCC MEETING
AUGUST 5, 2024 PAGE 4 OF 8
Comrnissioner Chang referred to the first paragraph on page 11-9 regarding the
destination resort overlay map and suggested adding a timeline for regular Board
review, perhaps every 10 or 15 years, noting that the County has grown in
population since 2010 and experienced associated effects on wildlife habitat and
water resources.
A break was announced at 2:54 pm. The meeting resumed at 3:02 pm.
Commissioner Chang said both Marion and Benton Counties consider
constrained water supplies in the context of development and whether to permit
new private wells. He supported incorporating drought consciousness into the
County's Comprehensive Plan and Code. Mardell suggested the County could
work with Oregon's Water Resource Department to pursue conducting a
groundwater critical area study.
The Board then resumed its discussion of Chapter 5, Natural Resources, which
had commenced on July 24tn
Commissioner DeBone noted that the La Pine aquifer extends into Klamath
County rather than ending at the Klamath County line. Referring to the lack of
sewers in the South County, he said Oregon's Goal 11 (from the Statewide
Planning Goals & Guidelines) does not allow urban services in rural areas,
although some urban services would benefit some rural areas. Commissioner
Chang supported including language about seeking a Goal 11 exception for
targeted areas, saying this might be appropriate to add to page 5-8.
On page 5-7, Commissioner Chang supported removing the statement that "No
long-term water -level declines attributable to groundwater pumping were found
in the upper Deschutes Basin" as this is not accurate.
Commissioner Change recommended changes to the "Reservoirs" section.
Mardell said a new paragraph could be added describing the habitat
conservation plan for the Wickiup area.
Referring to the last paragraph of page 5-9, Commissioner Chang suggested
recognizing organizations such as the Bureau of Reclamation, USDA, the Soil and
Water Conservation District, et al., who play a part to advance water conservation
and availability.
Referring to Goal 5.2 on page 5-10, Commissioner Chang suggested expanding
this statement to "Increase water efficiency and conservation efforts among all
users, including homeowners and businesses."
BOCC MEETING
AUGUST 5, 2024 PAGE 5 OF 8
Discussion ensued regarding the use of grey water. The Board was in consensus
to add language encouraging water reuse and recycling projects.
Referring to page 5-11, Commissioner DeBone acknowledged a suggestion to add
language at the end of Policy 5.2.3 to acknowledge lower groundwater recharge
from canal piping efforts.
Saying it is important to recognize the connections between surface water and
groundwater, Commissioner Chang proposed adding language to explore
measures to ensure adequate resources to meet the needs of habitat and junior
water rights holders, perhaps following Policy 5.2.3. Commissioner DeBone did
not support changing the sentence as drafted.
On page 5-12, Commissioner DeBone suggested an edit to Policy 5.4.4. Mardell
proposed changing the introductory sentence to begin "Update and implement
policies to be consistent with federally approved ..."
On page 5-13, Commissioner DeBone questioned the wording of Policy 5.5.3.
Commissioner Chang suggested changing this to read "Support efforts to protect
existing surface water and groundwater users and to maintain sustainable
groundwater resources as OWRD works to update and modernize Oregon's
groundwater allocation rules and policies."
On page 5-14, Commissioner Change suggested adding the word "hunting" to
Policy 5.8.1.
Commissioner Chang proposed gathering more information from Marion and
Benton Counties regarding land use and groundwater planning. Commissioner
DeBone wanted to learn more before adding language to the Comprehensive
Plan.
Commissioners Adair and DeBone asked to be provided with a redlined draft of
the update showing the Board's desired changes as discussed.
OTHER ITEMS:
• Commissioner DeBone distributed copies of a letter from Craig Letz of Tamarack
Wildfire Consulting regarding the draft state Wildfire Hazard Map. Commissioners
Chang and DeBone supported submitting a letter expressing concern that
Deschutes County has more high hazard areas than depicted on the map.
• Commissioner DeBone referred to a letter from Rick Russell of Mountain View
Community Development seeking a commitment from the County to extend a long-
BOCC MEETING
AUGUST 5, 2024 PAGE 6 OF 8
term lease to MVCD to develop and operate permanent supportive housing on
County -owned land in Redmond.
• Commissioner DeBone noted a request from Jerry Hubbard of the La Pine Fire
District for a generic letter of support from the Board acknowledging the District's
need for AEDs. Commissioners Chang and DeBone stated their preference to
support a specific request instead of providing a generic letter of support.
• Commissioner Chang reported that last Thursday, Representative Tom Sanchez
came to Bend to tour the St. Charles Emergency Department and discuss a possible
bill to establish child emergency psychiatric centers. Also discussed was the need for
acute and respite residential care in Redmond or Bend, co -located with St. Charles.
• Sharing that next Monday, Senator Jeff Golden will be in Bend, Commissioner Chang
said he is setting up a meeting for the senator to talk with representatives of the
insurance industry about what can be done to force insurers to recognize good
home resiliency work being done by some homeowners and give them credit for it.
• Commissioner Adair shared that Deschutes County Clerk Steve Dennison is
concerned about ranked choice voting and asked if he can make a video for the
community's information about this non -partisan issue.
• Commissioner Adair will attend a CONNECT Oregon meeting in Salem on
Wednesday.
• Discussion ensued regarding the invoice for annual membership in the Eastern
Oregon Counties Association (EOCA), billed at a basic membership cost of $12,500.
Before the invoice is approved for payment, Commissioner Chang wanted a report
of what the EOCA is working on that benefits Deschutes County. Commissioners
Adair and DeBone supported paying the basic membership amount.
• Discussion ensued regarding Funds 130 and 132 and RV registration fees in relation
to the possibility of developing County -owned land for a recreational campground.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: None
ADJOURN:
Being no further items to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 4:27 pm.
DATED this I day of 2024 for the Deschutes County Board of
Commissioners.
BOCC MEETING
PATTI ADAIR, CHAIR
AUGUST 5, 2024 PAGE 7 OF 8
ATTEST:
��4��rit�r�Uf
RECORDING SECRETARY
BOCC MEETING
ANTHONY DEBONE, VICE CHAIR
111,7
PHIL CHANG, COMMISSIONER
AUGUST 5, 2024 PAGE 8 OF 8
01'ES
0
BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING
1:00 PM, MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2024
Allen Room Deschutes Services Building - 1300 NW Wall Street - Bend
(541) 388-6570 I www.deschutes.org
AGENDA
MEETING FORMAT: In accordance with Oregon state law, this meeting is open to the public and
can be accessed and attended in person or remotely, with the exception of any executive session.
Members of the public may view the meeting in real time via YouTube using this link:
http://bit.ly/3mminzy. To attend the meeting virtually via Zoom, see below.
Citizen Input: The public may comment on any topic that is not on the current agenda.
Alternatively, comments may be submitted on any topic at any time by emailing
citizeninput@deschutes.org or leaving a voice message at 541-385-1734.
When in -person comment from the public is allowed at the meeting, public comment will also be
allowed via computer, phone or other virtual means.
Zoom Meeting Information: This meeting may be accessed via Zoom using a phone or computer.
• To join the meeting via Zoom from a computer, use this link: http://bit.ly/3h3oqdD.
• To join by phone, call 253-215-8782 and enter webinar ID # 899 4635 9970 followed by the
passcode 013510.
• If joining by a browser, use the raise hand icon to indicate you would like to provide public
comment, if and when allowed. If using a phone, press *9 to indicate you would like to speak and
*6 to unmute yourself when you are called on.
• When it is your turn to provide testimony, you will be promoted from an attendee to a panelist.
You may experience a brief pause as your meeting status changes. Once you have joined as a
panelist, you will be able to turn on your camera, if you would like to.
EI
Deschutes County encourages persons with disabilities to participate in all
programs and activities. This event/location is accessible to people with disabilities.
If you need accommodations to make participation possible, call (541) 388-6572 or
email brenda.fritsvold@deschutes.org.
Time estimates: The times listed on agenda items are estimates only. Generally, items will be heard in
sequential order and items, including public hearings, may be heard before or after their listed times.
CALL TO ORDER
CITIZEN INPUT: Citizen Input may be provided as comment on any topic that is not on the
agenda.
Note: In addition to the option of providing in -person comments at the meeting, citizen input comments
may be emailed to citizeninput@deschutes.org or you may leave a brief voicemail at 541.385.1734..
AGENDA ITEMS
1. 1:00 PM Grant opportunity to explore the development of a recreational campground
on County -owned property at Fort Thompson Lane
2. 1:30 PM Deliberation #4: Deschutes County 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update -
Chapter 11, Unincorporated Communities and Destination Resorts
OTHER ITEMS
These can be any items not included on the agenda that the Commissioners wish to discuss as part of
the meeting, pursuant to ORS 192.640.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At any time during the 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), litigation; ORS 192.660(2)(d), labor
negotiations; ORS 192.660(2)(b), personnel issues; or other executive session categories.
Executive sessions are closed to the public; however, with few exceptions and under specific guidelines,
are open to the media.
ADJOURN
August 5, 2024
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING Page 2 of 2
Subject:
Name
Address
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' MEETING
REQUEST TO SPEAK
Citizen Input or Testimony
br I(
C 2-0 kid/4
Date:
Phone #s C
E-mail address 1>
In Favor
Neutral/Undecided
Submitting written documents as part of testimony? Yes
If so, please give a copy to the Recording Secretary for the record.
Opposed
No
SUBMIT COMPLETED REQUEST TO
RECORDING SECRETARY BEFORE MEETING BEGINS
UEST TO SPEAK
nput or Testimony
Submitting written -documents as part of testimony? Yes
If so, please give a copy to the RRecordilig Secretary for the record,
SUBMIT COMP I ETED REQUEST TO
ORDING SECR TA .2:Y BEFORE MEETING BEGINS.
v1ES
o BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST & STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 5, 2024
SUBJECT: Grant opportunity to explore the development of a recreational campground on
County -owned property at Fort Thompson Lane
BACKGROUND AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department has a County Opportunity Grant Program
(COGP) to fund qualified projects for Oregon counties. Staff seeks guidance from the Board
on whether to apply for this grant opportunity. If the Board supports a grant application,
staff recommends that any awarded grant funds be used to develop a site plan and
detailed financial analysis of a potential recreational campground at Fort Thompson Lane.
The grant opportunity opened August 1, 2024. Applications are due by October 1, 2024.
Eligible projects include:
• Acquisition - Acquiring property for public camping facilities
• Development - Developing new campgrounds and/or support facilities
• Rehabilitation - Rehabilitating grounds or structures to meet ADA requirements
• Planning - Planning for future development of overnight camping facilities, including
park master plans
Counties with more than 30,000 residents are required to provide a 50% match.
BUDGET IMPACTS:
The cost would be 50% of any awarded grant funds.
ATTENDANCE:
Jen Patterson, Strategic Initiatives Manager
Will Groves, Planning Manager
Stephanie Marshall, Senior Assistant Legal Counsel
�0ES
0
BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST & STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 5, 2024
SUBJECT: Deliberation #4: Deschutes County 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update - Chapter
11, Unincorporated Communities and Destination Resorts
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Provide direction to staff on revisions to Chapter 11 of the draft Deschutes County 2040
Comprehensive Plan. The Board will also complete their review of Chapter 5, which began
on July 24.
BACKGROUND AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
The Board of Commissioners will continue the deliberations process in consideration of the
draft Deschutes County 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The full record is located on the project
website: https://www.deschutes.org/cd/page/247-23-000644-pa-deschutes-county-2040-
comprehensive-plan-update-hearing-page.
BUDGET IMPACTS:
None
ATTENDANCE:
Nicole Mardell, AICP, Senior Long Range Planner
Will Groves, Planning Manager
Peter Gutowsky, Community Development Director
Stephanie Marshall, Senior Assistant Legal Counsel
v-cEs
MEMORANDUM
COMM ITV DEVELOPMENT
TO: Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners ("Board")
FROM: Nicole Mardell, AICP, Senior Planner
Will Groves, Planning Manager
DATE: July31, 2024
SUBJECT: Deliberation #4: Deschutes County 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update -
Chapter 11, Unincorporated Communities and Destination Resorts
On August 5, 2024, the Board will deliberate Chapter 11 of the Deschutes County 2040
Comprehensive Plan (2040 Plan), pertaining to Unincorporated Communities and
Destination Resorts (Attachment A) and the remaining text in Chapter 5, Natural Resources'
(Attachment B). Staff provides a brief background on the process, items recommended to
remain in a "parking lot" that will ultimately inform an action plan, and notable testimony.
During this meeting, the Board will be asked to provide recommended text, goal, and policy
revisions for incorporating in the final document.
I. PROPOSAL
This is a legislative text amendment to repeal and replace the 2030 Comprehensive Plan,
adopted in 2011, with the 2040 Plan. No zoning or comprehensive plan map amendments
are being considered, nor are any changes to the County's adopted Goal 5 inventories
pertaining to significant natural resources, scenic views, open spaces, mineral and aggregate
sites, and historic and cultural resources.
The full record is included on the project hearing page:
https://www.deschutes.org/cd/page/247-23-000644-pa-deschutes-county-2040-
comprehensive-plan-update-hearing-page.
1 The Board began deliberations of Chapter 5 on July 24, 2024 and ended on page 5-7 of the chapter. A video of the
discussion can be found here: https://www.deschutes.org/bcc/page/board-county-commissioners-meeting-186
I1. BACKGROUND
The 2040 Plan provides background information, a summary of community considerations,
and overarching goal and policy guidance pertaining to key issues facing the county. The
Board held public hearings to gather testimony for the 2040 Plan on April 10, 2024, in Bend2;
April 23 in Sunriver3; and April 30 in Sisters4; and May 8 in Bends. At the conclusion of the
May 8 hearing, the Commission voted to close the oral record, leave the written record open
until May 30, and commence deliberations at a subsequent meeting.
Staff held a work session with the Board on June 106 to discuss the process for deliberating
the 2040 Plan, ultimately determining to perform an extensive review of the following four
chapters:
• July 22: Chapter 3, Farm and Forest Resources
• July 24: Chapter 5, Natural Resources
• July 29: Chapter 7, Natural Hazards
• August 5: Chapter 11, Unincorporated Communities and Destination Resorts.
The Board may choose to conduct additional deliberations if needed. At each one,
commissioners will discuss preferred edits to chapter narratives, goals, and policies.' Staff
will be seeking consensus from the Board. Some issues may warrant a vote.
Parking Lot
During the June work session, staff introduced the concept of a "parking lot" for items that
may be outside the scope of the 2040 Plan. This includes items that are one-time actions
more fitting for a subsequent action plan or items potentially precluded by state law. They
are listed in Attachment C. Staff recommends the Board table them during deliberations,
and instead include the list as an attachment to the adopted 2040 Plan. The Board can then
discuss them in greater detail through the development of an action plan.
I11. KEY ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION
Chapter 11, Unincorporated Communities and Destination Resorts was selected due to
numerous public and agency comments.
2 https://www.deschutes.org/bcc/page/board-county-commissioners-meeting-162
3https://www.desch utes.org/bcc/page/public-hea ring-2020-2040-comprehensive-plan-update
4 https://www.deschutes.org/bcc/page/public-hearing-2020-2040-comprehensive-plan-update-0
5 https://www.deschutes.org/bcc/page/2020-2040-comprehensive-plan-update-public-hearing
6 https://www.deschutes.org/bcc/page/board-county-commissioners-meeting-175
Scrivenor's errors and technical edits do not need to be discussed as part of the deliberations process. Staff will
compile a list to update in the final draft of the document.
Page 2of3
To aid in the Board's discussion, a high-level summary of topics raised in the record are listed
below8.
Unincorporated Communities
• Explore funding opportunities for infrastructure upgrades in unincorporated
communities, such as safe routes to schools.
• Clarify role of Black Butte Ranch homeowners in granting access to trail users for
private paths in the resort.
Destination Resorts
• Revise narrative to note environmental and traffic impacts from destination resort
development.
• Amend narrative to note recent contentious public process for destination resort
development and community opposition.
• Revise narrative to note positive effect on economy from destination resort
development.
• Revise narrative to include water use data for destination resorts.
• Prioritize development of workforce housing over destination resorts.
IV. NEXT STEPS
Staff seeks direction from the Board on preferred edits to Chapter 11 and 5. Following the
discussion, staff will integrate them into a final version of the 2040 Plan for adoption. As this
is the last scheduled deliberation meeting, the Board may raise additional topics for
discussion at the meeting, or schedule additional meetings as necessary.
Attachments:
A. Chapter 11, Unincorporated Communities and Destination Resorts
B. Chapter 5, Natural Resources
C. "Parking Lot" Issues
8 This list does not include items that are considered to be one-time actions, outside the scope of the plan, or
potentially precluded by state law. Those items are listed separately in Attachment A "Parking Lot"
Page 3of3
Unincorporated Communities
and Destination Resorts
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations
Deschutes County is home to numerous unincorporated communities, which contain
urban levels of development outside of city limits. Many of these communities provide
services and amenities to rural residents. As the county continues to grow, many
residents are concerned about increasingly dense development in these unincorporated
areas which may feel out of scale with the surrounding rural uses. However, many
residents also see the need for more opportunities for small-scale rural services and
retail opportunities to serve existing and future community members. Deschutes County
will need to continue to refine the vision and guidelines for development in these areas
while balancing infrastructure needs, protection of natural resources and rural land
uses, and community desires.
In addition to these unincorporated
communities, Destination Resorts are another
form of development outside of urban areas.
In recent years, community members have
expressed concern about the creation of
new resorts for a variety of reasons. While
Destination Resorts are an opportunity for
economic development and housing in the
rural County, many residents have expressed
opposition to additional development of this
type.
Context
Unincorporated Communities
Deschutes County's unincorporated communities
generally pre -date Oregon's statewide land use
system and have more urban -scale uses in outer -
lying rural areas, within a defined geographic
boundary.
In 1994, Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs)
were amended to define unincorporated
communities and the types of uses that could
be allowed in these areas. The OARs established
four types of unincorporated communities, all
of which were required to be in existence at the
time of the change - the Rule did not allow for
new rural communities to be established. These
community types are described below.
URBAN UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITY
This is a community which contains at least
150 permanent dwelling units, a mixture of
land uses, and contains a community water
and sewer system. Sunriver is an Urban
Unincorporated community. One parcel just
outside of the City of La Pine was mistakenly left
outside of the City's urban growth boundary, and
is technically under this classification as well.
RURAL COMMUNITY
This is a community which consists of permanent
residential dwellings and at least two other types
of land uses - such as commercial, industrial,
or public uses provided to the community or
travelers. Terrebonne and Tumalo are Rural
Communities.
11-2 1 Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
RESORT COMMUNITY
This type of community was established for a
recreation -related use on private land prior to
1989 when the state adopted its Destination
Resort rules. Black Butte Ranch and Inn of the 7th
Mountain/Widgi Creek are Resort Communities.
It's important to note that there are several
other resort style developments in the County
on private lands called "Destination Resorts." See
the next section for more information.
RURAL SERVICE CENTER
This is an unincorporated community that has
primarily commercial or industrial uses that
provide goods and services to the surrounding
rural area and travelers. These are the most
common type of unincorporated community in
Deschutes County and include Alfalfa, Brothers,
Hampton, Millican, Whistlestop, and Wildhunt.
Destination Resorts
Since 1979 destination resorts have increased
in importance to the economy of Deschutes
County. In 1989, recognizing the importance of
tourism to the economy of the State of Oregon,
the state legislature and the Land Conservation
and Development Commission (LCDC) took steps
to make it easier to establish destination resorts
on rural lands in the state. Statewide Planning
Goal 8, the recreation goal, was amended to
specify a process for locating destination resorts
on rural land without taking an exception to
Goals 3, 4, 11 and 14, which govern development
in rural resource lands. Under these changes,
destination resorts may be sited in EFU zones
where they weren't previously allowed. in 1990,
LCDC amended the rule for siting destination
resorts on forest lands as well.
Eagle Crest Resort, although it had existed prior
to these changes, applied for legislative changes
to comply with these new rules and expand onto
adjacent lands.
In 2010, Deschutes County completed
an amendment to its destination resort
mapping process, adding "clear and objective"
requirements for eligible and ineligible sites, and
the process for amending the destination resort
map based on changes in state law. Since that
time, Pronghorn, Caldera Springs, and Tetherow
resorts have gone through the siting process.
Resorts existing prior to the legislative change,
such as Black Butte, Sunriver, and the Inn of the
Seventh Mountain have also expanded and been
rezoned to Urban Unincorporated Community
and Resort Community, respectively. Thornburgh
Resort has received preliminary approvals, but
has not yet broken ground.
Destination resorts are a key economic
development strategy for Deschutes County.
Many community members and visitors enjoy
the recreational amenities and accommodations
that Destination Resorts provide.
11-3 1 Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Unincorpo
Key Community Considerations
Unincorporated Communities are limited in
their development potential due to their specific
geographic footprint. Protecting open space
and natural resources while providing economic
opportunities in these unincorporated areas
continues to be a balancing act.
As additional rural development occurs, so
does the demand for services and goods
that can be reached without having to drive
to an incorporated city. Aging residents have
expressed a desire for additional medical care
and offices in rural areas to support aging in
place. On the other hand, many residents would
prefer limiting development in unincorporated
communities in order to preserve the rural of
the area.
Destination Resort development continues to
be a contentious issue. Community members
have expressed concern regarding the water
use of large-scale development - specifically
the effects to groundwater for neighboring
property owners. Other community members
express support for the economic and amenity
benefits of destination resorts, noting that the
current requirements sufficiently address natural
resource concerns. Additional community
conversations will be valuable to understand the
diversity of perspectives on this topic.
and is �$ e s t i �a a? 1,
Goals and Policies
Resort Community Policies
General Resort Community Policies
Policy 11.1.1. Land use regulations shall
conform to the requirements of OAR 660
Division 22 or any successor.
Policy 11.1.2. Designated open space and
common area, unless otherwise zoned for
development, shall remain undeveloped
except for community amenities such as bike
and pedestrian paths, park and picnic areas.
Areas developed as golf courses shall remain
available for that purpose or for open space/
recreation uses.
Policy 11.1.3. The provisions of the
Landscape Management Overlay Zone shall
apply in Resort Communities where the zone
exists along Century Drive, Highway 26 and
the Deschutes River.
Policy 11.1.4. Residential minimum lot
sizes and densities shall be determined
by the capacity of the water and sewer
facilities to accommodate existing and future
development and growth.
Policy 11.1.5. The resort facility and resort
recreation uses permitted in the zoning for
Black Butte Ranch and the Inn of the Seventh
Mountain/Widgi Creek shall serve the resort
community.
Black Butte Ranch General Policies
Policy 11.2.1. County comprehensive plan
policies and land use regulations shall
ensure that new uses authorized within
the Black Butte Ranch Resort Community
do not adversely affect forest uses in the
surrounding Forest Use Zones.
Policy 11.2.2. The County supports the
design review standards administered by the
Architectural Review Committee.
11-4 i Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
m e mats sorts
Policy 11.2.3. Residential, resort and utility
uses shall continue to be developed in
accordance with the Master Design for Black
Butte Ranch and the respective Section
Declarations.
Policy 11.2.4.Industrial activities, including
surface mining, shall only occur in the area
zoned Black Butte Ranch Surface Mining,
Limited Use Combining District (Black Butte
Ranch SM/LU) located in the northwest
corner of Black Butte Ranch.
Policy 11.2.5.Employee housing shall be
located in the area zoned Black Butte Ranch-
Utility/Limited Use Combining District (Black
Butte Ranch-U/LU).
Policy 11.2.6.Any amendment to the
allowable use(s) in either the Resort
Community District or the Limited Use
Combining District shall require an exception
in accordance with applicable statewide
planning goal(s), OAR 660-04-018/022 and
DCC 18.112 or any successor.
Policy 11.2.7.The westerly 38-acres zoned
Black Butte Ranch Surface Mining, Limited
Use Combining District (Black Butte Ranch
SM/LU) shall be used for the mining and
storage of aggregate resources. Uses that
do not prevent the future mining of these
resources, such as disposal of reclaimed
effluent and woody debris disposal from
thinning and other forest practices may
be allowed concurrently. Other resort
maintenance, operational and utility uses,
such as a solid waste transfer station,
maintenance facility or equipment storage
may be allowed only after mining and
reclamation have occurred.
Policy 11.2.8. The 18.5 acres zoned Black
Butte Ranch-Utility/Limited Use Combining
District (Black Butte Ranch-U/LU) may be
used for the disposal of reclaimed sludge.
Policy 11.2.9. The area west of McCallister
Road and east of the area zoned Black Butte
Ranch may be used for large equipment
storage, general storage, maintenance uses,
RV storage, telephone communications,
administration offices, housekeeping facilities
and employee housing.
Policy 11.2.10. Employee housing shall
be set back at least 250 feet from the
eastern boundary of the area zoned Black
Butte Ranch Surface Mining, Limited Use
Combining District (Black Butte Ranch SM/
LU).
Policy 11.2.11. Surface mining within the
Black Butte Ranch community boundary shall
adhere to the following Goal 5 ESEE "Program
to Meet Goal" requirements:
a. Only the western most 38 acres of the site
shall continue to be mined.
b. Setbacks shall be required for potential
conflicting residential and other
development. A minimum 50-foot setback
shall be maintained from the perimeter of
tax lot 202 for all surface mining activity.
c. Noise impact shall be mitigated by
buffering and screening.
d. Hours of operation shall be limited
to between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
weekdays. No operations shall be allowed
on weekends and holidays.
e. Processing shall be limited to 45 days
in any one year, to be negotiated with
Deschutes County in the site plan
process in consultation with the Oregon
Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).
f. The conditions set forth in the August 10,
1989, letter of ODFW shall be adhered to.
g. Extraction at the site shall be limited to five
acres at a time with on -going incremental
reclamation (subject to DOGAMI review
and approval).
11-5 I Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Dest FA Resorts
h. Mining operations, siting of equipment,
and trucking of product shall be conducted
in such a manner that applicable DEQ
standards are met and minimizes noise
and dust.
i. DOGAMI requirements for a permit
once mining affects more than five acres
outside the 8.6-acre exemption area shall
be met.
J•
A conditional use permit shall be obtained
from Deschutes County, under the
provisions of section 18.128.280. Surface
mining of resources exclusively for on -
site personal, farm or forest use or
maintenance of irrigation canals, before
mining activity affects more than five acres
outside the 8.6-acre exempt area.
Black Butte Ranch Public Facility Policies
Policy 11.3.1. Police protection services shall
be provided by the Black Butte Ranch Police
Services District.
Policy 11.3.2. The Black Butte Ranch Water
Distribution Company and the Black Butte
Ranch Corporation shall confirm the water
and sewer service, respectively, can be
provided for new uses or expansion of
existing uses that require land use approval.
Policy 11.3.3. The Black Butte Ranch Water
Distribution Company shall provide water
service for the Black Butte Ranch Resort
Community.
Policy 11.3.4. The Black Butte Ranch
Corporation shall provide sewer service for
Black Butte Ranch.
Policy 11.3.5. The Black Butte Ranch
Fire Protection District shall provide fire
protection services for Black Butte Ranch.
Policy 11.3.6. The roads and the bicycle/
pedestrian path system within the Black
Butte Ranch Resort Community boundary
shall be maintained by the Black Butte Ranch
Owners Association.
Inn of the 7th Mountain Widgi Creek General
Policies
Policy 11.4.1. Any amendment to the
allowable uses in either the Resort
Community District or the Widgi Creek
Residential District shall require an exception
in accordance with applicable statewide
planning goal(s), OAR 660-04-018/022 or any
successor, and DCC 18.112 or any successor.
Policy 11.4.2. The County shall encourage
and support land exchanges efforts by and
between private property owners, public
agencies, and public trusts for the purpose
of fostering public access to and protection
of natural resources, such as rivers, streams,
caves, areas/features of historical importance
and other natural features.
Inn of the 7th Mountain/Widgi Creek Public
Facility Policies
Policy 11.5.1. Police protection services
shall be provided under contract with the
Deschutes County Sheriff.
Policy 11.5.2. Water service shall be supplied
by on -site wells for the Inn/Widgi Resort
Community.
Policy 11.5.3. New uses or expansion of
existing uses that require land use approval
shall be approved only upon confirmation
from the City of Bend that sewer service can
be provided.
Policy 11.5.4. Fire protection services for
the Inn/Widgi shall be provided through a
contract with the City of Bend until such
time as Inn/Widgi develops another plan to
provide adequate fire protection.
11-6 1 Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Policy 11.5.5. The Resort Community, not
Deschutes County, shall maintain roads in
the community.
Policy 11.5.6. The bicycle/pedestrian path
system shall be maintained by the Inn/Widgi
Owners Association.
Policy 11.5.7. Emergency access between
Widgi Creek and the Inn of the Seventh
Mountain shall be provided in accordance
with the approved development plan for the
Elkai Woods town homes. The respective
resort property owners shall maintain
emergency access between the Inn and Widgi
Creek
Destination Resorts Policies
Goal 11.6: Provide for development of
destination resorts in the County in a manner
that will be compatible with farm and forest
uses, existing rural development, and in a
manner that will maintain important natural
features including habitat of threatened or
endangered species, streams, rivers, and
significant wetlands.
Policy 11.6.1. Provide a process for the siting
of destination resorts facilities that enhance
and diversify the recreational opportunities
and economy of Deschutes County, on lands
that have been mapped by Deschutes County
as eligible for this purpose.
Goal 11.7: Provide for development of
destination resorts consistent with Statewide
Planning Goal 12 in a manner that will ensure
the resorts are supported by adequate
transportation facilities.
Policy 11.7.1. Destination resorts shall
only be allowed within areas shown on
the "Deschutes County Destination Resort
Map" and when the resort complies with
the requirements of Goal 8, ORS 197.435 to
197.467, and Deschutes County Code 18.113.
Policy 11.7.2. Ensure protection of water
quality, recreational resources, and other
County resources and values.
Policy 11.7.3. Ensure that destination resort
developments support and implement
strategies to provide workers with affordable
housing options within or in close proximity
to the resorts.
Policy 11.7.4.Mapping for destination resort
siting.
a. To assure that resort development does
not conflict with the objectives of other
Statewide Planning Goals, destination
resorts shall pursuant to Goal 8 not be
sited in Deschutes County in the following
areas:
1) Within 24 air miles of an urban growth
boundary with an existing population of
100,000 or more unless residential uses
are limited to those necessary for the
staff and management of the resort;
2) On a site with 50 or more contiguous
acres of unique or prime farm land
identified and mapped by the Soil
Conservation Service or within three
miles of farm land within a High -Value
Crop Area;
3) On predominantly Cubic Foot Site Class
1 or 2 forest lands which are not subject
to an approved Goal exception;
4) On areas protected as Goal 5 resources
in an acknowledged comprehensive
plan where all conflicting uses have
been prohibited to protect the Goal 5
resource;
11-7 I Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
s and De
5) Especially sensitive big game habitat,
and as listed below, as generally
mapped by the Oregon Department
of Fish and Wildlife in July 1984 an as
further refined through development
of comprehensive plan provisions
implementing this requirement.
i. Tumalo deer winter range;
ii. Portion of the Metolius deer winter
range;
iii. Antelope winter range east of Bend
near Horse Ridge and Millican;
6) Sites less than 160 acres.
b. To assure that resort development does
not conflict with Oregon Revised Statute,
destination resorts shall not be sited in
Deschutes County in Areas of Critical State
Concern.
c. To assure that resort development
does not conflict with the objectives of
Deschutes County, destination resorts
shall also not be located in the following
areas:
1) Sites listed below that are inventoried
Goal 5 resources, shown on the Wildlife
Combining Zone, that the County has
chosen to protect:
i. Antelope Range near Horse Ridge
and Millican;
ii. Elk Habitat Area; and
iii. Deer Winter Range;
2) Wildlife Priority Area, identified on
the 1999 ODFW map submitted to the
South County Regional Problem Solving
Group;
3) Lands zoned Open Space and
Conservation (OS&C);
4) Lands zoned Forest Use 1 (F-1);
5) Irrigated lands zoned Exclusive
Farm Use (EFU) having 40 or greater
contiguous acres in irrigation;
6) 6. Non-contiguous EFU acres in the
same ownership having 60 or greater
irrigated acres;
7) Farm or forest land within one mile
outside of urban growth boundaries;
8) Lands designated Urban Reserve Area
under ORS 195.145;
9) Platted subdivisions;
d. For those lands not located in any of the
areas designated in Policy 3.9.5(a) though
(c), destination resorts may, pursuant
to Goal 8, Oregon Revised Statute and
Deschutes County zoning code, be sited in
the following areas:
1) Forest Use 2 (F-2), Multiple Use
Agriculture (MUA-10), and Rural
Residential (RR-10) zones;
2) Unirrigated Exclusive Farm Use (EFU)
land;
3) Irrigated lands zoned EFU having less
than 40 contiguous acres in irrigation;
4) Non-contiguous irrigated EFU acres in
the same ownership having less than 60
irrigated acres;
5) All property within a subdivision for
which cluster development approval
was obtained prior to 1990, for which
the original cluster development
approval designated at least 50 percent
of the development as open space
and which was within the destination
resort zone prior to the effective date of
Ordinance 2010-024 shall remain on the
eligibility map;
6) Minimum site of 160 contiguous acres
or greater under one or multiple
ownerships;
11-8 I Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Unincorpor
e. The County shall adopt a map showing
where destination resorts can be located
in the County. Such map shall become part
of the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning
Ordinance and shall be an overlay zone
designated Destination Resort (DR).
Policy 11.7.5. Ordinance Provisions
a. The County shall ensure that destination
resorts are compatible with the site and
adjacent land uses through enactment of
land use regulations that, at a minimum,
provide for the following:
1) Maintenance of important natural
features, including habitat of threatened
or endangered species, streams, rivers,
and significant wetlands; maintenance
of riparian vegetation within 100 feet of
streams, rivers and significant wetlands;
and
2) Location and design of improvements
and activities in a manner that will
avoid or minimize adverse effects of
the resort on uses on surrounding
lands, particularly effects on intensive
farming operations in the area and
on the rural transportation system. In
order to adequately assess the effect on
the transportation system, notice and
the opportunity for comment shall be
provided to the relevant road authority.
3) Such regulations may allow for
alterations to important natural
features, including placement of
structures, provided that the overall
values of the feature are maintained.
b. Minimum measures to assure that
design and placement of improvements
and activities will avoid or minimize the
adverse effects noted in Policy 3.9.4(a)
shall include:
tunit Resort,
1) The establishment and maintenance of
buffers between the resort and adjacent
land uses, including natural vegetation
and where appropriate, fenced, berms,
landscaped areas, and other similar
types of buffers.
2) Setbacks of structures and other
improvements from adjacent land uses.
c. The County may adopt additional land
use restrictions to ensure that proposed
destination resorts are compatible with
the environmental capabilities of the site
and surrounding land uses.
d. Uses in destination resorts shall be limited
to visitor- oriented accommodations,
overnight lodgings, developed recreational
facilities, commercial uses limited to types
and levels necessary to meet the needs of
visitors to the resort, and uses consistent
with preservation and maintenance of
open space.
e. The zoning ordinance shall include
measures that assure that developed
recreational facilities, visitor -oriented
accommodations and key facilities
intended to serve the entire development
are physically provided or are guaranteed
through surety bonding or substantially
equivalent financial assurances prior to
closure of sale of individual lots or units.
In phased developments, developed
recreational facilities and other key
facilitated intended to serve a particular
phase shall be constructed prior to sales in
that phase or guaranteed through surety
bonding.
SUNRIVER POLICIES
General Sunriver Policies
Policy 11.8.1. Land use regulations shall
conform to the requirements of OAR 660
Division 22 or any successor.
11-9 I Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
'% r o rae 1.
Policy 11.8.2. County comprehensive plan
policies and land use regulations shall
ensure that new uses authorized within the
Sunriver Urban Unincorporated Community
do not adversely affect forest uses in the
surrounding Forest Use Zones.
Policy 11.8.3. To protect scenic views and
riparian habitat within the community,
appropriate setbacks shall be required for all
structures built on properties with frontage
along the Deschutes River.
Policy 11.8.4. Open space and common area,
unless otherwise zoned for development,
shall remain undeveloped except for
community amenities such as bike and
pedestrian paths, and parks and picnic areas.
Policy 11.8.5. Public access to the Deschutes
River shall be preserved.
Policy 11.8.6. The County supports the
design review standards administered by the
Sunriver Owners Association.
Sunriver Residential District Policies
Policy 11.9.1. Areas designated residential
on the comprehensive plan map shall be
developed with single family or multiple
family residential housing.
Sunriver Commercial District Policies
Policy 11.10.1. Small-scale, low -impact
commercial uses shall be developed in
conformance with the requirements of
OAR Chapter 660, Division 22. Larger, more
intense commercial uses shall be permitted
if they are intended to serve the community,
the surrounding rural area and the travel
needs of people passing through the area.
Policy 11.10.2. No additional land shall
be designated Commercial until the next
periodic review.
Policy 11.10.3. Multiple -family residences
and residential units in commercial buildings
shall be permitted in the commercial area
for the purpose of providing housing which
is adjacent to places of employment. Single-
family residences shall not be permitted in
commercial areas.
Policy 11.10.4. Approval standards for
conditional uses in the commercial district
shall take into consideration the impact of
the proposed use on the nearby residential
and commercial uses and the capacity of the
transportation system and public facilities
and services to serve the proposed use.
Sunriver Town Center District Policies
Policy 11.11.1. Small-scale, low -impact
commercial uses shall be developed in
conformance with the requirements of
OAR Chapter 660, Division 22. Larger, more
intense commercial uses shall be permitted
if they are intended to serve the community,
the surrounding rural area or the travel
needs of people passing through the area.
Policy 11.11.2. Development standards in
the town center district should encourage
new development that is compatible with a
town center style of development that serves
as the commercial core of the Sunriver Urban
Unincorporated Community. The following
policies should guide development in the
Town Center District in Sunriver:
a. Combine a mixture of land uses that may
include retail, offices, commercial services,
residential housing and civic uses to create
economic and social vitality and encourage
pedestrian use through mixed use and
stand alone residential buildings.
b. Develop a commercial mixed -use area
that is safe, comfortable and attractive to
pedestrians.
11-10 I Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
i °7
c. Encourage efficient land use by facilitating
compact, high -density development that
minimizes the amount of land that is
needed for development.
d. Provide both formal and informal
community gathering places.
e. Provide visitor accommodations and
tourism amenities appropriate to Sunriver.
f. Provide design flexibility to anticipate
changes in the marketplace.
Provide access and public places that
encourage pedestrian and bicycle travel.
h. Provide road and pedestrian connections
to residential areas.
g•
J•
i. Facilitate development (land use mix,
density and design) that supports public
transit where applicable.
Develop a distinct character and quality
design appropriate to Sunriver that
will identify the Town Center as the
centerpiece/focal point of the community.
Policy 11.11.3. Development within the
Town Center (TC) District will be substantially
more dense than development elsewhere
in Sunriver. This increased density will
require changes to existing topography
and vegetation in the TC District to allow
for screened, underground parking. The
requirements of the County's site plan
ordinance shall be interpreted to reflect this
fact.
Sunriver Resort District Policies
Policy 11.12.1. Areas designated resort
on the comprehensive plan map shall be
designated resort, resort marina, resort golf
course, resort equestrian or resort nature
center district on the zoning map to reflect a
development pattern which is consistent with
resort uses and activities.
Sunriver Business Park District Policies
Policy 11.13.1. A variety of commercial uses
which support the needs of the community
and surrounding rural area, and not uses
solely intended to attract resort visitors,
should be encouraged.
Policy 11.13.2. Allow small-scale, low -impact
commercial uses in conformance with the
requirements of OAR Chapter 660, Division
22. Larger more intense commercial uses
shall be permitted if they are intended to
serve the community, the surrounding rural
area and the travel needs of people passing
through the area.
Policy 11.13.3. Small-scale, low -impact
industrial uses should be allowed in
conformance with the requirements of OAR
Chapter 660, Division 22.
11-11 1 Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Uninco
and Dest
Sunriver Community District Policies
Policy 11.14.1. Areas designated community
on the comprehensive plan map shall be
designated community general, community
recreation, community limited or community
neighborhood district on the zoning map
to reflect a development pattern which is
consistent community uses and activities.
Policy 11.14.2.Policy 11.9.2. Lands
designated community shall be developed
with uses which support all facets of
community needs, be they those of year-
round residents or part-time residents and
tourists.
Policy 11.14.3.Policy 11.9.3. Development
shall take into consideration the unique
physical features of the community and be
sensitive to the residential development
within which the community areas are
interspersed.
Sunriver Airport District Policies
Policy 11.15.1. Future development shall
not result in structures or uses which, due to
extreme height or attraction of birds, would
pose a hazard to the operation of aircraft.
Policy 11.15.2. Future development should
not allow uses which would result in large
concentrations or gatherings of people in a
single location.
Sunriver Utility District Policies
Policy 11.15.3. Lands designated utility shall
allow for development of administrative
offices, substations, storage/repair yards,
distribution lines and similar amenities
for services such as water, sewer,
telephone, cable television and wireless
telecommunications.
Sunriver Forest District Policies
Policy 11.16.1. Uses and development on
property designated forest that are within the
Sunriver Urban Unincorporated Community
boundary shall be consistent with uses
and development of other lands outside of
the community boundary which are also
designated forest on the Deschutes County
comprehensive plan map.
Policy 11.16.2. Forest district property
shall be used primarily for effluent
storage ponds, spray irrigation of effluent,
biosolids application and ancillary facilities
necessary to meet Oregon Department of
Environmental Quality sewage disposal
regulations.
Policy 11.16.3. The development of resort,
residential or non -forest commercial
activities on Forest district lands shall be
prohibited unless an exception to Goal 14 is
taken.
Sunriver General Public Facility Policies
Policy 11.17.1. Residential minimum lot
sizes and densities shall be determined
by the capacity of the water and sewer
facilities to accommodate existing and future
development and growth.
Policy 11.17.2. New uses or expansion of
existing uses within the Sunriver Urban
Unincorporated Community which require
land use approval shall be approved only
upon confirmation from the Sunriver Utility
Company that water and sewer service for
such uses can be provided.
Policy 11.17.3. Expansion of the Sunriver
Water LLC/Environmental/LLC Water and
Sewer District outside of the historic Sunriver
boundaries shall adequately address the
impacts to services provided to existing
property owners.
11-12 I Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
ed Cr eities and
Sunriver Water Facility Policies
Policy 11.18.1. Water service shall continue
to be provided by the Sunriver Utilities
Company.
Sunriver Sewer Facility Policies
Policy 11.19.1. Sewer service shall continue
to be provided by the Sunriver Utilities
Company.
Sunriver Transportation System Maintenance
Policies
Policy 11.20.1. Privately -maintained roads
within the Sunriver Urban Unincorporated
Community boundary shall continue to
be maintained by the Sunriver Owners
Association.
Policy 11.20.2. The bicycle/pedestrian
path system in Sunriver shall continue to
be maintained by the Sunriver Owners
Association or as otherwise provided by a
maintenance agreement.
Policy 11.20.3. The County will encourage the
future expansion of bicycle/pedestrian paths
within the Sunriver Urban Unincorporated
Community boundary in an effort to provide
an alternative to vehicular travel.
Policy 11.20.4. All public roads maintained by
the County shall continue to be maintained
by the County. Improvements to County
maintained public roads shall occur as
described the County Transportation System
Plan.
11-13 I Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Natural Resources
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations
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 inventories and regulatory
protections to preserve these many resources. These regulations are created by
weighing Economic, Social, Environmental, and Energy (ESEE) consequences associated
with protection of a resources.
Topics covered in this chapter include:
• Protected Wildlife Resources
• Open Space and Scenic Views
• Water Resources
PROTECTED WILDLIFE RESOURCES
Deschutes County has some of the broadest
and most robust wildlife protections in the
state, covering a variety of species. The County
has development protections within and
surrounding numerous wildlife habitats. Some
of these habitats have mapped geographic
boundaries 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.
Deschutes County contains general habitats for
fish, fur -bearing animals, waterfowl, and upland
game birds.
A continued challenge to wildlife resources is
rural development and impacts on habitat. Mule
deer are seeing steady declines, approximately
10% each year per Oregon Department of
Fish and Wildlife biologists. These declines
in population are due to a variety of factors,
including but not limited to Toss of habitat,
predation, and disease.
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, and the protection of
open space has been one of the key topics of
discussion during the most recent update of this
Comprehensive Plan. The County has several
designated scenic corridors, including several
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
5-2 1 Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
eta tur sou r :n
preserving scenic views and open spaces closer
to home on undeveloped private properties.
WATER RESOURCES
The high desert climate of Central Oregon
poses many challenges with water supply and
allocation.
A 2021 report by the Oregon Department of
Water Resources found that groundwater levels
through Deschutes County are declining, by as
much as 50 feet of total decline in the central
part of the basin. This decline is considered
"excessively declined" per state statute and
is attributed toward a shift in overall drier
conditions since the late 1990s, a warming
trend in the basin, and decreased snowpack.
To address these issues, irrigation districts and
other entities are engaged in ongoing efforts to
pipe canals and modernize irrigation systems
to increase their efficiency. Due to water
transmission losses in irrigation canals from
seepage into groundwater and evaporation,
piped canals typically require only half the
amount of water to be diverted from the river
or stream to deliver the same volume of water
to the end user compared to open canals.
Community members have expressed concern
that piping canals contribute to aquifer declines.
Deschutes County plays a coordination role
along with the Oregon Department of Water
Resources, irrigation districts, water users, and
owners of private wells to address these water
resource issues.
Context
Protected Wildlife Resources
Wildlife diversity is a major attraction of
Deschutes County. The key to protecting wildlife
is protecting the habitats each species needs
for food, water, shelter, and reproduction. Also
important is retaining or enhancing connectivity
between habitats to protect migration routes
and avoid isolated populations.
Statewide Planning Goal 5
Oregon land use planning protects
wildlife with Statewide Planning
Goal 5 and the associated Oregon
Administrative Rule (OAR) 660-023.
Goal 5 includes a list of resources which
each local government must inventory,
including wildlife habitat.
The Goal 5 process requires local
governments to inventory wildlife
habitat and determine which items on
the inventory are significant. For sites
identified as significant, an Economic,
Social, Environmental and Energy (ESEE)
analysis is required. The analysis leads
to one of three choices: preserve the
resource, allow proposed uses that
conflict with the resource or strike a
balance between the resource and the
conflicting uses. A program must be`.
provided to protect the resources as
determined by the ESEE analysis.
Appendix A of the Comprehensive Plan
contains the full ESEE ordinances for the
County's protected Goal 5 resources.
5-3 l Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
In considering wildlife habitat, counties rely
on the expertise of the Oregon Department
of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS). Those agencies provide
information for the required wildlife inventory
and recommendations on how to protect wildlife
habitat on private lands.
A summary of Deschutes County's wildlife
protection programs follows:
MULE DEER
Migration corridors and winter range are
essential habitats needed to support mule
deer in Deschutes County. The Bend/La Pine
migration corridor is approximately 56 miles
long and 3 to 4 miles wide and parallels the
Deschutes and Little Deschutes Rivers. The
corridor is used by deer migrating from summer
range in the forest along the east slope of the
Cascades to the North Paulina deer winter
range. Deschutes County adopted a "Deer
Migration Priority Area" based on a 1999 ODFW
map submitted to the South County Regional
Problem Solving Group. This specific sub -area is
precluded from destination resorts.
From 2021-2023, Deschutes County explored
an update to the county's mule deer inventory,
which included extensive community
participation including through the public record
Ultimately, the decision was made not to update.
A snapshot of Deschutes County's wildlife
protection program is included below. Extensive
information is included in Appendix E, the
County's Goal 5 inventory.
SENSITIVE BIRDS
Nest sites for the bald eagle, osprey, golden
eagle, prairie falcon, great grey owl, greater
sage -grouse, and great blue heron rookeries are
inventoried by the County. The area required
for each nest site varies between species. The
minimum area required for protection of nest
sites has been identified by the ODFW in their
management guidelines for protecting colony
nesting birds, osprey, eagles, and raptor nests.
The USFW works closely with ODFW on eagle -
related issues and enforces federal guidelines to
ensure protection of bald and golden eagles.
ELK
The Land and Resource Management Plan for
the Deschutes National Forest identifies 6 key
elk habitat areas in Deschutes County. The
ODFW also recognizes these areas as critical elk
habitat for calving, winter or summer range. The
following areas are mapped on the Big Game
Habitat Area map and in the Deschutes National
Forest Land and Resource Management Plan:
• Tumalo Mountain
• Kiwa
• Ryan
• Crane Prairie
• Fall River
• Clover Meadow
ANTELOPE
The Bend and Ochoco District offices of the
ODFW provided maps of the antelope range
and winter range. The available information
is adequate to indicate that the resource is
significant. The antelope habitat is mapped on
Deschutes County's Big Game Habitat -Wildlife
Area Combining Zone Map.
5-4 I Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
NatUlc
Scenic Views and Open Space
Deschutes County has a rich abundance of open
space. Open spaces are generally undeveloped
areas that are being maintained for some other
purpose, such as farms, parks, forests, or wildlife
habitat. Besides the value that stems from the
primary use of the land, open spaces provide
aesthetically pleasing undeveloped landscapes.
Because these areas are undeveloped, they
also provide additional benefits such as water
recharge, buffers from habitat, and safety zones
from natural hazards such as flooding.
Open spaces and scenic views are an important
draw for visitors and are often mentioned
as important to the area's quality of life. The
backdrop of the Cascade Mountains, with its vast
forest and sagebrush landscapes and riparian
and wetland habitats, all provide an inspirational
setting for visitors and residents alike. Statewide
Planning Goal 5 recommends, but does not
require, creating an inventory and protections
for open spaces, scenic views and sites. Oregon
Administrative Rule (OAR) 660-023 defines open
space designations as parks, forests, wildlife
preserves, nature sanctuaries, and golf courses.
Open spaces are protected through an Open
Space and Conservation map designation
and zoning district. Scenic view protection
is implemented through the Landscape
Management Combining Zone regulations.
Water Resources
Deschutes County's Role in Water Management
is described below.
REGULATORY AGENCIES
The primary state regulator of water
availability is the Oregon Water Resources
Department (OWRD). The Oregon Department
of Environmental Quality (DEQ) leads the
monitoring and enforcement of water quality
standards. The Oregon DEQ is required
to comply with the Federal Environmental
Protection Agency. Numerous sections of the
Deschutes River in Deschutes County hold a
special status as a federal wild and scenic river,
as well as a state scenic waterway. These areas
carry additional regulations through the 1996
Upper Deschutes Wild and Scenic River and State
Scenic Waterway Comprehensive Plan, requiring
additional agency coordination with the Oregon
Parks and Recreation Department and the US
Forest Service on development impacting these
sections.
STATEWIDE PLANNING GOALS
There are two Statewide Planning Goals relating
to the protection of water resources. Goal 5
(Natural Resources, Scenic and Historic Areas,
and Open Spaces) requires an inventory and
protection of the following water resources.
In Deschutes County, these inventories have
been completed and acknowledged by the Land
Conservation and Development Commission
(See Appendix A for Goal 5 Inventories). Goal 6
(Air, Land, and Water Resources Quality) requires
comprehensive plans to be consistent with state
and federal pollution regulations. Accordingly,
it is imperative that local land use policies align
with Federal and State laws governing the
community's water resources.
5-5 I Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Pdaturad
The policies in this section relating to water
provide the framework for evaluating land
use actions and define the responsibility of
the County to work in partnership with cities,
agencies, non -profits and others to achieve
efficient use of water resources and effective
management of water quality in the Upper
Deschutes Basin.
It is important to underscore that the primary
water resource management process occurs
outside of the state land use planning system.
Oregon land use and water management
are not integrated; there are no overarching
administrative rules that consider statewide
water management in conjunction with land use
planning.
WATER USE
The Deschutes aquifer has a recharge rate of
roughly 3 million acre feet per year. The current
water usage comes to roughly 720 thousand acre
feet per year. Roughly 40 to 50 thousand acre
feet of that water goes toward municipal and
non-agricultural use, while the remaining goes
toward crop and pasture irrigation. The majority
of that municipal water use goes towards
outdoor watering (gardens, sports fields, etc.).
As an example: the City of Bend uses 5 times as
much water in the summer as in the winter.
SNOWPACK
Although there is expected to be a slight
increase in winter precipitation by the middle
of the century, snowpack is expected to decline
throughout the Cascades. The decline in
snowpack (which has already been observed,
see figure below)' is due largely to increasing
temperatures causing some precipitation to fall
as rain rather than snow. This has the double
effect of decreasing snowfall and melting the
previously fallen snow. At the Mt Bachelor Ski
Resort, April snowpack is expected to decline
between 11% and 18% by the middle of the
1 Adapted from Mote, P.W., Li, S., Lettenmaier, D.P. et al.
Dramatic declines in snowpack in the western US. npj Clim Atmos Sci
1, 2 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41612-018-0012-1
century and between 18% and 43% by the end of
the century.
LAVA SPONGE
Deschutes county is fortunate to be underlain
on the Western side by relatively young volcanic
lava sponge. This sponge is highly porous and
is able to absorb large quantities of water
during the wet season and gradually release it
via abundant springs along the eastern slope.
The great advantage this provides is that the
resulting summer flows into the Deschutes
basin are not as dependent on overground flow
of snowmelt, and therefore are expected to
maintain a relatively stable water supply even as
snowpack decreases into the next century.
GROUNDWATER
The groundwater aquifer is roughly 1000 feet
thick and is replenished yearly by the Cascades'
precipitation. Recent years of "exceptional
drought" have lowered the aquifer level by
roughly 30 feet, resulting in a small percentage
of wells running dry, and raising concerns about
available groundwater for new developments.
Although it is likely that some wells will need
to be deepened to cope with increasing
temperatures and drought frequency, there is
likely to remain ample sustainable groundwater
supply.
Average Snowpack near Mt.
Bachelor Base Village on April 1
5-6 I Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Because the groundwater in the Deschutes Basin
is directly connected to the flow of the Deschutes
River, all additional groundwater use must be
mitigated by decreased use of groundwater
elsewhere through the Oregon Water Resources
Department's Deschutes Groundwater Mitigation
program. This can include retiring of other water
rights, or the release of water into the waterway.
A mitigation permit must be obtained before a
new groundwater right can be accessed. 2
Generally, groundwater quality in Deschutes
County is generally classified as being 'good,'
providing high quality drinking water to most
of its residents. However, several productive
aquifers lie in shallow alluvial sediments that
are vulnerable to contamination from human
activities and development.
The Department of Environmental Quality
(DEQ) Laboratory and Water Quality Divisions'
Groundwater Quality Report for the Deschutes
Basin (March 2006) identifies areas of concern
for groundwater contamination based on
various sources of data and groundwater quality
studies. Based on collected data, development
patterns and the geology of the underlying
aquifer, the report makes recommendations
for a couple of areas in the County. The report
notes the groundwater aquifer in the Redmond
area is vulnerable to contamination from human
activities and recommends further study by the
DEQ. The La Pine aquifer in the southern portion
of the county from the Sunriver area to the
Klamath County line between Newberry Caldera
and the Cascades is an area of particular concern
because of data collected through several
studies and the high level of development in the
area. The report also identifies underground
injection systems that could contaminate the
aquifer with pollutants from stormwater drywells
or sewage drillholes.
In South Deschutes County, the concern
for groundwater quality arises from nitrate
2 Information from the Oregon Water Resources Board
Mitigation Program.
Deschutes Basin Hydrogeology
The Deschutes River Basin, from its
headwaters to the Columbia River,
encompasses 10,400 square miles of the
north central part of the State. Nearly 91% of
Deschutes County lies within the Deschutes
Basin, The upper Deschutes River Basin is
characterized by recent volcanic activity
and strong and rapid groundwater flows.
The geologic conditions lead to a strong
connection between surface and ground
water (see also Section 3.10).
Groundwater flows eastward from the
Cascade Range through permeable volcanic
rocks out into the basin and then generally
northward. Groundwater recharge comes
from precipitation in the Cascade Range,
inter -basin flow and leaking irrigation
canals. No long-term water -level declines
attributable to groundwater pumping
were found in the upper Deschutes Basin.
Approximately one-half of the ground water
flowing from the Cascade Range discharges
to spring -fed streams along the margins
of the range. The remaining groundwater
flows through the subsurface, and eventually
discharges to streams near the confluence of
the Deschutes, Crooked, and Metolius Rivers.
The large amount of groundwater discharge
in the confluence area is primarily caused
by geologic factors. The Deschutes River
flows north through permeable rock until
it hits a region of low -permeable rock near
the confluence area. There the permeable
rock strata terminates, forcing water to
the surface. Virtually all of the regional
groundwater in the upper Deschutes Basin
discharges to streams south of the area
where the Deschutes River enters this low-
permeability terrain, at roughly the location
of Pelton Dam.
5-7 I Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
contamination associated with on -site
wastewater treatment (septic) systems
discharging to the shallow unconfined aquifer.
The issue is small lots with highly permeable
rapidly draining soils and a high groundwater
table with relatively cold water temperatures.
Combined with the fact that the majority of Tots
are served by on -site wastewater treatment
systems and individual wells, concern arose
that nitrates from the septic systems could
contaminate local wells and the river system.
Considerable work has gone into studying the
groundwater in South County. In 1999 Deschutes
County and the Department of Environmental
Quality (DEQ) identified the need for a better
understanding of the processes that affect
the movement and chemistry of nitrogen in
the aquifer underlying the La Pine area. In
response, the U.S. Geological Service (USGS), in
cooperation with Deschutes County and DEQ,
began a study to examine the hydrologic and
chemical processes that affect the movement
and chemical transformation of nitrogen within
the aquifer. A primary objective was to provide
tools for evaluating the effects of existing
and future residential development on water
quality and to develop strategies for managing
groundwater quality.
Field research from the USGS study shows
that in a 250-square-mile study area near
La Pine the groundwater underlying the La
Pine sub -basin is highly vulnerable and being
polluted by continued reliance on traditional
onsite systems. Environmental impacts from
residential development include higher nitrate
concentrations in groundwater that is tapped
for domestic water supply and discharges to
rivers. Nitrates are regulated by the federal
Environmental Protection Agency and DEQ as
a human health concern. Vulnerability of the
shallow aquifer to contamination led to concern
that wastewater from septic systems poses a
threat to the primary drinking water supply and
local river systems. The Upper Deschutes and
Little Deschutes Sub -basins have abundant,
natural sources of phosphorus from volcanic
soils and rocks so the rivers are naturally
nitrogen limited. Nitrogen -limited rivers are
sensitive to low concentrations of available
nitrogen until some other component becomes
limiting, and that may lead to ecological impacts.
In 2008 the County used the research on nitrates
to adopt a 'local rule' that required South County
residents to convert their septic systems over
a period of 14 years to alternative sewage
system technology designed to reduce nitrates.
New septic systems were also required to use
alternative technologies. The County created
a process to assist residents in funding the
conversions.
Many South County residents expressed concern
over the costs involved with converting their
septic systems and disputed the science behind
the rule. Placed on the ballet by petition, the
local rule was rescinded by voters in March 2009.
As of 2010 the DEQ is leading the effort to
address nitrates in South County, with the
full cooperation of the County. One solution
being considered is creating a sewer system or
extending Sunriver's to serve some of the nearby
areas. Sewer systems are tightly restricted
on rural lands by Statewide Planning Goal 11
and OAR 660-11, so the Department of Land
Conservation and Development is also involved
in these efforts.
RESERVOIRS
The majority of the irrigation in Deschutes
County comes from reservoirs. These reservoirs
are primarily spring fed from the Cascades.
Reservoirs serve the dual purpose of supplying
water for irrigation and ensuring sufficient
streamflow in the lower Deschutes River.
Regional droughts in recent years have resulted
in lower water levels in these reservoirs.
5-8 I Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Y isz 0a a rC
ALGAL BLOOMS
Algal blooms have been a problem for
recreational lakes in the cascade mountains in
recent years. Since 2007, the Wickiup Reservoir,
Crane Prairie Reservoir, and Paulina Lake have
experienced algal or bacteria blooms that
required a health advisory.3
Although not all algal blooms are toxic,
they interfere with recreation and aesthetic
enjoyment. In general, algal blooms are caused
by elevated nutrients, elevated temperature,
and still water. Algal blooms in other parts of
the state have led to drinking water concerns,
but Deschutes County cities are supplied by
groundwater and so the risk in algal blooms is
mainly to recreation.
3 https://www.Oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYENVIRONMENTS/
RECREATION/HARM FU LALGAEBLOOMS/Pages/archive.aspx
Key Community Considerations
Natural resources for recreation, passive
enjoyment, habitat protection, and economic
production are a fundamental part of life in
Deschutes County, and as such were a key
part of the community conversation in this
Comprehensive Plan update. Highlights of this
conversation include:
• Concern about the ability of the County's
water supply to accommodate more
residents, visitors, and water -intensive jobs
in the future
• Interest in a re-evaluation of water rights
for urban, agricultural, and "hobby farm"
uses.
• A robust discussion around wildlife
inventories, habitat conservation, open
space regulations, and impacts on private
property owners.
The topic of habitat conservation and water
availability came up frequently, with most
participants saying that further protections are
needed. However, there was also recognition
of the burden these protections may put on
property owners. Deschutes County does not
have the authority or expertise to reevaluate
water rights as part of its land use planning
efforts, leading the County to instead work with
the Oregon Department of Water Resources,
irrigation districts, and holders of water rights
to increase the efficiency of water distribution
throughout the community.
5-9 I Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Goals and Policies
Water Goals and Policies
Goal 5.1: Support regional, comprehensive water
management solutions that balance the diverse
needs of water users and recognize Oregon
water law.
Policy 5.1.1. Participate in Statewide and
regional water planning including, but not
limited to:
a. Work cooperatively with appropriate
federal, state, tribal and local agency
resource managers, such as The
Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs
Reservation of Oregon, the Oregon Water
Resources Department (OWRD), irrigation
districts, and other stakeholders and
nonprofit water organizations, such as
the Deschutes Basin Water Collaborative,
the County Soil and Water Conservation
District;
b. Support the development and
implementation of Upper Deschutes Basin
Study, Habitat Conservation Plan, and
Biological Opinion from National Marine
Fisheries Service for the middle and lower
Deschutes Rivers.
Policy 5.1.2. Support grants for water system
infrastructure improvements, upgrades, or
expansions.
Policy 5.1.3. Develop better understanding
of The Confederated Tribes of the Warm
Springs Reservation of Oregon's treaty -
protected rights to co -manage the water
resources of the Deschutes Basin.
Policy 5.1.4. Encourage state agencies to
identify local areas of concern for water
availability and explore additional regulations
or requirements to ensure water capacity is
not negatively impacted by development.
Natural Resources
Goal 5.2: Increase water conservation efforts.
Policy 5.2.1. Support efficient water use
through targeted conservation, educational
and, as needed, regulatory or incentive
programs.
a. Encourage new development incorporates
efficient water use practices for all water
uses.
b. Encourage the reuse of grey water for
landscaping.
c. Encourage and educate the community
about the relative impacts of thinning or
reduction of plant species that adversely
impact forest health, water availability, and
soil quality.
d. Encourage and educate the community
about on -farm efficiency measures,
including upgrades to equipment.
e. Encourage and educate the community
about use of voluntary metering of water
use to monitor seasonal impacts on water
use.
f. Provide access to educational materials
and tools related to water conservation
including publications, information about
grant opportunities, and/or partner with
organizations on educational events.
Encourage and educate community
members on stewardship of wetlands and
waterways.
h. Provide access to educational materials
about water -wise gardening and
xeriscaping.
Policy 5.2.2. Promote coordinated
regional water conservation efforts and
implementation by regional, tribal, and
local organizations and agencies, including
increasing public awareness of and
implementing water conservation tools,
incentives, and best practices.
g•
5-10 1 Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Policy 5.2.3. Support conservation efforts
by irrigation districts, property owners and
other water users, including programs to
provide incentives for water conservation,
such as piping of canals and laterals, water
banking, exchanges of water rights, voluntary
transfers of in -stream flows, onsite efficiency
measures, and other means.
Goal 5.3: Maintain and enhance a healthy
ecosystem in the Deschutes River Basin.
Policy 5.3.1. Notify the Oregon Department
of State Lands, The Confederated Tribes of
the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon,
and other state and federal agencies as
appropriate -of any development applications
for land within a wetland identified on the
statewide wetland inventory maps.
Policy 5.3.2. Work with The Confederated
Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation of
Oregon and other federal, state, and local
agency resource managers to restore,
maintain and/or enhance healthy river and
riparian ecosystems and wetlands, including
the following:
a. Cooperate to improve surface waters,
especially those designated water quality
impaired under the federal Clean Water
Act;
b. Support research on methods to restore,
maintain and enhance river and riparian
ecosystems and wetlands;
c. Support restoration efforts for river and
riparian ecosystems and wetlands;
d. Inventory and consider protections for
cold water springs;
e. Evaluate waterways in coordination with
OPRD for possible designation under the
Scenic Waterways program;
f. In collaboration with appropriate federal,
state, tribal and local agency resource
managers stakeholders, map channel
migration zones and identify effective
protections;
g. Develop comprehensive riparian
management or mitigation practices that
enhance ecosystems, such as criteria
for removal of vegetation that adversely
impacts water availability and soil health.
Policy 5.3.3. Support studies of the
Deschutes River ecosystem and incorporate
strategies from current watershed studies
that provide new scientific information and
indigenous knowledge about the Deschutes
River ecosystem.
Policy 5.3.4. Support educational efforts
and identify areas where the County could
provide information on the Deschutes River
ecosystem, including rivers, riparian areas,
floodplains and wetlands.
a. Support efforts to educate property
owners to understand regulations
pertaining to rivers, riparian areas,
floodplains and wetlands.
Policy 5.3.5. Revisit recommendations
of 1996 Upper Deschutes Wild and
Scenic River and State Scenic Waterway
Comprehensive Plan, or its successor, and
consider implementation of voluntary
recommendations into the county code
Goal 5.4: Maintain and enhance fish and
riparian -dependent wildlife habitat.
Policy 5.4.1. Coordinate with The
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
Reservation of Oregon and other federal,
state, and local agency resource managers
and stakeholders to protect and enhance
fish and wildlife habitat in river and riparian
habitats and wetlands.
5-11 I Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Policy 5.4.2. Promote healthy fish
populations through incentives and
education.
Policy 5.4.3. Support healthy native salmonid
fish populations through coordination with
stakeholders, including, but not limited to,
The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs
Reservation of Oregon and other federal,
state, and local agency resource managers
who provide fish habitat management and
restoration.
a. Review, and apply where appropriate,
strategies for protecting fish and fish
habitat for native salmonid species.
b. Promote native salmonid species
recovery through voluntary incentives
and encouraging appropriate species
management and associated habitat
conservation and restoration.
Policy 5.4.4. Update and implement policies
to support federally approved Habitat
Conservation Plans for species listed under
the Endangered Species Act
a. Spawning and rearing areas for salmonid
species should be considered significant
habitat and should be protected in rivers
and streams.
b. Cooperate with covered parties in
restoring or enhancing spawning and
rearing areas for salmonid species, where
feasible.
c. Support efforts to address riparian
restoration associated with streamflow
management under approved plans.
Policy 5.4.5. Use a combination of incentives
and/or regulations to avoid, minimize, and
mitigate development impacts on river and
riparian ecosystems and wetlands.
Policy 5.4.6. Support plans, cooperative
agreements, education, water quality
monitoring and other tools that protect
watersheds, reduce erosion and runoff,
enhance riparian vegetation, and protect
other natural or engineered water systems/
processes that filter and/or clean water and
improve and/or and preserve water quality.
Policy 5.4.7. Coordinate with the Oregon
Department of Environmental Quality and
other stakeholders on regional water quality
maintenance and improvement efforts such
as identifying and abating point (single -
source) and non -point (unidentified or
multiple -source) pollution or developing and
implementing Total Maximum Daily Load and
Water Quality Management Plans.
Policy 5.4.8. Coordinate with The
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
Reservation of Oregon and other federal,
state, and local agency resource managers to
address water -related public health issues.
a. Support amendments to State regulations
to permit centralized sewer systems
in areas with high levels of existing or
potential development or identified water
quality concerns.
b. If a public health hazard is declared in
rural Deschutes County, expedite actions
such as legislative amendments allowing
sewers or similar infrastructure.
Policy 5.4.9. Continue to evaluate and/or
implement regulations, such as a wellhead
protection ordinance for public water
systems, in accordance with applicable
Federal and/or State requirements.
Policy 5.4.10. Coordinate and work with
the Oregon Department of Agriculture,
agricultural uses, and available voluntary
programs to support and implement
proven new technologies and best practices
to maintain and enhance water quality,
5-12 I Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
such as minimizing nitrate contamination,
maintaining streamside vegetation, reducing
streambank soil erosion and runoff, reducing
fish passage barriers, managing return flows,
limiting livestock access to riparian areas,
and minimizing weeds and bare patches in
grazing areas.
Policy 5.4.11. Support regulations, education
programs, and cleaning procedures at public
and private boat landings.
Goal 5.5: Coordinate land use and water policies
to address management and allocation of water
in Deschutes County.
Policy 5.5.1. Coordinate with other affected
agencies when a land use or development
application may impact rivers or riparian
ecosystems or wetlands.
Policy 5.5.2. Regulate land use patterns
and promote best practices to preserve the
integrity of the natural hydrologic system,
recognize the relationship between ground
and surface water, recognize basin -wide
impacts, and address water impacts of new
land uses and developments, including
water -intensive uses.
Policy 5.5.3. Support OWRD's efforts
to update and modernize Oregon's
groundwater allocation rules and policies
to protect existing surface water and
groundwater users and to maintain
sustainable groundwater resources.
Policy 5.5.4. Support efforts by the OWRD
in collaboration with Central Oregon Cities
Organization, The Confederated Tribes of the
Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, and
non -governmental organizations to revisit
the Deschutes Basin Groundwater Mitigation
Program.
Policy 5.5.5. Coordinate with the irrigation
districts to ensure -Irrigated land partitions
and lot line adjustments are not approved
without notice to the affected district.
Policy 5.5.6. Utilize Central Oregon
Stormwater Manual to apply appropriate
stormwater management practices land use. -
decisions.
Policy 5.5.7. Allow for development of
wastewater facilities and improvements
where needed or required to address water
quality issues and maintain water quality,
consistent with state and local wastewater
system requirements.
Open Space and Scenic Views Goals &
Policies
Goal 5.6: Coordinate with property owners to
protect open spaces, scenic views, and scenic
areas and corridors through a combination of
incentives and/or educational programs.
Policy 5.6.1. Work with stakeholders to
create and maintain a system of connected
open spaces while balancing private property
rights with community benefits.
Policy 5.6.2. Work to maintain the visual
character and rural appearance of open
spaces such as the area along Highway 97
that separates the communities of Bend
and Redmond or lands that are visually
prominent. -
Policy 5.6.3. Work to maintain and protect
the visual character and rural appearance of
visually prominent open spaces within the
County, particularly those that are identified
in the Goal 5 inventory.
Policy 5.6.4. Seek to protect the cultural
identity of rural communities, such as the
Highway 97 area/corridor between Bend and
Redmond, and others.
5-13 I Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
"r ( es
Policy 5.6.5. Protect significant open spaces,
scenic views, and scenic sites by encouraging
new development to be sensitive to these
resources.
Policy 5.6.6. Incentivize the placement of
structures in a way that is sensitive of view
corridors to maintain the visual character of
the area.
Wildlife Goals and Policies
Goal 5.7:Maintain and enhance a diversity of
wildlife and habitats.
Policy 5.7.1. Promote stewardship of wildlife
habitats through incentives, public education,
and development regulations.
Policy 5.7.2. Ensure Goal 5 wildlife
inventories and habitat protection programs
are up-to-date through public processes,
expert sources, and current or recently
adopted plans and studies.
Policy 5.7.3. Provide incentives for new
development to be compatible with and to
enhance wildlife habitat.
Policy 5.7.4. Require, incentivize, or
encourage clustering of development in
inventoried wildlife areas to reduce impacts
to wildlife populations.
Policy 5.7.5.Develop better understanding
of The Confederated Tribes of the Warm
Springs Reservation of Oregon's treaty -
protected rights to co -manage the wildlife
resources of the Deschutes Basin.
Goal 5.8: Balance protection of wildlife and
habitat with the economic and recreational
benefits of wildlife and habitat.
Policy 5.8.1. Encourage responsible and
sustainable wildlife related tourism and
recreation.
Policy 5.8.2. Coordinate with stakeholders
to ensure access to appropriate recreational
opportunities within significant wildlife and
riparian habitat through public or non-profit
ownership.
Policy 5.8.3.Coordinate with Confederated
Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation
of Oregon and State agencies to develop
strategies to support sound wildlife
management science and principals for the
benefit of the wildlife resource.
Goal 5.9: Comply with federal and state
regulations related to sensitive, threatened, and
endangered species, including the Endangered
Species Act, the Bald and Golden Eagle
Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and
others as applicable.
Policy 5.9.1. Coordinate with Federal and
State agencies to develop strategies to
protect Federal or State Threatened or
Endangered Species, or Species of Concern.
Policy 5.9.2. Mitigate conflicts between large-
scale development and sage grouse habitat.
Policy 5.9.3. Consider adopting
recommendations from Oregon Department
of Fish and Wildlife, the Confederated Tribes
of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon,
and the Deschutes River Mitigation and
Enhancement Program in dock construction.
Environmental Quality Goals and
Policies
Goal 5.10: Maintain and improve upon the
quality of air and land in Deschutes County.
Policy 5.10.1. Use building techniques,
materials, and technologies in existing
and future County operations and capital
facilities that help maintain and improve
environmental quality.
5-14 i Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
Policy 5.10.2. Implement a dark skies
educational and or incentive program and
periodically update the Dark Skies ordinance
to reduce the impacts of light pollution
and reduce lighting impacts on adjacent
properties.
Policy 5.10.3. Coordinate with agency
partners to educate residents about
controlled burning projects and air quality
concerns.
Policy 5.10.4. Use public education,
education for County departments, and
regulations to control noxious weeds and
invasive species.
Goal 5.11: Promote sustainable building
practices that minimize the impacts of
development on the natural environment.
Policy 5.11.1. Use the County Code and
educational materials to promote the use of
resource -efficient building and landscaping
techniques, materials, and technologies that
minimize impacts to environmental quality.
Policy 5.11.2. Encourage and support
reuse and recycling of consumer goods,
green waste, construction waste, hazardous
waste, and e-waste through education and
enhanced recycling opportunities through
the Recycling Program.
Policy 5.11.3. Support the process for
siting new County solid waste management
facilities in rural Deschutes County,
consistent with facility needs and County
standards for the location and approval of
such facilities.
Policy 5.11.4. Implement best practices in
solid waste management throughout the
County.
Policy 5.11.5. Develop and implement a
Climate Action Plan to address the potential
future impacts of climate change on
Deschutes County through incentives and/or
regulations.
Policy 5.11.6. Promote and incentivize
green infrastructure in new development to
improve stormwater management.
5-15 I Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan
TY DEVELOPMENT
Attachment A
"Parking Lot"
0-
0 VV;
V (1)
r6
C
(la Q
bA C
(I)
O E
c -c
C,
C
a)
-o X
C
O
C
a)
_0
0 O
v c
H as
Action Item
Ch. 2 - Land Use
Revise code to have clear
and objective standards for
0
vs
0
c
O
u
O
4-
-0
a.)
N
> C
(13
a) I?
a
N
v
a)
0 0
Q
N
N
Action Item
Ch. 2 - Land Use
(13
co
N
D
C
J bA
I
N
u CL
aJ
CCS
'u
0
to
N
ra
In
N
0
(10
aJ
v
V
0
IZ
(1)
a)
73
J
N
0
-0 v-
a) 0
0 L
co
vs
Q
o -CS= v
a) .c v 0_ Q
ico ul
� v") Qs
VIro a) c0 L
O Q v "O
-0 E co O a) N
a) (0 N V) _O c
C v c T
CO
O O C
c •
O- c p .0
v a) O C IN
+-j
-O �O -62 M v a)
a, V) v O
N O O 'O O
N
o a '�' E
0 H '�
J
aJ
tat)
as
d
a)
0
-o
1-+
a)
0
r13
(6
Place a moratorium on
c
Q
C
0
V
(0
bA
O *1)
c v
+ v
aJ Q
a) +-+
-0 C
In a)
0 Cr
a) _0
-o N
O C
v
E
LE +)
Action Item
Ch. 2 - Land Use
0-0
a) C D
0_
4-, in 0 >,
v)
0 0_ r0
C 4-, cl• E
ta.0 0
E .2 c 0 ei
0.0
.4---, -0 (13
rt3 C 0
Ty C 'L7 rt5 taC)
U
- U '--.
L.. VT rt3C
a) F.- CU
cUl 1/1
b.° 0 0 v) •
Ev_ , E LE...) a)(75
0_ C2_
c v) cC3 CZ
_ s_ (o
a) a) 0 4- .- 03
u " 4-, I3.0
CMDCO
0 a) u 47, tat) 4--
u L_
CU •Eo. ....,v, 4„.., _ti)
-L-
a)
v) if, • v)
(/i ru a) E 0 rt3
I) C 0 P
4?-_,,
a) (13 C
a)>< ,_ -C3 u >-,
,-, C 0 .4z. _0 , ,°
- a) 4-, vs s_ ,....,
_i (3 ro
0 tri `13 u
-0
cuE
-70
C
-0
Q.)
0
o
s_
u 0_
'7_ L._
t:40 0
03 4- (1)
C E
*E E
o o
12 U
rt3
cU
..--
a)
_0
0
4-,
0
4-,
• -
a)
a)
V)
cii
0
4-,
rt3
-C
-0
a)
0
0 0
VI C vi 4--, vi
a) 0 vs fil cr.i. CU
E L_
(00 ...:
L... U
-0
a) a) 0_ c3 4-
4-, 0 a 0 (13 =
oo
0 1.- -0
s_ b-0 0 03 -0 M
D E ..)--:• >, c o
E o -o u
03 _c cis _ sv) in
4-4-, r•-•
c -0 co c N
. - C
0 Q.) (13 L'' a) 0 0
0 0.13 N
U 0 X '4- Cl) _SD
a) CIO 05 u 4_, CL 4-, C N 1-
V)
VS X
in
0
(A a) a) c,:-..: -s-•
0 s_
a) _a 0 a.) - (i) c
0- L_ = 0
r) 73cU0E(13
as
a D _c, c o E th C
0 vs vs u .- a u >
._
La a
L., V) C V/ V) -0 75
in I- CL I- v) 03 v)
Action Item
1
I 0
I
I 0
vc
U.)
o E
o
5
0
tao 0- 0
l a) a) U
s-
-0
a.) 0
a)
u CL
E X
LU Q) 0
Action Item
Eliminate Or revisit EFU Sub -
V)
CU
N
-J
0
-C
113
LC3
0 0
0
b.°
4- lfl
w
>
a) C
L_
0 -)x
E a)
a) a)
_C2 .
5
-0 0-
CD
0 "
-0 0
LE 0 c
ro
Action Item
[h. 5 -VVoLer
Resources
cu.
o>
I _a
! (13
03
13)
E
Action Item
Resources
CU
ra
13)
0
0
ICT)
a)
(0
(5
CU
0
-0
a)
H
b.°
s_
a)
VI
0
0_
E
4-4
c u
.o n
C)-
v)
0
vs
c
a) 0
as 47'
4-, C.
0 b
13)13)
0 -'
-0 ri3
Z.N
C
0 0
_c -0
rt3
c0 <
(50 0
D a)
V) ru -0
as 4-, CU
) 4-,
4-24'
-c_- _a a)
-0 in
C a) a)
0:3
C T)
a) a
>,
0 W C
s- rcs
!
cCS
11)
a) (73
E tn
C
a) 0
u
(3 0 •-
_C s_ -0
c0_
-0
c
0 V1
C 0
ra
a) 0_ -C3
c x E
cl)
>, >, >,
_0 _0 _0
0 >0 > -C3
a) > a) > a) .'
0 cts -0 r0 0 (13
_t n _1 _J
0
7) 2), T. ..1 2)- a)
0-(1) (J)CD
Cl.) (o I) ri:s
.-
0_ tf) CL V)
s_
a)
4-,
(o v) vs
(I) u cU
L.,
L-- s_
0 0
LC) 0 0
E tclu) vs
a)
U CC ct
b.°
c
-
a)
OJ (3
0
0
Q a)
4- 1v)
!
•-
0
0_ o a3
4-, (0 co
E u_ cu>
a.
a) a_ cu
Q a, cc
_C
t),13
Ch. 5 -VV8ter
Resources
the Countys four cities.
0
(CS
b.0
4-,
a)
0_
X
CU
_0
0
C0
L.E
Action Item
Ch. 5-Water
Construct infrastructure to
v
0 a.)
u u
V
c 0_
4-, Ca 4-)
c c
-C
E I bi° E
c
E
a) al
s_. 4_,
o x
-a-))
X 4-,
c
a) (I)
CD-
-0 a)
0
U
a. 2
0
v-,
LE
1- 0_
Action Item
Resources
a)
4-•
CU
L._
a) a)
4-•
c
!••-•• • -
o c
b.0 u
(0(0—
0_ z
ro b
cua.
ECC L_
4-)
-0
"CI
CU
-CI
0)
CL
cu
LE
-0
0
-C
0
_J
0
Ch. 5 - Wildlife
Resources
111
Lfl (0
C 0
0 (3
5
a) -Cs
a)
0.)
> (13
00
E
CC ccs
•
(Ts
a)
0_
CL
0
4-,
4›-
c
CL
0
-0
resources
(o
_c
t).0
0
_c
4-)
-0
a)
o
CL.
X
a)
_C2
-0
0
0
Action Item
u
-0
bC c
C
C
oti
N
0_
-o
0
0 10.
LL CIO
a)
>
E E 2
0
0
C
Io _a
P _0
u 0
cCS
C
(0
c c
t).0
0
0 u
_C (I)
Q.) ...0
4-,
00
5
X
w 0
(i)
Action Item
-0
CU
(1)
vi
0
0 _c
C
C 0
C
(13
11)
(1) 0
I (47'5 C
C (I)
b.13
LE
a)
ro>
c
4-
V)
as
bk)
CU es
-0 4—'03 .4110
v)
c
(1) u
ro
u :4=
>, c E
E E
SEE
o o
< u u
-0
4-, V)
o :4=
0_ c
_C c o
UDU
t).0
o c m :E
C D u 0
0 o r_ E
-41-, _c w 0_ E
co >
O
0 l CI)
ca 0
CU -0 0 I CL) c 22,
• - S-
S-.
C *-
L.9 i_ vi 1-
Q.) s- D 0)
-, 4-, C -° L_°-
RS ai (1)
-r, ''''' v.) 0
Q.) 0 l..)
0 -0 .(7)
> -.. V) C
a) 4-,
73 c 0 (0 C —
< CU 0 t.)(1) S
V)
(L$
4)
c
CU
0_
-0
0
b-0
(Cs
13.0
c
H it/
vi 0_
0 0_
-, co
aS
4-
0
Action Item
Destination
4-
c
w
E
0_ 0
0 al
CU C
> c
Q.) 0
rz5
4-, 4-,
V) V)
(1) CU
CC -0
V)
4-,
0
CC
V)
V) 4-)
a) ro
L., _a
o
3-1 0)
4—,
C
E
-0
ro
c
a)
E
0)
_c
4-4
c
0
0
>-)
.(3)_ SJ.) >,
sT)_
E -o
c
4)
0(0
U
(1)
CU
4-,
ct3 ci)
s_
ITS
0 I-- -0
V) 0
0 C u
C 0 a,
_Dow ex too
co:
QJ C
v) a)" (0
co _0
(13 ,
= 0- >
M 2
To:
a) I
oJ
CL
cC3
0
vi
I
-o !
a) i
-0 ra
0 — 1
4-) )
Q) ra I
s_ 4_.
Destination
0
V)
4-, C
V) 47 C 0
C ' -
0 E cu> c0
..4_,- = 1- c
Li 4-, 0..4-)
C- (0
4-, _c 0CD
VI
-I--, -o
0 (1) -C) 0
v) *- 4,
C 0 fa 4-, 0_ a) (15
ro
E LE- E
4_, -
,,, 0 CL
>, •-,, 0 V)
--,
C) !4-•• _ CD L_
E (7) 0
cI3 c (0 a j> v)
(T3 (1)
(...) u E -0 ,._
Brenda Fritsvold
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Craig Letz <craig@tamarackwildfire.com>
Monday, August 5, 2024 9:36 AM
Board
Draft Oregon Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map
Oregon Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map Comments.docx
You don't often get email from craig@tamarackwildfire.com. Learn why this is important
[EXTERNAL EMAIL]
Commissioners,
We have been receiving a tot of questions regarding our thoughts on the map from our clients across
central Oregon. We shared the attached letter with them and we wanted to share our thoughts with you
as welt.
We are sharing a similar version of this letter with the Oregon Department of Forestry.
To be clear, we strongly support the adoption of defensible space and fire -hardening building codes, we
just don't feel that the Hazard Map is the right tool to determine where it is applied.
Please feet free to contact me if you would like to discuss further.
-Craig
Craig Letz
Tamarack Wildfire Consulting
craig@tamarackwildfire.com
www.tamarackwildfire.com
541.480.3356
1
TAMARACK
-WILDFIRE" CONSULTING-.
Letter Addressing Draft Oregon Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map
This letter is in response to the updated Draft Oregon Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map released
July 2024. The map and associated policies are, in our professional opinion, flawed and have
the potential to preclude communities and local governments from effectively adopting and
enforcing building and landscaping codes that will protect millions of Oregonians from wildfire.
The Map is designed to be used to designate where codes can and can't be employed. In
conjunction with the creation of the Hazard Map, a Draft Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Map
was also created. This map focuses on designating areas where wildland vegetation intersects
with homes and other infrastructure rather than trying to categorize a level of potential hazard.
Ultimately, the WUI Map would be a much more effective tool to help guide policies, enact code,
and keep Oregonians safe from wildfire.
The Hazard Map
The Hazard Map is not an accurate depiction of where the threat of destructive wildfires truly
lies in Oregon. It was created using broad scale, limited data sets of treatments and fire history
at the point in time the models were run. It uses standardized wildfire metrics like Burn
Probability, Fire Intensity, and Susceptibility to model wildfire risk at the lot level across the
state. However, it does not include fuels treatment data (i.e. thinning, mowing, and/or burning)
at the lot level. Nevertheless, it still attempts to quantify fire hazard at the micro level.
For example, the newer Tree Farm and Westgate subdivisions on the west side of Bend have
rigorous fire mitigation language in their design guidelines requiring home hardening and
defensible space measures, yet both neighborhoods are classified on the Map as "high" hazard
areas. Other older subdivisions on the west side of Bend with no fire mitigation requirements,
such as Deschutes River Woods, are classified as moderate. Any fire professional familiar with
these neighborhoods would find these designations wildly inaccurate.
The Map also appears to disregard the following critical points:
• The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety stated, "during wildfires, as many as
90% of homes and buildings damaged or destroyed were first ignited by embers or other
fires set by embers, and not the main wildland fire front." Embers have been regularly
reported traveling 1.5 to 5 miles ahead of the main fire. Once a home ignites, structure -
to -structure ignition occurs (structures include houses, sheds, wooden fences, garages,
etc.). Since the Hazard Map repeatedly classifies adjacent properties in different risk
categories, we can assume the range of ember travel was not included.
• The models used do not reflect the fire behavior of homes as a fuel type. Houses and
ancillary structures in the WUI commonly are built with wood and can contain extremely
flammable elements like propane tanks, ammunition, and fuel containers, and can
accelerate the spread of some fires.
Tamarack Wildfire Consulting 1497 E. Tyee Dr., Sisters, OR 97759 1541.480.3356
1
TAMARACK
- WILDFIRE CONSULTING -
• Vegetation is constantly changing. Grass, brush, and trees are dynamic elements on
the landscape and grow, die, and are planted by property owners. Treatments to reduce
hazardous fuels are therefore not effective indefinitely. In Central Oregon, vegetation
treatments could lose their effectiveness in as little as 5 years.
Policy
The real flaw in this legislation isn't the Hazard Map itself, rather declaring the Map is the
guiding tool in deciding where home hardening and defensible space codes can be enacted and
enforced.
Dividing cities or neighborhoods at the lot level, like the Hazard Map does, makes it extremely
difficult for local governments to adopt and enforce codes that only apply to certain parts of a
jurisdiction, all the while based on a map that inherently needs to evolve with changing
vegetation, climate, and development.
Mislabeling communities is also dangerous, primarily because it will create a false sense of
security in areas rated "moderate" or "low" and make it extremely difficult to enact safer codes
or inspire individual property owners or tenants to participate in improving the safety of their
properties.
The WUI Map, however, classifies the geographic area where structures and other human
development meets or intermingles with wildland or vegetative fuels with a broader brush, better
communicating the wildfire danger on a broader and more realistic landscape scale.
Conclusion
As a state with a recent history of deadly and destructive conflagrations, we are shockingly
behind the curve on protecting our growing communities from wildfire. Every year, we witness
unprecedented fire behavior and are suffering staggering home, resource, and human losses.
The Wildfire Hazard Map, while well-meaning, has become a distraction delaying the application
of common sense measures and codes. The WUI Map, however, is the superior tool to help
guide the process and should be utilized instead of the Hazard Map.
Please share your concerns with the Draft Oregon Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map and
associated policies during the public comment period (ending August 18th) with the Oregon
Department of Forestry and the office of the Oregon State Fire Marshal at
hazardmap@odf.orecgon.bov. Comments should also be shared with your local elected officials
(city councilors, county commissioners, and state representatives) and let them know the
Hazard Map is fatally flawed and the Draft Wildland Urban Interface Map should be the only
map employed moving forward.
Tamarack Wildfire Consulting 1 497 E. Tyee Dr., Sisters, OR 97759 1 541.480.3356
2
Eastern Oregon Counties Association
Date: July 30, 2024
Invoice: T1-202400015
Payment Due: 30 September 2024
Deschutes County
1300 NW Wall St.
Bend, Or 97703
In addition to basic membership, you can opt to support additional interests of the Eastern Oregon Counties Association. Current
opportunities include the Blue Mountain Intergovernmental Committee (BIC) and the Eastern Oregon Economic Summit.
Basic Membership
FY 2023-2024
Blue Mountain Intergovernmental
Committee (o tional
Eastern Oregon Economic Summit
o tional)
$ 12,500
COJMMITMENT
AMOUNT
$ 12,500
$ 5,000
Suggested Contribution
$ 1,000 to $ 5,000
TOTAL
Please submit check payment along with a copy of this invoice to:
UNION COUNTY
EOCA
1106 K. Avenue
La Grande, OR 97850