HomeMy WebLinkAboutSouth County Summary Sheet 022712Deschutes County Community Development Department
Planning Division
Contents of the South County Summary Sheets
South County Summary Sheets
Included information:
Overview of the South County Land Use Plan
Existing Comprehensive Plan Policies
South County Fish and Wildlife Resources
South County Population
South County Recreational Opportunities
South County Transportation
South County Special Road Districts
South County Water Resources
South County Wildland Urban Interface
South County Special Land Designations
South County Land Use
Deschutes County Community Development Department
Planning Division
How Will the Plan be Done? The Plan will be prepared only after extensive
public outreach. By participating at public meetings, focus groups, and/or
stakeholder meetings, residents can review existing conditions, understand
emerging issues, and provide feedback that will lend itself to writing new
goals and policies to shape the future of South County.
Deschutes County Community Development Department
Planning Division
Overview of the South County Land Use Plan
SOUTH COUNTY needs YOU!
Deschutes County just updated its Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) and
during that process South County residents expressed interest in an
area-specific plan to replace one, titled Regional Problem Solving, which
has been in existence since the late 1990s.
Why Develop a Land Use Plan for South County? Located in the Upper
Deschutes Basin, South County experiences unique issues stemming
from the platting of thousands of small rural lots in the 1950s, 1960s
and 1970s, many with minimal public services. These issues were first
addressed in the Regional Problem Solving chapter of the Comp Plan. It
is, however, important to update a land use plan so that it continues to
provide policy direction to improve a community’s physical, economic
and social well-being. During the Comp Plan Update process last year,
residents requested the Regional Problem Solving section be revisited.
Revising the land use plan will ensure that it continues to address
unique South County assets and community-wide issues, and
coordinates with other planning efforts occurring in the area, including
those from the City of La Pine, Sunriver, La Pine Rural Fire District and
affected state and federal agencies. By reengaging residents and
stakeholders, the County can establish a plan that reflects local values
and preferences on growth and development. Given South County’s
regional context, the plan will revisit roadways, rural and economic
development, farms and forests, public health, fish and wildlife habitat,
fire protection, water resources and other issues raised by the
community.
What is a Comprehensive Plan? A Comprehensive Plan is an official document adopted by the Deschutes
County Board of Commissioners which sets forth the general, long range goals and policies on how future
development should occur in the county, consistent with statewide planning law.
What is an Area Land Use Plan? An Area Land Use Plan is a component of the Comp Plan, but with more
geographically specific goals, policies, and objectives. It contains a vision
statement conveying the expectations of a specific community, an inventory of
existing conditions, and the results of the public involvement process. These
three elements shape the establishment of goals and policies, which then
provide a guide to decision making for preferred land uses that support local
development objectives and capital improvements during a 20 year period.
Draft South County Plan Area
Area Specific Plans and Policies [Regional Problem Solving]
New Policies
• Develop a south county community plan and adopt it as a subsection of this [Comprehensive] Plan.
• Support the leadership of the Department of Environmental Quality in working with the community to
address groundwater protection issues.
• To the maximum extent allowed by law, reinvest net proceeds from the development or sale of County-
owned real property in the La Pine Neighborhood Planning Area, now in the City of La Pine, into future
improvements such as roads, parks, open space development and maintenance, public buildings and on
-site and off-site water and wastewater facility improvements or expansion, in the City of La Pine or
Regional Problem Solving study area
RPS Policies
• The County shall implement and monitor in accordance with DCC 23.44.030(D), a Transferable
Development Credit program as a means to redirect potential growth away from residential lots in
subdivisions throughout the region into the La Pine Neighborhood Planning Area.
• The County shall establish a Transfer of Development Credit Review Committee to assist in analyzing
and recommending any changes deemed appropriate to the Transfer of Development Credit program.
Existing Comprehensive Plan Policies
Deschutes County Community Development Department
Planning Division
In 2011 Deschutes County updated its Comprehensive
Plan (Comp Plan) , a policy document that provides a
framework for addressing rural growth and development
over a twenty year period (2010-2030). The update was
done to ensure a consistent policy framework for land use
planning and development that reflects current conditions
and trends, recent population projections, state law, and
community values.
There are a few new South County specific Comp Plan
policies as well as “carry-over” policies from the
Regional Problem Solving (RPS) chapter. RPS was a
collaborative effort funded by the state in the late 1990s to
address land use impacts associated with the development
of thousands of small lots between Sunriver and La Pine.
Some of the RPS policies have generated controversy
because they are perceived as being outdated and/or
inaccurate.
There are also newly adopted County-wide Comp Plan
policies that are relevant to South Deschutes County,
relating to citizen involvement, agricultural and forest
lands, recreation, fish and wildlife, open space and water
resources.
The following list summarizes some of the land use policies
that are applicable to South County:
Comprehensive Plan
Policies
Existing Comprehensive Plan Policies
Comprehensive Plan Policies (continued)
• The County shall continue to evaluate means to reduce nitrate loading from on-site sewage disposal
systems by exploring innovative on-site sewage treatment and disposal technology, retrofitting of
existing substandard or inappropriately located disposal systems, expansion of sewer systems,
development of standards such as an effective lot area or variable lot area requirements, or other
measures that will accomplish the goals.
• New residential subdivisions and partitions in the La Pine Urban Unincorporated Community shall be
connected to a community water system and either the La Pine Special Sewer District sewage treatment
system or a community waste water treatment facility that meets Oregon Department of Environmental
Quality standards.
• The County shall continue to work with landowners, citizens, community organizations and
governmental agencies at the local, state and federal level to: A) Continue collaborative work on the
Regional Problem Solving project; B) Develop, review and implement land use policies and development
standards that will ensure that agreed-upon solutions from the Regional Problem Solving project are
enacted to the maximum extent possible; C) Acquire land from the Bureau of Land Management
between La Pine and Wickiup Junction, west of Highway 97, to develop as a new neighborhood; D)
Conduct feasibility studies regarding development of a new neighborhood. Such studies may include,
but are not limited to: a master design plan, development costs and funding options, water and sewer
system feasibility, traffic impacts, and zoning codes and governance issues; E) Install and monitor
innovative on-site sewage treatment and disposal (septic) systems on privately owned parcels in the
Regional Problem Solving project area as part of the La Pine National Decentralized Wastewater
Treatment Demonstration Project funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and in
cooperation with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality; and F) Work cooperatively with the
U.S. Geological Survey and Oregon Water Resources Department during well water sampling and
analysis to advance three-dimensional groundwater and nutrient fate and transport modeling in the
south Deschutes County area.
County-wide Policies
Community Involvement Policies
• Appoint [Planning Commission] members through an open and public process to reflect the geographic
areas and diverse values of Deschutes County residents.
• Hold area-specific comprehensive plan and zoning text amendment public hearings in locations and at
times convenient to area residents, as appropriate.
Land Use Planning Policies
• Protect the limited amount of privately-owned land in Deschutes County through consideration of
private property rights and economic impacts to property owners and the community when creating and
revising land use policies and regulations.
• Evaluate tools such as transfer of development rights programs that can be used to protect private
property.
• Where feasible, maintain and manage County owned properties as follows: A) Manage designated park
lands to preserve the values defined in the park designation; B) Permit public access to County owned
lands designated as parks unless posted otherwise; and, C) Encourage properties located along rivers,
streams or creeks or containing significant wildlife, scenic or open space values to be designated as park
land.
Existing Comprehensive Plan Policies
Comprehensive Plan Policies (continued)
Agricultural Lands Policies
• Retain agricultural lands through Exclusive Farm Use zoning.
• Develop comprehensive policy criteria and code to provide clarity on when and how EFU parcels can be
converted to other designations.
• Encourage small farming enterprises, including, but not limited to, niche markets, organic farming,
farm stands or value added products.
Forest Lands Policies
• Retain forest lands through Forest 1 and Forest 2 zoning.
• Coordinate and cooperate with the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and other
public agencies to promote sustainable forest uses, including recreation, on public forest land.
• Support economic development opportunities that promote forest health.
Goal 5 (Natural Resource, Scenic, Historic, and Open Spaces) Overview Policies
• Initiate a review of all Goal 5 inventories and protection programs.
Water Resources Policies
• Work with stakeholders to restore, maintain and/or enhance healthy river and riparian ecosystems and
wetlands, including: A) Encourage efforts to address fluctuating water levels in the Deschutes River
system; B) Cooperate to improve surface waters, especially those designated water quality impaired
under the federal Clean Water Act; C) Support restoration efforts for river and riparian ecosystems and
wetlands; and, D) Develop comprehensive riparian management or mitigation practices that enhance
ecosystems, such as vegetation removal criteria.
• Use a combination of incentives and/or regulations to mitigate development impacts on river and
riparian ecosystems and wetlands.
• Coordinate with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and other stakeholders on regional
water quality maintenance and improvement efforts.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to address water-related public health issues, including: A) Supporting
amendments to State regulations to permit centralized sewer systems in areas with high levels of
existing or potential development or identified water quality concerns; and B) If a public health hazard is
declared in rural Deschutes County, expedite actions such as legislative amendments allowing sewers or
similar infrastructure.
Wildlife Policies
• Promote stewardship of wildlife habitats and corridors, particularly those with significant biological,
ecological, aesthetic and recreational value
• Ensure Goal 5 wildlife inventories and habitat protection programs are up-to-date through public
processes and expert sources, such as the 2009 Interagency Report.
• Use a combination of incentives, regulations and education to promote stewardship of wildlife habitat
and address the impacts of development
• Develop local approaches, in coordination with Federal and State agencies, for protecting Federal or
State Threatened or Endangered Species or Species of Concern .
Existing Comprehensive Plan Policies
Comprehensive Plan Policies (continued)
Open Spaces, Scenic Views and Sites Policies
• Cooperate with stakeholders to establish a comprehensive system of connected open spaces.
• Review County Code and revise as needed to protect open space and scenic views and sites, including:
A) Provide incentives to locate structures in forests or view corridors so as to maintain the visual
character of the area; B) Work with private property owners to provide incentives and mitigations for
protecting visually important areas from development impacts; and, C) Maintain and revise if needed,
the Landscape Management Combining Zone code to effectively protect scenic views while minimizing
impacts on property owners.
Energy Resources Policies
• Review County Code and revise as needed to ensure effective energy conservation regulations.
• Review County Code and revise as needed to permit alternative energy systems for homes and
businesses and mitigate impacts on neighboring properties and the natural environment.
• Review County Code and revise as needed to develop an efficient permitting process and effective siting
standards for commercial renewable energy projects that address all project components as well as
environmental and social impacts.
Environmental Quality Policies
• Maintain County noise and outdoor lighting codes and revise as needed.
• Be a leader in the control of noxious weeds and invasive species through education and regulations.
Rural Housing Policies
• Maintain the rural character of the County while ensuring a diversity of housing opportunities.
• Address housing health and safety issues raised by the public, such as: A) The number of large animals
that should be permitted on rural residential parcels; or, B) The properties south of La Pine, in Section
36, many of which are not in compliance with planning and building codes.
• Utilize block grants and other funding to assist in providing and maintaining low and moderate income
housing.
Rural Economy Policies
• Promote rural economic initiatives, including home-based businesses
• Work with stakeholders to promote new recreational and tourist initiatives that maintain the integrity of
the natural environment
• Within the parameters of State land use regulations, permit limited local-serving commercial uses in
higher-density rural communities
Natural Hazards Policies
• Provide incentives and if needed regulations, to manage development in areas prone to natural hazards
• Support forest management practices that reduce severe wildfire hazard areas
• Address wildfire danger particularly in the wildland urban interface
• Support local fire protection districts and departments in providing and improving fire protection
services
Existing Comprehensive Plan Policies
Comprehensive Plan Policies
(continued)
Public Facilities and Services Policies
• Encourage the formation of special service districts to serve rural needs rather than have the County
serve those needs.
• Support community health clinics.
• Before disposing of County-owned property review whether the land is appropriate for needed public
projects such as schools, health clinics, fire stations or senior centers.
Rural Recreation Policies
• Cooperate with public agencies and local park districts to provide park and recreation lands, facilities
and opportunities.
• Support efforts to coordinate recreation planning between park and recreation districts, school districts,
irrigation districts and cities.
• Coordinate trail design and funding with transportation system plans and support efforts to provide and
manage rural trail segments and bicycle routes.
South County Fish and Wildlife Resources
Deschutes County Community Development Department
Planning Division
The Bend/La Pine Deer Migration Corridor is approximately 56 miles long and 3 to 4
miles wide. It parallels the Deschutes and Little Deschutes Rivers. The corridor is used
by deer migration from summer range that sets in the forest along the east slope of the
Cascades to the North Paulina deer winter range.
Elk Habitat Area - Of the six key elk habitat areas in Deschutes County, one is located
near Fall River, between the Deschutes and Little Deschutes Rivers. This area is recog-
nized by the Oregon District of Fish and Wildlife as providing critical habitat for calv-
ing, winter or summer range
Oregon Spotted Frogs - Oregon spotted frogs are currently only known to occur in
Deschutes, Klamath, and Lane counties. In Deschutes County, Oregon spotted frogs
occur within bodies of water on the Deschutes National Forest, Prineville District Bu-
reau of Land Management and private land. The Oregon spotted frog is considered a
Candidate species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). The FWS is currently
revisiting the status of the Oregon spotted frog for listing under the federal Endan-
gered Species Act (ESA). The Upper Deschutes and Little Deschutes Rivers and associated wetlands are
key habitat for the frog. Riverine Oxbows that contain permanent standing water but are no longer con-
nected to the river provide essential overwintering and breeding habitat. The rivers and associated flood-
plains are connectivity corridors that must be maintained to allow populations of frogs to interbreed.
Small ponds and isolated wetlands with emergent or floating aquatic vegetation and perennial water also
provide habitat for the species, particularly those that are devoid of predatory fish and bull frogs.
Fisheries - Historically, the upper Deschutes River and its tributaries supported
healthy populations of Redband and Bull Trout. Stream flows were naturally stable
and the river supported resilient wetlands and verdant riparian areas. Over the past
100 years however, fish and wildlife have suffered as a result of basin-wide habitat
degradation. Explosive population growth in the region and all that has come with it
– municipal and residential development, irrigation of agricultural lands, logging,
and recreation – has all contributed to a decline in habitat quality throughout the Deschutes Basin.
Native fish species of importance in the Upper Deschutes River Basin are Redband Trout, Bull Trout and
Mountain Whitefish. Introduced species of importance are Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Kokanee Salmon,
Coho Salmon, and Largemouth Bass. In the lower portion of the upper basin, Bull Trout is listed as
threatened under the ESA.
Fish and Wildlife Resources
Wildlife diversity is a major attraction of South Deschutes County. The following areas and species are
a sample of South County wildlife habitat and species.
South County Fish and Wildlife Resources
Oregon Conservation Strategy
In 2006 the Oregon Conservation Strategy (OCS) was adopted by Oregon’s Fish and
Wildlife Commission. The OCS celebrates Oregon’s natural heritage by articulating
goals and identifying actions that conserve and restore Oregon’s species, habitats
and ecosystems. It is not a regulatory document but instead presents issues, oppor-
tunities, and recommended voluntary actions that will improve the efficiency and ef-
fectiveness of conservation in Oregon.
South Deschutes County is identified in the East Cascade Ecoregion. One of the Con-
servation Opportunity Areas (COA) is located in South County. COAs define priority
areas where voluntary cooperative actions can lead to success. The Little Deschutes
River Basin (EC-07) has experienced rapidly expanding urban and rural residential development, result-
ing in development within riparian zones, the loss of big game winter range, and water diversions to sup-
port development. Along with this development, Highway 97 traffic volume continues to increase, creating
a major barrier to wildlife movement. Habitat fragmentation and increasing recreational use is of concern
in this ecoregion.
Special Features
• Extensive wet meadow systems and some high quality riparian
shrub habitats
• Area includes a large % of the ecoregion’s Black Swift habitat
Key Habitats: Aquatic and Riparian
Key Species: Oregon Spotted Frog, Black Swift, Sandhill Crane,
Bull Trout, and Redband Trout
Conservation Opportunity Area
Wildlife and Land Use
Wildlife is tied to land use planning because human development impacts habitats in complex ways.
Wildlife protections are provided by federal, state and local governments. Oregon land use planning pro-
tects wildlife with Statewide Planning Goal 5, Open Spaces, Scenic and Historical Areas and Natural Re-
sources and the associated Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 660-023.
The 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 En-
ergy (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.
In considering wildlife habitat, counties rely on the expertise of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wild-
life (ODFW) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Those agencies provide information for the re-
quired wildlife inventory and recommendations on how to protect wildlife habitat on private lands.
South County Population
The US 2010 Census provides demographic data for Sunriver, City of La Pine and
rural South Deschutes County. The following table summarizes South County’s 2010
population, housing units, and occupancy status for these particular areas:
Deschutes County Community Development Department
Planning Division
South Deschutes County Census Tracts
Population 1,393 1,653 12,273 15,319
Total Housing Units 4,568 942 7,403 12,913
occupied 725 698 5,125 6,548
vacant 3 3,843 244 2,278 6,365
% vacant 84% 26% 31% n/a
2010 Census Total
1 Census Designated Place includes Sunriver, Caldera Springs and Crosswater
2 Includes all areas outside of Sunriver, Crosswater, Caldera Springs and City of La Pine
3 Vacant could include second homes, short-term rental homes, homes for sale, foreclosure, etc.
Housing Unit / Occupancy Status
Sunriver
CDP 1
City of
La Pine
Rural So.
County 2
The US 2010 Census identifies
three predominant census tracts
in South Deschutes County: 2, 3
and 4.02. Tract 2 includes a ma-
jority of the City of La Pine. Tract
4.02 contains a majority of the
Sunriver urban unincorporated
area, Caldera Springs Resort,
portions of Vandevert Ranch,
and a majority of Crosswater Re-
sort.
The following summary table identifies the median age of South County residents in comparison to
Deschutes County and the State of Oregon.
2010 Census State of Oregon Deschutes County 2 3 4.02
Median Age 38.4 40.2 51.2 47.8 57.4
Census Tracts
South County Population
Projected
Build Out
The 2010 population for rural South County’s is 12,273. As the first table below
illustrates, a vacant lands inventory performed in 2011 identified the potential for
2,708 dwelling units. If all 2,708 lots develop and household unit size remains at
1.9 persons, South County’s population will increase by 5,145 people, bringing its
total to 17,418. Under this scenario, the second table shows that full build out will
occur in Year 2027.
For the 2011/2012 academic year, a total of 1,735 students from South County attend Three
Rivers Elementary School, Rosland Elementary School, La Pine Elementary School, Three Rivers
Middle School, La Pine Middle School, and La Pine High School.
12,273 2,708 1.9 5,145 17,418
South County Population Estimate at Build Out
2010 Census
Population
Estimate 1
Potential Dwelling
Units 2
Coordinated Population
Forecast
(Household Unit size) 3
Future Population
Based on Undeveloped
Lots
Build Out
Population
Estimate
3 Coordinated Forecast uses housing unit size of 1.9, calculated using the total population count for the unincorporated county in
the 2000 Census and dividing it by the total number of housing units in the unincorporated county.
1 Population estimate excludes Sunriver, Caldera Springs, and Crosswater, which are recognized as a Census Designated Place, and
City of La Pine
2 Dwelling unit estimate based on 2010 Assessor’s data, land divisions, vacant lots (excluding high groundwater properties), and the
number of units per acre allowed in each zone. Estimate excludes Sunriver, Caldera Springs Resort, a portion of Vandevert Ranch,
and a majority of Crosswater Resort, which are a Census Designated Place
2010 Population
Average Annual
Growth Rate 1
Build Out Population
Estimate
Population
Forecast Year 2
12,273 2.20% 17,418 Year 2027
1 Deschutes County Population Forecast (Ordinance 2004-012)
2 Population estimate excludes Sunriver, Caldera Springs, and Crosswater, which are recognized as a Census
Designated Place, and City of La Pine
Build Out for South County Occurs in 2027
Student Enrollment
South County Recreational Opportunities
Deschutes County Community Development Department
Planning Division
The La Pine Park and Recreation District
was established in 1990 as a special ser-
vice district under ORS – Chapter 198. It
was created to provide park and recreation
services to area residents. The District co-
vers 85 square miles, which includes the
city of La Pine, residential development to
the north of the city and large holdings of
federal lands owned by Bureau of Land
Management and the United States Forest
Service that surround the residential de-
velopment. The District owns two parks,
Audia and Leona, the White School Com-
plex, used for community wide, special
events, Rosland Campground, Finley
Butte Road Park Complex, and several un-
der developed parcels.
District voters approved a new permanent
rate levy of $0.30 (per $1,000 of taxable
assessed value) in May 2009. It generates
approximately $180,000 a year for the
park district.
La Pine State Park makes the
most of its scenic location on trout
-filled Upper Deschutes and Fall
rivers. The 10 miles of trails afford
plenty of views for sightseers and
wildlife watchers. And, its
campground and cabins are next
door to a fascinating landscape of past volcanic
activity and Cascade mountain wilderness just
waiting to be explored. The park is also home to
Oregon's largest ponderosa pine. Nicknamed "Big
Red," the tree is 162' tall, 28.9' around and may
be in excess of 500 years old.
The Deschutes Paddle Trail includes
the navigable sections of the
Deschutes and Little Deschutes Riv-
ers. The river portion for South
County includes:
• 26 miles of the Little Deschutes River, from La Pine
to the river’s confluence with the Deschutes River
near Sunriver.
• 26 miles of the Deschutes River, from Wickiup Res-
ervoir to Sunriver.
Portions of the Upper Deschutes River are recognized
as a State Scenic Waterway and National Wild and Sce-
nic River from Wickiup Dam to Sunriver.
La Pine Parks and Recreation District
Quail Run Golf Course , located south of
State Park Road, east of La Pine is a pub-
lic course offering an 18-hole champion-
ship course with panoramic views of the
surrounding Cascades.
South County Recreational Opportunities
Sunriver , nestled next to the Deschutes River on 3,300 acres of high desert,
meadows and pine forests, is recognized as one of the premier Northwest destina-
tion for vacationers, golfers, and outdoor enthusiasts. With the Cascade Moun-
tains to the west and the Newberry Volcanic National Monument to the east, Sun-
river boasts an array of world class amenities such as golf, tennis, swimming,
horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, fly fishing, biking, hik-
ing, bird watching, spa and fitness centers, music and art festivals, and a variety
of restaurants from fine dining to casual.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument , created in 1990, is managed by the
U.S. Forest Service. It provides a unique opportunity to view the lava lands of
Central Oregon consisting of 55,000 acres of lakes, lava flows and spectacular
geologic features. Notable attractions include:
• Newberry Crater, a five-mile wide caldera containing two popular fishing
lakes (East Lake and Paulina Lake), obsidian fields, waterfalls and unique
lava formations, located just east of the City of La Pine.
• Lava Lands Visitor Center, between Bend and Sunriver provides interpre-
tive exhibits and a trail at the summit of Lava Butte, a 500-foot-high cinder
cone.
• Lava Cast Forest, the world’s largest formation of its kind.
• Lava River Cave, a one-mile lava tube formed by a lava flow from Mt. New-
berry.
The La Pine Frontier Days is La Pine’s
largest event, celebrating community
heritage and culture during 4th of July
weekend. The La Pine Rodeo Associa-
tion has been in existence for over 30
years.
In 2011 the “La Pine Land
Conveyance Act,” was
sent to Congress. Passing with the Senate and in
review with the House. The act would transfer
150 acres of BLM land, adjacent to the southwest
boundary of the city to Deschutes County for new
rodeo grounds and equestrian center.
Deschutes National Forest extends for about 100 miles along the east side of the Cascade Mountains, en-
compassing more than 1.6 million acres. A wide variety of recreational and scenic opportunities are availa-
ble on national forest land, including:
• Nine resorts, most notably Mt. Bachelor.
• 1,400 miles of trails, catering to hiking, mountain biking and OHVs.
• Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
• 157 lakes and reservoirs
• 5 wilderness areas covering approximately 200,000 acres
South County Transportation
Deschutes County Community Development Department
Planning Division
Southern Deschutes County has a wide variety of roads ranging from dirt tracks to multilane modern
highways. Multiple public agencies and organizations maintain these public roads, including the US
Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Oregon Department of Transportation
(ODOT), Deschutes County, and several Special Road Districts. Bicyclists pedal many of the paved
roads. While the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway mainline runs through South County,
the trains do not stop; the passenger depot is in Chemult.
Federal agencies: From Township 20S, Range 13E to the County line the USFS has approximately
2,830 miles of roads and BLM has 19 miles. These roads are primarily to aid in the economic
development of natural resources or provide access to recreational sites. Roads can range from two-
lane paved roads such as USFS #42 between Cascade Lakes Highway and South Century Drive to well-
graveled roads to two-wheel tracks.
State highways: ODOT operates and maintains 21 miles two highways in the area, the 19 miles of US
97 and two miles of OR 31. US 97 is the major north-south trucking route on the east side of the
Cascades. US 97 also serves as the major link for commuters and shoppers traveling between the La
Pine/Sunriver area and the City of Bend. In 2010 on an average day the highway carried traffic
volumes that varied from 16,100 at the south of Bend to 9,800 at Vandevert Road to 9,100 at First
Street in La Pine to 5,900 at OR 31. The latter highway links South County to Lakeview and northwest
Nevada. At the Deschutes/Klamath county line OR 31 carried an average of 1,500 vehicles daily in
2010.
County roads: Deschutes County operates and maintains roughly 130 miles of roads in South County
and has jurisdiction over 156 more miles of public roads. The traffic volumes are lower than on the
State highways. The highest volume County roads in 2008-2010 were Burgess Road east of Day Road
(7,709 vehicles) and South Century Drive south of the Sunriver Business Park (4,881 vehicles); La Pine
State Rec Road (2,776 vehicles); and Huntington Road (1,773). Most of the County roads in South
County have fewer than 1,000 vehicles a day and many are even less than 500.
Special Road Districts: These are public roads not maintained by the County, but by a separate entity.
The 76 miles of roads are typically low volume and are related to rural subdivisions. See the other
flyer for more details.
Transit service: Cascades East Transit offers weekday passenger service between La Pine and Bend six
times a day. The bus stops are at the South Deschutes County Services Building, which is on the east
side of US 97 just south of Sixth Street, and the Wickiup Junction Park and Ride Lot, which is at the
northwest corner of US 97/Burgess Road. More information can be found at http://
cascadeseasttransit.com/index.html.
South County Transportation
Deschutes County Community Development Department
Planning Division
Bicycling: The County is developing a system of designated bikeways in coordination with advice
from area cyclists and the Deschutes County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC).
The intent would be to widen the roads and/or shoulders during road improvement projects,
provided no right of way or significant cut and fill operations are required. The bikeways will be
identified in the County’s Transportation System Plan (TSP), which is a 20-year plan to improve
and manage the County transportation network for all modes.
South County Special Road Districts
Deschutes County Community Development Department
Planning Division
Special Road Districts — While Deschutes County
maintains approximately 900 miles of roadway
throughout the County, there are roads maintained
instead by the property owners abutting the road.
Called Special Road Districts, these are
governmental bodies formed by property owners
who then tax themselves to maintain their local
roads. State law at Oregon Revised Statute (ORS)
371.305 to 371.385 sets out how to form these
districts and what they can do.
There are 14 Special Road Districts within South County (see map on other side) and a total of
22 County wide. The residents forming the road district agree to pay property taxes to support
the special district. Road District Commissioners are appointed by the Deschutes County Board
of Commissioners. The Special Road District improves and maintains the roads within the
District to a level agreed to by the residents of the District.
The roads within a Special Road District can be graveled or paved and are often associated with
rural subdivisions. Maintenance can include paving, repairs, blading, or snow plowing.
Typically, the traffic volumes are fairly modest, although as these roads are public rights of way,
any one can travel them.
Maps of each individual Special Road District can be found on the website for the Deschutes
County Road Department at this address: http://www.deschutes.org/Road/Maps-and-GIS/
Special-Road-Districts.aspx
South County Special Road Districts
Deschutes County Community Development Department
Planning Division
South County Water Resources
Deschutes County Community Development Department
Planning Division
Water Resources - Cooperation among all levels of government and citizens is critical to
protecting Deschutes County’s water resources. State and federal agencies, including the
federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Oregon Department of Environ-
mental Quality (DEQ), have a primary role in monitoring and enforcing water quality
standards. The County works in partnership with agencies and others to achieve the
highest level of water resource quality in the Upper Deschutes Basin.
It is important to underscore that the water resource management process occurs outside of the state land
use planning system. Oregon land use and water management system are not integrated. There are no
overarching administrative rules that consider statewide water management in conjunction with land use
planning.
Water Quantity - The Oregon Water Resources Department (WRD) oversees the amount
of water flowing through, and being diverted from Oregon’s water bodies. The Water Re-
sources Commission oversees the WRD which sits within the executive branch of state
government.
Hydrology - The Deschutes River Basin, from its headwaters to the Columbia River,
encompasses 10,400 square miles of the north central part of the state. There are two
features of the upper Deschutes River Basin which influence its characteristics -
groundwater and recent volcanic activity. The most obvious is the dominance of
groundwater inflow on stream flows. The complex geology of recent lava flows, pumice,
and ash along with the glacial activity which has reworked much of the area, allows
subsurface flows to travel in large quantities and at relatively rapid rates. The result of
this is a very stable hydrologic regime in which daily, monthly, and even annual fluc-
tuations in water flows are minimal compared to rivers dominated by surface runoff.
In Central Oregon, water that moves through the aquifer discharges into streams
throughout the upper Deschutes Basin.
Water Rights - The appropriation and use of water in the State of Oregon is regulated
under State Law by the Oregon Water Resources Department (WRD). Under Oregon law,
all water is publicly owned. With some exceptions, cities, farms, factory owners, and oth-
er water uses must obtain a permit or water right from the WRD to beneficially use water
from any source - whether it is underground, or from lakes or streams.
Oregon’s water laws are based on the principle of prior appropriation. This means the
first person to obtain a water right on a stream is the last to be shut off in times of low
stream flow. In water-short times, the water right holder with the oldest date of priority can demand the wa-
ter specified in their water right regardless of the needs of junior users. If there is a surplus beyond the
needs of the senior right holder, the water right holder with the next oldest priority date can take as much
as necessary to satisfy needs under their right and so on down the line until there is no surplus or until all
rights are satisfied.
South County Water Resources
Stream flows in most of the upper Deschutes River Basin are controlled by the influ-
ence of reservoir regulation and irrigation diversions near Bend. Storage reservoirs
were constructed by the irrigators for the purpose of storing water from the river dur-
ing the non-irrigation season to serve as a supplement to the natural flow of the river
during the irrigation season. Three reservoirs, Crane Prairie, Crescent Lake, and
Wickiup were constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation in the 1920s and 1940s,
financed by loans secured and repaid by the irrigation districts.
Nearly 90% of the stream flow from the Deschutes River in Bend is diverted through
irrigation canals during the irrigation season which typically runs from April through
October. During the summer months, the diversions cause a dramatic reduction of stream flow. The po-
rous, volcanic soil characteristic of this region causes as much as 50% of the water that is diverted from the
river in irrigation canals to seep into the ground before it reaches the farm. As a result, irrigation districts
need to divert twice the amount of water as they need to serve their patrons. These seasonal flow disrup-
tions have contributed to a decline in the overall health of rivers and streams including degraded fish habi-
tat and poor water quality.
Flow alterations are a major contributor to water quality problems in the Upper
Deschutes, resulting in sections of the river being listed as water quality impaired un-
der the federal Clean Water Act. In addition, increased water temperatures in Crane
Prairie due to its shallow pool affects water quality in the river . The operations of
Wickiup and Crane Prairie reservoirs for winter storage and summer irrigation have
significantly altered flows, and consequently water quality in the Upper Deschutes
River . Wickiup Reservoir is located two miles downstream of Crane Prairie and is the primary supple-
mental storage facility for North Unit Irrigation District (NUID). Wickiup holds 200,000 acre-feet (AF) at full
capacity, all of which is permitted for NUID to use for irrigation. Wickiup receives numerous inputs from
springs in and around the reservoir, with spring in-charge being measured at close to 500 cfs. Reclamation
holds the title to Wickiup, and NUID is the operator. In contrast to Crane Prairie, Wickiup is only author-
ized for irrigation water uses.
Crane Prairie Reservoir is situated a few river miles downstream from the headwaters
of the Deschutes River. Local irrigation districts built the reservoir originally, and
Reclamation rehabilitated it in 1940. Crane Prairie is a relatively shallow lake that
holds 55,300 acre-feet (AF) at a maximum and has water rights for the storage of
50,000 AF. Wickiup operations contribute more to flow alterations than Crane Prai-
rie operations because the storage supply, allocation, and demand is significantly
greater in Wickiup. Under natural conditions, summer flows below Wickiup Reservoir averaged 730 cfs and
winter flows averaged 660 cfs. Currently, during the storage season from October through March, the mini-
mum flow is set at 20 cfs, or 3% of natural low-flow levels. During the irrigation season, storage releases
from the reservoirs, most prominently Wickiup Reservoir, increase the flow of the Deschutes River to ap-
proximately 200% of what would have flowed naturally. Between the 1940s and 1970s, flows below Wicki-
up reached 2,000 cfs. More recently, the flow from Wickiup Reservoir peaks at 1,500 cfs in the middle of
July through the middle of August.
Irrigation needs drive flows in the Little Deschutes River to a lesser extent than they
drive flows in the upper and middle Deschutes Rivers. Releases from two lakes regu-
late discharge in the Little Deschutes River and its tributaries. Releases from Cres-
cent Lake in Klamath County also affect discharge in the Little Deschutes River. Cres-
cent Lake stores water for Tumalo Irrigation District and modulates flows in Crescent
Creek, a major tributary to the Little Deschutes River. Reservoir operations contribute
to high irrigation season flows and low winter flows in Crescent Creek and in the Little Deschutes River.
Water Quality - The Department of Environment Quality (DEQ) regulates water quality per-
mits, administering onsite sewage system programs, implementing (jointly with Department
of Health Services) the state-wide drinking water source assessment and protection pro-
gram, certifying drinking water protection plans for public water supply systems, and ad-
ministering an underground injection control and an underground storage tank program.
The DEQ issues Water Pollution Control Facilities permits that regulate discharge to non-
navigable waters and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits that govern
point source discharge to navigable waters.
The DEQ is also responsible for carrying out the State’s obligation under the federal Clean Water Act. Sec-
tion 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act requires states to identify and list water bodies that do not meet
water quality standards. The state will set a total maximum daily load (TMDL) for water bodies that do not
meet the quality standards, and the TMDL will calculate the maximum amount of pollutants that can be
discharged into the water body while still meeting statutory standards. The Deschutes and Little Deschutes
Rivers are identified on the federal Clean Water Act 303(d) List for not meeting water quality standards for
several parameters, including dissolved oxygen in the South County area.
Surface Water Quantity - The following information utilizes Oregon’s Clean Water
Act, Section 303(d) list of water quality impaired waters to identify water quality
issues in the Upper Deschutes sub-basins. The 303(d) list is one produced periodi-
cally by the DEQ that compares water quality data against federally-approved wa-
ter quality standards.
South County Water Resources
Source: DEQ 2002 Note: River mile 191.7 is Harper’s Bridge
303(d) Listed Secons of the Upper Deschutes River in South
County
River Mile Parameter Season Year
Listed
189.4 to 222.2 Turbidity Spring /
Summer 1998
189.4 to 222.2 Dissolved Oxy-
gen
September 1
-June 30 1998
189.4 to 222.2 Sedimentation None start-
ed 1998
303 (d) Listed Secons of the Lile Deschutes River in
South County
River Mile Parameter Season Year
Listed
0 to 54.1 Dissolved
Oxygen
September 1 -
June 30 2002
0 to 54.1 Dissolved
Oxygen July 1 - August 31 2002
54.1 to 78 Temperature Summer 1998
54.1 to 78 Temperature September 1 -
June 30 2002
Groundwater Quantity - The DEQ, the US Geological Survey and Deschutes County have determined that
the safety of the groundwater in southern Deschutes and northern Klamath counties is threatened by ni-
trate contamination from traditional onsite septic wastewater treatment systems. The groundwater aquifer
provides the drinking water source for most residents in this area. Most wells tap into an aquifer within 50
feet of the ground surface. The aquifers have no natural barriers to the ground surface and are very vulnera-
ble to contamination from the surface. Concern arose that nitrates from the septic systems could contami-
nate local wells and the river system
To protect the quality of the drinking water in the aquifer, Deschutes County passed an ordinance in 2008
requiring upgrades on all septic systems; voters overturned the ordinance in a special election in March
2009. Deschutes County asked DEQ to take the lead to resolve the issue. DEQ has assembled a steering
committee of community members to discuss and make recommendations to improve groundwater protec-
tion in South Deschutes and North Klamath counties.
Source: DEQ 2002 Note: River mile 25 is Rosland Park
Deschutes County’s National Wetland Inventory (NWI) was developed by the
FWS in the 1980s and covers the entire county. It relies on high-altitude
aerial photos, with limited field work. While the NWI is extremely useful for
many resource management and planning purposes, its small scale, accu-
racy limitations, age, and absence of property boundaries make it unsuita-
ble for parcel-based decision making.
The Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) in July 2011 approved a
South County Local Wetland Inventory (LWI). It was incorporated into the
Statewide Wetland Inventory. State law requires Deschutes County to use
the South County LWI in place of the NWI for notifying DSL of land use ap-
plications affecting mapped wetlands and other waters. The Board of Coun-
ty Commissioners adopted the LWI in September 2011.
A total of 114 wetlands a 0.5 acre or larger were recorded within an 18,937
acre study area, south of Sunriver. In addition, 71 “probable wetlands” less
than 0.5 acre and 29 artificial wetlands were identified. Most of the 114
mapped wetlands in the Upper Deschutes are currently capable of perform-
ing all functions commonly attributed to wetlands except for providing habitat to anadromous fish and
nesting water birds habitat. The wetland functions having the highest value in the project area are:
phosphorus retention, aquatic invertebrate habitat, and nitrate removal.
South County Water Resources
Local Wetland Inventory
Federal and State Scenic Waterways
State and Federal Scenic Waterway designations indicate the recognition of protection and conser-
vation of rivers and adjacent lands.
There are 51 miles of Federal Scenic Waterway and 43 miles of State Scenic Waterway Designation.
South County Wildland Urban Interface
Wildland fire is ranked as the #1 priority under the 2010 Deschutes County Na-
tional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Today, with less stand management, logging activ-
ity and highly effective wildland fire suppression, the forestland is predominantly
dense lodge pole pine with some mixed stands of lodge pole and ponderosa pine.
Much of the understory consists of dense bitterbrush and Manzanita with some
areas of native bunchgrasses. Due to the lack of disturbance, these stands con-
tinue to become more and more overcrowded and at increasing risk for extreme
fire behavior.
Deschutes County Community Development Department
Planning Division
The La Pine Rural Fire
Protection District is
bordered on the North
by the community of
Sunriver and receives
mutual aid protection
from the Sunriver Fire
Department. It is bor-
dered on the East by
US Forest and BLM lands generally follow-
ing the gas line from North to South. The
Fire District is bordered on the South by
Klamath County with Old Howard Estates
and Wagon Trail Ranch of Klamath County
included. It is bordered on the West by US
Forest and BLM lands generally following
the lines of demarcation of the inhabited
and uninhabited lands (from about three to
seven miles for the Eastern boarder). The
District also provides Emergency Medical
Services, including Advanced Cardiac Life
Support transport. The Fire District covers
about 115 square miles of area.
Fire District
Wildland Fire
SB 360
The Oregon Forestland-Urban Interface Fire Protection Act, often referred to as Senate Bill 360 , enlists
the aid of property owners toward turning fire-vulnerable urban and suburban properties in-
to less-volatile zones where firefighters may more safely and effectively defend homes from
wildfires. Basically, the law requires property owners in identified forestland-urban interface
areas to reduce excess vegetation which may fuel a fire, around structures and along drive-
ways. In some cases, it is also necessary to create fuel breaks along property lines and road-
sides.
.
South County Wildland Urban Interface
Upper Deschutes River Coalition CWPP
* Three Rivers * Little Deschutes Corridor
* Big River * Foster Road Corridor
* Wild River * Haner Park
* Fall River
Greater La Pine CWPP
* Wickiup Acres * Newberry Estates
* 6th and Dorrance Meadow * Ponderosa Pines
* Masten Road * Day Road Corridor
* Little Deschutes River * Huntington South
* Section 36
Communities At Risk
The Greater La Pine Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) boundary is
marked at the southern edge by the Deschutes County line. The
northern edge is the Upper Deschutes River Coalition CWPP.
There are approximately 6,900 homes in the city of La Pine and
the unincorporated area. Nine neighborhoods are considered “at-
In 2003, the Congress passed historical bi-partisan legislation: the
Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA). This legislation directs
federal agencies to collaborate with communities in developing a Commu-
nity Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), which includes the identification
and prioritization of areas needing hazardous fuels treatment. It further
provides authorities to expedite the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) process for fuels reduction projects on federal lands. The HFRA
defines wildland urban interface as an area within or adjacent to an at-
risk community that has been identified in a CWPP. With a CWPP in
place, community groups can apply for federal funding and other grants to treat hazardous fuels and ad-
dress special concerns to reduce the risk of catastrophic loss as a result of wildland fire.
The Healthy Forest Initiative and the HFRA define a “ community at risk ” as one that:
is a group of homes and other structures with basic infrastructure and services in or adjacent to
federal land;
has conditions conductive to large-scale wildland fire; and
faces a significant threat to human life or property as a result of wildland fire
The neighborhoods are at risk due to hazardous vegetation, wood roofing, insufficient water supply, poor
roads condition, and inadequate access, signage and evacuation routes.
Community Wildfire Protection Plans
The Upper Deschutes River Natural Resources Coalition is a non
profit organization whose membership consists of 26 neighbor-
hoods in south of Sunriver and northeast of Wickiup Reservoir.
There are approximately 2,784 homes in the Coalition. Seven
neighborhoods are considered “at risk” for wildfire
Upper Deschutes River Natural
Resources Coalition Revised
Community Wildfire Protection
Plan
Greater La Pine Community
Wildfire Protection Plan
South County Special Land Designations
Deschutes County Community Development Department
Planning Division
Total # Parcels in South Deschutes County* - 18,320 (176,301 acres)
Total # County-Owned Parcels in South Deschutes County - 319 (875 acres)
Estimate of South County parcels that may be undevelopable due to high groundwater - 1,500 (2000
acres)
County-owned parcels in South County that may be undevelopable due to high groundwater - 189 (214
acres)
Studies show that there are lots in South Deschutes County where groundwater rises to within 24 inches
of natural ground surface. Under the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality rules, no septic sys-
tem can be installed in these conditions. Because the lots are not on sewer and can not be approved for a
septic system, these lots are currently not developable. A septic feasibility (site evaluation) is required for
each lot to determine if characteristics of the property indicate the water table rises within 24 inches of
the ground surface at any time. The County high groundwater map is only an estimate and often a septic
feasibility can have an outcome different than the rough estimate identified on the map.
Total County-owned parcels designated parks - approximately 70 (277 acres)
County-owned parcels in South County designated parks - 45 (124 acres)
County-owned parcels in South County designated parks and high groundwater - 37 (116 acres)
In 1994 the County began to designate certain County-owned sensitive properties along rivers or streams
or with wildlife, wetlands or other values, as park lands. The intent was not to develop these lands for
park use, but rather to preserve lands with valuable resources. The park designation means that under
Oregon law, these lands are to be retained in public ownership, unless after a public hearing the Board
of County Commissioners determines that selling is in the best interest of the public. If sold, Oregon Re-
vised Statute 275.330 states that the proceeds must be dedicated to park or recreation purposes.
Total Parcels with Transfer of Development Credits - 110 (111 acres)
County-owned parcels in South County with Transfer of Development Credits - 1 (0.5 acre)
All lots with Transfer of Development Credits are deed-restricted from future development, because the
right to develop was voluntarily sold. In the 1990’s Deschutes County initiated the Regional Problem
Solving process to better understand the issues in South Deschutes County. Public discussion identified
concerns created by growing development pressures, specifically increased fire danger, dust from un-
paved roads, loss of wildlife habitat and groundwater quality. To address those issues, particularly
groundwater, the County purchased 540 acres from the Bureau of Land Management (located now in the
City of La Pine), created the New Neighborhood and established a program to use market forces to divert
development from rural lots to the New Neighborhood, which could be served by sewer. Since that time
the program has been amended to better protect groundwater by offering pollution reduction credits that
can fund septic system upgrades. Two other events that have impacted the program are the incorpora-
tion of the City of La Pine in 2006 and the subsequent swings in the housing market.
*South County includes all townships and ranges with existing development, from Sunriver to the Klamath County border, minus
Sunriver and the City of La Pine. Source: All numbers from County GIS
High groundwater Parcels
Transfer of Development Credit Parcels
County-Designated Parks
South County Land Use
Deschutes County Community Development Department
Planning Division
Total Lots in South County: 18,320
Total Lot Acres in South County: 176,301
The data on this page is based on eight Township/Ranges: T19R11,
T20R10, T20R11, T21R9, T21R10, T21R11, T22R9, T22R10.
Comprehensive Plan Designations
The Comprehensive Plan Map (Map) illustrates the
County’s goals and policies. The Map describes land use
categories that provide for various types of development
and conservation for the rural area during the 20-year
planning period. Each Comprehensive Plan map desig-
nation provides the land use framework for establishing
zoning districts.
63%
37%
Rural Public & Private Lands*
Public Acres
Private Acres
*Excluding the City of La Pine and Sunriver
4% 78%
5%
11%
0% 2%
Comprehensive Plan Designations (acres)*
Agriculture
Forest
Open Space and
Conservation
Rural Residential Exception
Area
Other
Sunriver
*excluding the City of La Pine
51%
43%
3% 3%
Rural Lot Sizes*
Less than 1 acre
1 acre - 5 acres
Over 5 acres - 10 acres
Over 10 acres
*Excludes the City of La Pine and Sunriver
South County Land Use
Lots with a house and septic: 6342 lots, 14,942 acres
Lots within a water district: 8312 lots, 11,499 acres
Sewer District Total Lots Total Acres Developed
Lots
Developed
Acres
Vacant Lots Vacant Acres
La Pine 1054 1664 550 299 504 1365
Oregon Water
Wonderland
996 562 676 381 320 181
River Meadows 251 140 194 45 57 95
Sunriver
(includes areas
below)
4451 3672 4076 1304 375 2368
S - Caldera 411 395 81 90 321 305
S - Crosswater 161 588 98 424 63 164
S - Vandevert 7 18 4 10 3 8
South County Land Use
South County Sewer Districts
Zoning Designations define in detail what uses are allowed Acres* Percent
Zoning Districts – excluding the City of La Pine
Forest 1 135,827 75%
Forest 2 4,392 2%
Exclusive Farm Use La Pine 5,706 3%
Rural Residential 10 17,596 10%
Open Space and Conservation 8,979 5%
Flood Plain 4,974 3%
Other (e.g. unincorporated community, surface mining, rural commer-
cial)
149 0%
Sunriver 3,745 2%
Total 181,368 100%
Overlay and Combining Zones – excluding the City of La Pine
Wildlife Combining Zone 99,655 55%
Destination Resort Overlay Zone 22.866 13%
Landscape Management Combining Zone 8,274 5%
* acres include roads, right-of way, lakes, rivers