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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-04-09 Work Session Minutes Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, April 9, 2014 Page 1 of 11 Deschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960 (541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org MINUTES OF WORK SESSION DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014 ___________________________ Present were Commissioners Tammy Baney, Anthony DeBone and Alan Unger. Also present were Tom Anderson, County Administrator; Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; Judith Ure, Administration; and, for a portion of the meeting, Peter Russell, Community Development; Ed Keith, Forester; representatives of the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management; and individuals from several service partners. No other citizens or members of the media were in attendance. Chair Baney opened the meeting at 2:00 p.m. ___________________________ 1. Forester and Agency Update. John Allen of the U.S. Forest Service said that there is a lot of talk about fires now, and a multi-agency meeting at COCC is being held at this time. Prescribed burning is taking place in the area as well. Commissioner DeBone asked if they are making forward progress in dealing with forest issues. Mr. Allen said they are locally because of adequate funding, but many areas are not up to speed on this. They are perhaps ten or fifteen years away from a proper ecological balance in this area. There will always be wildfires and unplanned ignitions, but they are making progress. Chair Baney asked how they monitor air quality during these burning events. Mr. Allen stated they try to burn when there is a good likelihood of disbursing smoke over unpopulated areas. Occasionally the winds do not come out as predicted. They would like to burn more, but it is difficult to plan this. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, April 9, 2014 Page 2 of 11 Commissioner DeBone asked about the use of biomass and if there is a path for some of this material. This is a resource that he would like to see used in other ways than just burning it. Mr. Allen said they have a pellet boiler in their new building. ___________________________ Mr. Allen stated they completed their travel plan for the Deschutes National Forest that restricts where some vehicles can go on this land. There was some controversy but it has gone well. They are working on sustainable roads now, determining how many roads they can logically afford to maintain. This is a study and not a decision document. It is likely some roads will be downgraded and there will be less maintenance done. Little gas tax funding goes to the national forests for roads. He feels this discussion is one for AOC and NACo. ___________________________ Phase I of Skyliners Road, in particular relating to the City of Bend’s water piping project, has received permission to proceed by the Court. ___________________________ Mr. Allen provided a copy of their annual report. Mr. Keith said that a public survey was done regarding forest health and wildfire, and the Forest Service, OSU/Extension and the County were part of the evaluation. This enabled all agencies to address some concerns. ___________________________ Stacey Forson said they are celebrating 50 years of the American wilderness. There are 47 designated wilderness areas in Oregon, and the Deschutes National Forest manages about 500,000 acres. This year the key directors are going to focus on wilderness stewardship. They hope to determine what the next fifty years will look like, thinking beyond recreation uses. Less discussed are issues of job loss and productivity of the public lands. Many people benefit from wilderness in other ways, including tourism, scenic beauty, watershed protection and other aspects. Commissioner Unger asked about managing wilderness when it is mostly hands-off. Mr. Allen stated that it is important to understand that econo mic assessments have found that 32 of the 40 fastest growing communities in the west have wilderness areas nearby. The preliminary indicators of the latest study show this still. It is an attractant to individuals and businesses. Jobs and housing have to be addressed, but besides ecological value, there is an economic factor to having undeveloped land. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, April 9, 2014 Page 3 of 11 Commissioner Unger said he feels there is a lot of forest service land that can be used and managed at a greater level. Chair Baney stated that there are more restrictions on wilderness, but it takes an act of Congress to handle some of this. Carol Benkosky said two meetings scheduled are the eastern Oregon administrators meeting to talk about the upcoming fire season, in Lakeview. Another meeting will be with the rural fire protection agencies, which have become critical for early response reasons. The BLM wants to support them as much as possible in regard to the protection of rangelands. (She provided a briefing paper at this time.) The La Pine Land Conveyance is reaching conclusion after several years. They have asked Senator Wyden to attend a celebration in the community. ___________________________ Commissioner DeBone said that the Board is meeting with the La Pine City Council on the afternoon of June 4, and perhaps representatives of the BLM and others could attend as well. Ms. Benkosky said that some of the land is under a grazing right and they need to be sure this is addressed. Commissioner DeBone stated that he has complained about how long this process took, but understands it was complicated. ___________________________ Ms. Benkowsky stated the BLM is close to releasing the environmental assessment related to Sage Grouse in eastern Deschutes County. They have met with the grazing permit holders, and progress is being made. They continue to work on water issues and juniper treatment. The funding level to handle this is not known and tends to be sporadic. She spoke about work being done in the Cline Buttes area, and hazardous fuels reduction, which has mostly concluded for this year. ___________________________ Thinning of juniper will occur in the Tumalo area over the winter. She then went over other planned events and reported on progress made on some issues. The Wilderness Plan on the Badlands has been completed and they are working on access roads. ___________________________ She said that the Cliff-Hatcher Allotment would not get a lot of attention, as they have to direct their energies towards Sage Grouse issues. This area has been suggested as an alternative for a spray field for sewer effluent. It would require a lot of fencing and there are conflicting concerns. ___________________________ Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, April 9, 2014 Page 4 of 11 Regarding the Steamboat Rock Area, Crooked River Ranch residents are very interested in setting up a secondary egress point. There are a lot of roads in that area that were user-created and none are safe enough for an evacuation route. Chair Baney would like to see an emergency access but not something that could be utilized on a regular basis. Dumping on the BLM there is also an ongoing problem. Jefferson County should have a role in this as well since much of Crooked River Ranch is within its jurisdiction. ___________________________ Tom Anderson said that regarding the BLM/Radlands area, it appears the BLM would like the Redmond Parks and Recreation District to manage a portion of this land. This area is difficult for the BLM to oversee. They need to reduce conflicting uses and address non-approved motorized use, dumping and homeless camps. Chair Baney said they would like to meet again with the BLM on some of these issues perhaps in early May. Ms. Benkosky will check dates and let her know. 2. Presentations by Service Partners – Judith Ure  2-1-1 – Ken Wilhelm  CASA – Pam Fortier  MountainStar Family Relief Nursery – Tim Rusk ___________________________ Pam Fortier of CASA provided a handout which provided an overview of what they have accomplished during the past year. She gave an overview of the services provided. The number of volunteers has increased, as has the level of training. They are able to provide volunteer help for almost all cases. It is hard to figure out what is happing in the child welfare system and how the State handles these referrals. The partnership with DHS is important because the DHS is very understaffed with caseworkers and there is a lot of attrition. CASA provides stability to the children involved. Their main fundraising event was negatively affected by the worst weather of the year, so they are trying to catch up. She provided a detailed breakdown of their volunteer training efforts. Chair Baney said that the community has gradually become more aware of what CASA does and is more supportive. ___________________________ Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, April 9, 2014 Page 5 of 11 Tim Rusk of MountainStar Relief Nursery appreciates the ongoing investment of the community. He provided a handout explaining some of the key points of what they do. Child abuse statistics show a slight reduction. About 48% of victims are under age eight, and are very vulnerable. There is not enough support for these children, nor enough programs or capacity. The rate of children entering foster care is about 50% higher here than the national average. This is one of their primary targets for services. Trauma early in life affects the individuals throughout their lives and in all aspects of their lives. Intensive services and safety-net services are critical. People are qualified based on risk factors. Early intervention is an important part of this. Private donor commitments were lost in 2001 and they are rebuilding. They have added services in the Madras area. There is a lot of growth in the relief nursery field, but the demand continues. He would like to see additional sites in La Pine and Prineville. It is a public/private partnership and requires the commitment of the community through funding and volunteers. Commissioner Unger asked if healthcare change has been helpful. Mr. Rusk stated that it is challenging due to the paperwork and billing requirements. They do a lot of mental health work and health screenings that do not count in the new system. He is excited about the early learning component, but hopes it is properly funded. Most families benefiting from these services could never afford it otherwise. Mr. Kropp asked where the terms MountainStar and Relief come from. Mr. Rusk said the idea behind it is a break for the parents and children. MountainStar and the logo was something one of the originators came up with as a child herself. ___________________________ Ken Wilhelm of 2-1-1 said that the program has grown and most of the other agencies requesting funding from the County are partners. They address the issue of coordinating services for those who need it; a single point of contact for people to access to find what they need. They assist people throughout the region, and this number increases every year. More of the contacts are now through e-mails and texting. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, April 9, 2014 Page 6 of 11 Most of the people who are contacting them are looking for basic services such as housing, food and medical care. What they get in terms of assistance is very large. The income of most of these people is below the federal poverty level. Central Oregon was the first place outside of Portland to develop this program. 2-1-1 has been replicated since and is now statewide. The system is now in a better position to speak with grant funders and others. The assumption was that as some point federal and state dollars could be captured. He thinks the federal dollars are unlikely; the State may help with expanding services to the call center 24/7 instead of reduced hours. They received some base funding from the State and they are looking at efficiencies within the State structure itself where some of these services might be duplicated. The work with DAS in this regard continues, but he does not know where it will end up. Locally they looked at an annual budget of $120,000. They have been able t o reduce this to about $80,000. He expects to see some restructuring with in the 2-1-1 system and reductions in funding as some of the functions have become more streamlined. Chair Baney asked if there is a way to tract how the County benefits. Mr. Wilhelm replied the State has a study on this, and a study in a Texas communi ty has done the same evaluation. Chair Baney stated that this might be important at budget time. She would like to know the value of the program, and also the impacts if it was not available. Mr. Wilhelm said the Family Resource Center tracked this and it is entrenched in the system. Commissioner DeBone would like to know who the decision - makers in Salem are who can help with this effort. They might be able to assist at some level. Mr. Wilhelm said there is a strong correlation between lottery dollars and federal dollars. There were delays in receiving funding from the federal agencies. Ms. Ure indicated some streamlining has now taken place. Chair Baney asked how the United Way funding affected other agencies. Mr. Wilhelm stated that most of the funds through United Way were from the federal agencies, but some people assume it was strictly United Way. 2-1-1 actually received fewer dollars from both. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, April 9, 2014 Page 7 of 11 3. Discussion of RFP Process for Lobbyist Services. Ms. Ure provided an overview of the possible process and the funding allocated for this purpose. She asked for direction on how to proceed or if the Board wishes things to remain as they are. The amount paid has not changed for years. Commissioner Unger feels that having Deschutes County as a client enhances the effectiveness of the lobbyist, so there is a two-way benefit. Occasionally a suggestion about having a staff person handle this work has also been presented. Ms. Ure added that they also have to consider how to handle interaction with the provider, and what happens if there is a conflict of interest. In addition, they need to think about the expected value and level of involvement. Most things need to start happening in May, just before the session. Chair Baney said some counties or cities contract with individuals for this work. What they are paying is about equivalent to a half-time person. She feels well represented by PAC, but has not seen a proactive approach regarding some issues. If someone was more dedicated and watching for the important issues, this might add better value. Perhaps there is a different way to have these services provided. Commissioner Unger stated that he feels this is a good question to ask AOC. They are in the midst of this work and should be able to answer questions about value. They would know who the other lobbyists are, if they will share their knowledge. Perhaps there is someone who is good at creating legislation. Mr. Anderson wondered if AOC would view lobbyists as competition, as they assign staff to handle some of this type of work themselves. Commissioner Unger feels it is important to be able to marshal the troops when there is an important issue that affects many agencies. Chair Baney stated that Lane County has a lobbyist who knows specifically what Lane County wants done. PAC handles a variety of clients and issues. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, April 9, 2014 Page 8 of 11 Commissioner Unger stated if the County wants to revise what is being done, AOC may be able to provide clarification. Mr. Kropp stated that legislators might be able to provide some light on this. Commissioner DeBone would like someone to focus on what matters to the County and perhaps even initiate legislative ideas. PAC is representing the County but it is reactionary, based on what the County asks them to do. Ms. Ure said that if the Board wants a more proactive approach, perhaps this should begin at the County level. Commissioner DeBone is comfortable with their representation but perhaps they need more direction for the County. Mr. Anderson stated that an RFP could be left open-ended so they have the burden of telling the County what they would do for the County, and what the cost is. They could lay out the options and the Board could decide. Ms. Ure stated that they are more or less on retainer and it has stayed this way. If more is needed, PAC needs to be advised, or the Board should find out what is out there in the way of services. Chair Baney spoke about the Ferguson Group conversation at the federal level. They were to provide specific services as the need arose. It became less expensive to handle this personally. Ms. Ure stated that a staff person could perhaps handle both State and Federal issues, but they would not have someone there all the time. Mr. Anderson said that they may want to consider the fact that each department may have an association involved in certain issues. They may be able to charge the department with getting the people in those associations more involved. Ms. Ure feels this happens by default already, but in some situations, they may not be working in concert with what the Board wants. Ms. Ure feels the County has been under-represented, and in the last year they were especially behind the curve. Mr. Kropp stated that the role of the lobbyist has changed over time since information is easier to attain. Ms. Ure stated that someone has to digest this information, though, and a staff person might be able to handle it better. Commissioner Unger feels that AOC handles a lot of this. Ms. Ure feels that there may be something AOC misses or they have conflicting areas of interest. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, April 9, 2014 Page 9 of 11 Commissioner Unger is not uncomfortable staying with PAC if they can be told what is needed. Chair Baney said that more information needs to get out to the community when Commissioners attend meeting in Salem or are involved in other efforts, to show people their tax dollars at work. Ms. Ure stated that much of the work is intergovernmental relationship building that the public does not see. Commissioner Unger said PAC is bringing in a new person who is well-known. Ms. Ure said if the Board stayed with PAC, a new contract would be important, and they would need to be instructed if the Board wants more from them. Chair Baney said if they go to that extent, they should just do an RFP. The contract has not changed since its inception many years ago. Mr. Kropp feels the payments made to PAC are annualized and were based on the sessions, and at that time there was a session every other year and not annually. Chair Baney stated they should tell them what the Board is thinking and get some ideas from PAC. PAC can decide what works for them as well. An RFP process will take more than thirty days, and this is not a good time to make a drastic change. Commissioner DeBone wants to know also how to wrap the federal aspects of this into the picture. It could be that the cost will go up, but this is an unknown. It will be good to see what other ideas someone else might have. Mr. Kropp asked that other counties be contacted to see what they are paying for similar services. Ms. Ure will find out what she can in this regard, and Commissioner Unger will follow up with some contacts at AOC. The Board will revisit this at a work session in the near future, most likely on May 5. 4. Discussion of Expanding the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee Membership. Peter Russell explained that the Committee wishes to expand representation. It began in 1992 and the work this group does has increased greatly over the years. It is all volunteer, and more members are needed so the current volunteers are not overwhelmed. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, April 9, 2014 Page 10 of 11 They would add a person from La Pine. He also asked that as projects finish, whether there would be too many members. It was felt that there will be other projects over time. They have had a lot of applicants and most of them are very qualified. Typically the person in La Pine would have to be from within the City, and the City Council makes the selection. They seldom have a vacancy in the other positions. If it is hard to fill within the City, they may be able to add a person as at-large from that area. It needs to be consistent with what they do in other cities. The group is focused mostly on the bicycle aspects, because there is more interest in bicycling. They have encouraged the people who are interested in the pedestrian aspects, but most are bicycling enthusiasts. They move the meetings around to various locations in the County. Redmond has formed its own bicycling group but still participate. Commissioner Unger said COACT is also represented. He asked who pays for the expenses of the organization. Mr. Russell said they are all volunteers except for some staff time utilized to schedule meetings, media releases and other documents. Commissioner Unger feels this is an important group and their voice needs to be heard to encourage alternative modes of transportation. The Board indicated support of increasing the membership, and asked for this to be on the regular agenda for discussion. 5. Other Items. Commissioner Baney had to leave the meeting at this time. The Board went into Executive Session, under ORS 192.660(2)(i), discussion of a personnel issue, at 4:35 p.m. ___________________________ Commissioner DeBone said he wants to attend a meeting in Portland regarding clean fuels. He does not know if he wants to be a part of this committee, but wants to investigate the possibilities. Being no further items discussed, the meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m. -I. . DATED this zqrJ-~ Dayof ~ 2014 for the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. Tam~) ATTEST: ~~ Recording Secretary Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, April 9, 2014 Page 11 of11 Deschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960 (541) 388-6570 -Fax (541) 385-3202 -www.deschutes.org WORK SESSION AGENDA DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 2:00 P.M., WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014 -note later time 1. Forester and Agency Update -Ed Keith; Representatives ofthe u.s. Forest Service and Bureau ofLand Management 2. Presentations by Service Partners Judith Ure 2-1-1 -Ken Wilhelm CASA -Pam Fortier MountainStar Family Relief Nursery -Tim Rusk 3. Discussion ofRFP Process for Lobbyist Services -Judith Ure 4. Discussion of Expanding the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee Membership Peter Russell 5. Other Items Executive Session, under ORS 192.660(2)(i), discussion of a personnel issue PLEASE NOTE: At any time during this meeting, an executive session could be called to address issues relating to ORS 192.660(2) (e), real property negotiations; ORS 192.660(2) (h), litigation; ORS 192.660(2)(d), labor negotiations; or ORS 192.660(2) (b), personnel issues; or other issues under ORS 192.660(2), executive session. Meeting dates. times and discussion items are subject to change. All meetings are conducted in the Board o/Commissioners' meeting rooms at 1300 IvW Wall St., Bend, unless otherwise indicated. lfyou have questions regarding a meeting, please call 388-6572. 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, please call (541) 388-6571, or send an e-maiI to bonnie.bakerla;deschutes.org. J I -- 1-1­ 4­o "It: Q) 0... II> ~ ? II> ~ - '­ --+ --+ 1 QJ... "'C I "'C ~ ~3 10 ~ "it; ~ ~ 1E ~ I QJ ~ ,~~ -+-t-­~ ...j ~ '0 ~ 'it'I "­~I . \ \ IQJ ' ~ c:I ~ ~0 , ~ I..c ~ ~ I0..: l -' ~ ~ \.~ ~t j j ~ ~t r-..; ("'-Ir3f ('> \)-­'" t \l t----+ I _~ -~ I --1 --r-~-­ I fl ~ ~ ~ \~: ~\t Z l ~ I J \~~i ! C 0 "Vi V\ OJ V\ ~ ... 0 ~ ~i "~ l ~ ~ ~I!:t l,=-, 10 DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST WORKING FOR OUR FORESTS AND OUR COMMUNITIES 2013 for t he gr ~.It.st a ood OUR FOREST LEADERSHIP TEAM ....;,· .t\ .' .. -rl JOHN ALLEN FOREST SUPERVISOR DESCHUTES NF SHANE JEFFRIES DEPUTY FOREST SUPERVISOR DESCHUTES NF MAURICE EVANS MANAGER REDMOND AIR CENTER HOLLY JEWKES DISTRICT RANGER CRESCENT RANGER DISTRICT KEVIN LARKIN DISTRICT RANGER BEND-FT, ROCK RANGER DISTRICT KRISTIE MILLER DISTR I CT RANGER SISTERS RANGER DISTRICT KAREN BRAND RECREATION. LANDS, AND HERITAGE STAFF OFFICER DESCHUTES AND OCHOCO NFs PEGGY FISHER ENGINEERING AND MINERALS STAFF OFFICER DESCHUTES AND OCHOCO NFs YEWAH LAU PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION STAFF OFFICER DESCHUTES AND OCHOCO NFs CRAIG LETZ FIRE MANAGEMENT OFFICER DESCHUTES AND OCHOCO NFS AND PRINEVILLE BLM KRISTEN McBRIDE NATURAL RESOURCES AND TIMBER STAFF OFFICER DESCHUTES AND OCHOCO NFs JEAN NELSON-DEAN PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER DESCHUTES NF www.fs.fed.us/centraloregon MESSAGE FROM THE FOREST SUPERVISOR When I reflect upon the accomplishments of the Deschutes National Forest in 2013, I view our success through the perspective of how our work: * Helps our Central Oregon communities, * Supports healthy forest ecosystems, and * Provides for our local and national econ­ omy. Where our accomplishments meet the needs of these three areas, we are fulfilling our mis­ sion. To highlight the importance of those key areas, this report is organized by the headings of Community Connections, Healthy Forests and Economic Partners. The Deschutes National Forest is many things to many people. And, as Gifford Pine hot, the founder of the Forest Service, said, our role in the Forest Service is " to find the greatest good for the greatest number in the long run." To meet this goal, we must Deschutes National Forest Economic Partners continue to engage and connect with our communities through volunteers, partner­ ships and public involvement; emphasize the long-term health of our forest ecosys­ tems; and finally provide recreation, em­ ployment and economic opportunities. Let me know how you think we are doing, and I hope to see you in the woods or on the trail, ~ eschutes National Forest COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS • Deschutes Children's Forest • Discover Your Forest • Volunteers • Partnerships • Tribes • Youth Conservation Corps • Conununity Wildfire Protection Planning HEALTHY FORESTS • Deschutes Collaborative Forest Project • Whychus Creek Restoration • Ryan Ranch Restoration • Prescribed Fire and Thinning • Wildland Firefighting • Treating Invasives • Marsh Project ECONOMIC PARTNERS • Mt. Bachelor Master Plan • Special Use Permits for Events and Activities • Recreation • Roads and Trails • Timber Products • Wildfire Support Follow Us on Twitter @DesNatlForest COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS DES C HUT E S NATIONAL FOREST DESCHUTES CHILDREN'S FOREST The mission of the Deschutes Children's Forest, which began in 2011, is to provide a network of outdoor places and programs CH ILDR EN'Sdedicated to moving all children 1 along a con tinuum of learning, exploration, and healthy living through en­ gagement with nature. I n 2013, working with 17 Central Oregon partners, DCF accomplished the following: • Provided educational field experiences to 11,000 students across Central Oregon with over 14,000 student days in the field • Spent over 200 student days learning in Pine Nursery Park as part of DCF's NatureHoods ill1tla tlve • Created a School Engagement Fund to pro­ vide funding for transportation and substi­ tute costs associated with field experiences. • Planned 5 teacher training days in spring 2014 for schools in Bend, Redmond, and La Pine. • Offered 8 Discover Nature Days reaching 600 children and parents. • Launched a Family Time Outside campaign, with local medical and recreational provid­ ers . www. deschuteschildrensforest.org Educational ac ti vities that occurred on the Deschutes in partnership with th e Deschutes Children's Forest and Discover your Forest. DISCOVER YOUR FOREST In 2013, the recently formed non-profit Discover Your For­ est made significant contribu­YOUR FOREST SlffN/)efrll.Oc l(holfl' _NOI...._,I1Ittions to the Volunteer Manage-O'OOI~fjIW NOfH')/Wt CmwlI ment, Visitor Services, and School o utreach programs on the Deschutes National Forest. Discover Your Forest was created to support stewards of the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forest and the Crooked River National Grassland. Discover Your Forest provided the following services to the Deschutes National Forest: -Supported over 8100 interpretive volunteer hours, which was an increase of more than 3,300 volunteer hours over 2012. -Trained 25 Certified Interpretive Rangers who made over 30,000 Ranger contacts with visitors to the Forest. -Provided programs for almost 5,000 school kids at Newberry National Volcanic Mon­ ument in less than 2 months. -Led over 1,200 children through the]r. For­ est Ranger program. -Provided winter programs to over 2,500 visi­ tors at Mt. Bachelors both through formal school programs and weekend visit pro­ grams . www.discoveryourforest.org www.fs.fed.us/centraloregon COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS DES C HUT E S NATIONAL FOR EST WORK WITH VOLUNTEERS Mountain Elk Foundation, Oregon Equestrian Trails, The Deschutes National Forest has the great fortune of working with man y volunteer groups and individuals on all our Ranger Districts. These volunteers contribute significantly to eve­ ryone's enjoyment of the Deschutes with most volunteers working in recreation such as trail maintenance both motorized and non ­ motorized, working as campground hosts, serv­ ing as interpretive rangers at Newberry National Volcanic Monument, stocking firewood in shel­ ters in the winter, grooming trails, picking up trash , maintaining facilities and campgrounds as well as working with our specialists on restora­ tion or surveying projects. In 2013, 2,053 volunteers with the Deschutes National Forest contributed 44,280 hours of work for a total of $964,861 dollars worth of value to their fellow citizen's enjo yment of the Deschutes National Forest. WORK WITH PARTNERS Much of our great recreation, restoration, and monitoring work would not be accomplished without the assistance of our partners. Partners come in many forms from individuals who serve on our collaborative groups, to non­ profits such as Trout Unlimited, the Rocky ~ ~ .~ 9~ /·."""1 :.",,~'2.. Jb..,!! '. .~ , o "' ~ ,: 0, ~. TJ'~'" •. ' '.1 ~'.. ff -I '1.'.0 ' . , !~". 0 ~1~',··~~: . , ';1; ~ .. Central Oregon Nordic Club \'oluntcc rs stock firewood at snow shelter, Volunteers fix signage on OJ IV trails. Sis tt:rs Quiltcrs develop th e Tal c of Two Ri vers guilt to suppo rt Whychus and Metolius River restoration effo rts. Central Oregon Trail Alliance, the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show or the High Desert Museum to our local city , school districts, counties, state and federal agen­ cy partners. The Deschutes National Forest greatly benefits from the work of many varied and commit­ ted partners in Central Oregon and across Oregon. WORK WITH TRIBES The Deschutes National Forest coordinates and communicates with three federall y recognized Tribes: The Klamath Tribes , Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs (OWS), and the Burns Paiute Tribe. The Forest has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in place with each Tribe, which provides a framework for intergovernmen­ tal relationships and guidance on the collabora­ tive process for natural resource planning and decision-making. The MOU with the CTWS and the Burns Paiute Tribe were updated and reaf­ firmed in 2013 The Forest Supervisor, as well as other forest employees, collaborates frequently with the Trib­ al staff on a variety of Forest projects and pro­ grams such as vegetation restoration, forest man­ agement, prescribed and wild land ftre, cultural resource management, and geothermal develop­ ment. Tribal input and comments are welcomed throughout all of the Forests planning process and the Forest specifically seeks the expertise of Tribal staff in a number of our vegetation resto­ ration projects. Follow Us on Twitter @DesNatlForest -- COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS DES C HUT E S NATIONAL FOREST COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLANS Since 2003, the Deschutes National Forest has worked with local communities to devel­ op Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs). These allow communities to de­ velop and list priorities that affect their abil­ ity to survive a wildland fire in their area. The Deschutes National Forest works with 5 separate CWPPs . These communities in­ clude : Greater Sisters , Bend, Sunriver Up­ per Deschutes Coalition and La Pine. In 2013, the Upper Deschutes Coalition did a revision of its previous CWPP. CWPPs help communities work with the Forest Service to reduce their vulnerability to wildfire. They are living tools for priori­ ties, strategies and action plans for fuels re­ duction treatments in the wildland urban interface. This CWPP also addresses special areas of concern and makes recommenda­ tions for reducing structural vulnerability in communities at risk. It is intended to be a living vehicle for fuels reduction, education­ al, and other projects to decrease overall risks of loss from wildland fire; updated and revisited at least semi-annually to meet its rrusslon . Burnout operatio n s during Pole C reek fir e in an area previously treated under CWPP l!Uidance. which protected Sis ters . Youth crews building fence . YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS Working primarily with our partners Heart of Oregon Corps and the Central Oregon Interagen­ cy Council, the Deschutes National Forest regu­ larly hires several crews of youth ages 16-19 for two months every summer to do work on the Deschutes while they learn valuable job skills, receive natural resource education, and for many get their first paycheck. The Youth Conservation Corps programs on Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Forest are the largest in the Northwest with an average of 23 crews every summer over the past decade. Youth on the crews do trail work, fencing, haz­ ardous fuel treatments, plantings, and invasive plant removal. C res ce nt youth crew takes a moment to get a photo during th e surrunCf. www.fs.fed.us/centroloregon HEALTHY FORESTS DES C HUT E S NATIONAL FOR EST DESCHUTES COLLABORATIVE FOREST PROJECT In 2009 the Deschutes National For­ est was chosen to host a Collabora­--i tive Forest Landscape Restoration 'C .. Act (CLFRA) Project. Only ten Na- DESCHUTES tional Forests in the United States COLi.AJORA'I'M:: FORtS TPRO JECT . .were chosen. Smce the selectlon, a large group of stakeholder have met and collaborat­ ed on advice and guidance to the Deschuts Nation­ al Forest on how to restore healthy forests while meeting the needs of communities and supporting the local economy. In 2013, collaboration between the Deschutes Na­ tional Forest and the Deschutes Collaborative For­ est Project Steering Committee led to a key success in the fmished analysis of the West Bend Project, which will accomplish restoring nearly 26,000 acres of the Deschutes National Forest adjacent to the City of Bend. This re s toration work will both cre­ ate healthier forests that are more resilient to dis­ ease, infestations, and wildfIres, improve wildlife habitat, and provide increased protection to recrea­ tion resources and homes in the area. More information about the Deschutes Collabora­ tive Forest Project and the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Act at www.deschutescollaborativeproject.org. .~_ \ area on th e torest 10 need of thinning to reduce wil dfire hazards , opporrunitjes for ins e.cts and disease, and impro\'c habitat for wildlife and plants . Wonderful Whychus Creek ncar Sisters, OR. WHYCHUS CREEK RESTORATION Over a period of about 100 years, Whychus Creek, which runs through the community of Sisters was greatly affected by irrigation with­ drawals in its upper reaches that left its lower reaches without water during the summer. In addition, the construction of dams on the Lower Deschutes in the 1960s, which left fish passage to the upper basin blocked. Many groups have been working together over the past decade to restore Whychus Creek and its salmon and steelhead runs . These groups include the Deschutes River Conservancy, the Deschutes Land Trust, the Deschutes Watershed Council, the National Forest Foundation, the Tumalo Sisters Irriga­ ti o n District, and the Deschutes National Forest. In 2013, these groups experienced the fIrst proof that restoration efforts were working with the return of adult steelhead to the creek. Over 200,000 fry were released to the Why­ chus in 2013 by the Deschutes Land Trust in partnership with Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, the Deschutes National Forest, and others. That release builds upon the work of the three partners to restore a natural more meandering channel in Camp Polk Meadow, which was completed in 2013. Follow Us on Twitter @DesNatlForest HEALTHY FORESTS DES C HUT E 5 NATIONAL FOR EST RYAN RANCH WETLAND MARSH PROJECT RESTORATION PROJECT The Marsh Project, which began in 2013, covers The Ryan Ranch Project seeks to restore the de­approximately 30,000 acres of the Deschutes teriorating banks of the Deschutes River and the National Forest and is the fIrst project to be ana ­ hydrologic function of a natural slough flood­lyzed using the perspective of ecosystem ser­ vIces.plain, which will result in the restoration of 65 acres of historic wetlands along the river. Ecosystem services takes into consideration that In the 1920s a benn was constructed that con­the forest provide goods and services that are stricted the river channel and prevented it from vital to human health and livelihood such as..._------.... accessing a natural slough floodplain. Because of wildlife habitat, carbon storage, watersheds, and this restriction the river is actively eroding the scenic landscapes. Because these natural assets bank of the river. The project also will support are traditionally viewed as a free benefits to soci­ critical habitat for the Oregon spotted frog, ety they have been traditionally not considered as which is being considered for listing under the part of the economic balance sheet of projects. Threatened and Endangered Species Act. In the Marsh Project, on the Crescent Ranger In 2013, the analysis of the project was complet­District, these natural assets will be concerned ed and a draft decision was released in early Janu­with a new perspective and with additional pub­ ary 2014. licinput. In addition to the restoration of the historic wet­The project area includes Big Marsh, which is lands and improve wildlife habitat the project one of the largest high elevation wetland / marsh includes the development of an accessible inter­complexes in the Continental United State. The pretive trail that will provide new recreation op­area is of high value for its biological resources portunities for visitors with limited accessibility including the largest Oregon Spotted Frog popu­ and also support and outdoor area with a focus lation in the State, dispersed recreation, on environmental learning and experiences for matsutake mushrooms, big game and fIsh habi­ students in the Bend-La Pine School District as tat, and cultural resources, as well as provision of well as other school districts. water to the Little Deschutes River. Ryan Ranch meadow erosion of riverbank. Big Marsh on the Crescent Ranger District. www.fs.fed.us/c e n t r a lor ego n HEALTHY FORESTS DES C HUT E S NATIONAL FOREST TREATING INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES In 2012 the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and the Crooked River Grassland signed a decision that allowed the use of 10 herbicides on 52,000 acres of the two National Forests and Grassland with limitations on the amount of herbicide used per year as well as other restrictions such as no aerial spraying. In 2013, these new herhicides were used to suc­ cessfully treat a range of invasive plants. One extremely useful tool the 2012 decision allowed the Forest Service was an Ear!y Detet"­ tion and Rapid Response (EDRR) approach to emerging infestations of invasive plants. EDRR lets the Forest Service treat areas early with herbicides, when they are first detected, rather than after additional environmental anal­ ysis .. Treating infestations when they are more limited in size will reduce overall use of herbi­ cides on the landscape over the life of the plan. As context for the benefit of new treatments for invasive plants, the growth of invasive plant infestations on the Deschutes and Ochoco Na­ tional Forests and Crooked River Grassland increased from 2,200 acres to 14,500 acres since 1998, a 559 percent increase in 14 years. I land pulling inva.,ivc ribbon grass on thl' Metoljus River. Prescribed burning nt-'ar Tumalo Falls area. Thinning project on the Sisters Ranger District. PRESCRIBED FIRE AND THINNING Fuel treatment projects on the Deschutes Na­ tional Forest were very successful in 2013 due to unusual weather that allowed almost year­ round opportunities to conduct treatments. Almost 33,000 acres of the Deschutes National Forest were treated to reduce hazardous fuels and create more resilient and healthier forest ecosystems. About 80% of those treatments were done mechanically (thinning, mowing, or chipping apart) while approximately 20% were done with prescribed fire treatments. WILDLAND FIREFIGHTING In 2013, the Deschutes NF experienced unusual­ ly low numbers of acres burned though the number of fire starts was close to average for the past 10 years. Just over 1700 acres burned on the Deschutes in 2013. The 10 year average for acres burned is approximately 15,700 acres. There were 206 fire starts. The 10 year average of fire starts is 193 . Fire starts were closely di­ vided between lightning caused (115) and human caused (91) fires. Follow Us on Twitter @DesNatlForest ECONOMIC PARTNERS DES C HUT E S NATIONAL FOR EST MT. BACHELOR SKI IMPROVE­ MENTS MASTER PLAN Mt. Bachelor a centerpiece of Bend and Central Oregon operates under permit on the Deschutes National Forest. Early in 2013 , the Deschutes signed a decision for the Mt. Bachelor Ski Area Improvements Project, which analyzed a series of projects proposed by Mt. Bachelor to improve facilities on the mountain over the next 10 years. By early summer, following the decision, Mt. Bachelor was implementing many of the im ­ provements they hoped to have in place for the summer including lift-supported mountain biking opportunities and a zip-line. Other improvements on the list include a new Eastside Express lift and associated trails, en­ hancing tree skiing opportunities, replacing the Rainbow life, replacing the Sunrise Express lift, developing a Sunrise Learning Center and Kids' Adventure Zone, developing a new lodge at Sun­ rise , constructing an Alpine Training Center, ex­ panding the West Village Lodge, changing the tubing hill, developing hiking trails and develop­ ing a rock climbing structure. With the plan in place, Mt. Bachelor are seeing increased growth in visitation both in the winter and in the summer, which allows them to hire and retain more employees. Pine Marten Lodge at Mt. Bachelor o verl ooking Br oken Top. SPECIAL USE PERMITS FOR EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES A wide -range of activities are permitted on the Deschutes National Forest every year that support our local economies . In 2013, these activities included 50 special events un­ der 34 permits including popular community events like the Cascade Cycling Classic; Pole, Pedal, Paddle; the Dirty Half, and the Cascade Swimming Classic. In addition, commercial fIlming regularly occurs on the Deschutes under permit for advertisements, documen­ taries , and large motion pictures including the ftlming of the movie "Wild" with Reese Witherspoon in 2013. Outfitting and Guide services and other commercial and educational services are also regularly permitted on the Deschutes. Casc ad e Classic Open Water swimming competiti o n at E lk Lake. Photo co urtesy of Central O re gon Master Aquatics (CO I\1"). Cascade Cy clin g C lassic rid en; o n Cascade Lakes Scenic Byw ay . Photo by Dina Boswell courtesy of MBS E F. www.fs.fed.us/centroloregon ECONOMIC PARTNERS DES C HUT E S NATIONAL FOREST RECREATION PROVIDES ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES More than 2 million visitors come to the Deschutes National Forest annually. These visi ­ tors use facilities on the National Forest such as day use sites, boat launches, campgrounds, and motorized and non-motorized trails. Recreational Expenditures The table illustrates some of the impact of visi­ tors coming to Central Oregon to visit the Deschutes National Forest. The data is from 2009, which is the most recent data gathered for the area. However, visits to the Forest have not lessened and we can anticipate these figures would be consistent with 2013 data if not more. Spending from visitors to Mt. Bachelor is includ­ ed in the table. Lodging includes both Forest Ser­ vice campgrounds and resorts located on the For­ est. Mt. Bachelor In 2011, Mt. Bachelor contributed $21,700,000 of gross income and employed approximately 250+ people. Over 490,000 visits were made to Mt. Bachelor between winter and summer recrea­ tion periods. Resorts Eleven resorts operate on the Deschutes under special use permits. In 2011 , these resorts con­ ~ Deschutes National F orest (2009 most recent d a ta) Spending Category Total Spending Non-Local Visits Total Spending Local and Non-Local Visits I I I Lodging $ 25,855,000 $ 29,021,000 I Restaurant $ 14,275,000 $ 18,019,000 , Groceries $ 11,073,000 $ 17,542,000 Gas & Oil $ 13,864,000 $ 23,314,000 Other Transportation $ 565,000 $ 667,000 Activities $ 4,962,000 $ 6,899,000 I Admissions/Fees $ 5,990,000 $ 8,943,000 Souvenirs/Other $ 6,180,000 $ 9,298,000 TOTAL $82,764,000 $113,793,000 tributed $5,570,000 of gross income and employed an estimated 75 people while providing lodging, dining, and boat launch opportunities to the visiting public. Outfitters and Guides In 2011, 49 Outfitters and Guides operated on the Forest under special use permits. These Outfitters and Guides contributed $3,734,000 of gross income and employed approximately 200 people. Over 75,600 visited the Deschutes through an Outfitter or Guide service . Gree n Rid ge Looko ut can be reserved for an overnigh t s tay. Follow Us on Twitter @DesNatlForest ECONOMIC PARTNERS DES C HUT E S NATIONAL FOREST ROADS AND TRAILS Roads Maintained The Deschutes NF manages approximately 5,900 miles of road. Not all these miles can be maintained and much focus for mainte­ nance is on more heavily-used roads on the Forest. In 2013 the Forest maintained ap­ proximately 690 miles of road. Trail Miles Maintained The Deschutes NF maintains both motor­ ized and non-motorized trails. There are approximately 1,200 miles of summer trails in Forest, approximately 380 miles of mo­ torized trails are maintained through State OHV funding and maintenance done on the remaining trails is done through part­ ners and volunteers along with Forest Ser­ vice employees. In 2013 partners main­ tained 119 miles , volunteers maintained 21 miles, and the Forest Service received fund­ ing to maintain 18 miles of trails with ap­ proprIations. TIMBER PRODUCTS Timber Sale Contracts The Deschutes National Forest issued and administered 14 Timber Sales and 4 Inte­ grated Resource Timber Sales (Stewardship) contracts during 2013 for a Forest Service road maintenance keeps crews busy. Sk ylme logging operation. Wildfire ·camp. total of 61 MMBF. That 61 MMBF di­ rectly or indirectly equates to 456 local jobs. Those contracts generated over $ 4.6 mil­ lion, with $3.6 million of those funds returning to the forest as retained re­ ceipts. Retained receipts can be directly reinvested back into management of the Deschutes National Forest.. Firewood Permits The Deschutes NF issued over 2,000 fire­ wood permits for a volume of over 13,000 cords of wood, which generated $119,635 of monies. WILDFIRE SUPPORT The Redmond Air Center is a major con­ tributor to both the Central Oregon econo­ my and national economy, with expendi­ tures exceeding $4.8 million. The Redmond Interagency Cache supports ftrefighting resources in Oregon and Was h­ ington as well as across the nation . In 2013, the Redmond Cache supported 154 Incidents, not including prescribed ftre and distributed over $17 million worth of goods to these incidents with the support of 30 personnel who had a combined salary in the Redmond area of just over $500,000 . www.fs.fed.us/centraloregon WHAT DOES THE DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST MEAN TO YOU? Since its establishment in 1905 the Deschutes National Forest has supported the local economy through direct industry as well as through the beauty and recreational opportunities it offers. The Forest is many different things to Central Oregonians, Oregonians, and people from all over the nation and the world. Numbers are one way to understand how it is valued. So let's re­ view a couple of interesting facts about the Deschutes: Size Approximately 1.6 million acres, which is just a little smaller than the states of Delaware and Rhode Island combined. Offices The Deschutes is made of three administrative units: Crescent Ranger District, Bend-Ft. Rock Ranger District, and Sisters Ranger District. In addition, the Redmond Air Center is a part of the Deschutes National Forest though the Air Center houses National resources and has responsibilities that cover the entire U.S. Finally, there is the Forest Supervisor's office and some other work centers. Special Areas The Deschutes National Forest Includes several specially designated areas. Dry Creek Bowl, Mr. Washington Wildemess Pho[Q by Jon Erickson, Deschutes National Foresr Lead Wildemess Ranger. Deschutes National Forest 63095 Deschutes Market Road Bend, OR 97701 541-383-5300 Newberry National Volcanic Monument is a Congressionally Designated Area similar to a National Park and is housed within the Deschutes National Forest. It was designated in 1990 and will soon be celebrating its 25th Anniversary. In addition, the Forest has five designated Wildernesses, which are the Mt. Thielsen, Diamond Peak, Three Sisters, Washington and Jefferson Wildernesses. The 50th Anni­ versary of the Wilderness Act occurs on Sep­ tember 3, 2014 and there will be special cele­ brations throughout the year to highlight it in Central Oregon Six Wild and Scenic Rivers also flow through the Deschutes National Forest. These designated rivers include: Big Marsh, Crescent Creek, Deschutes River, Little Deschutes River, Metolius River, and Why­ chus Creek. The Cascades Lakes Scenic Byway is an iconic part of Central Oregon the Deschutes National Forest manages. The 66-mile histor­ ic byway is well-loved and a key recreational feature on the Forest as it passes by 14 alpine lakes. In addition, the McKenzie Pass­ Santiam Pass Scenic Byway and the Out­ back Scenic Byway are two other National Scenic Byways on the Forest. Follow Us on Twitter @DesNatlForest The USDA is an Equal Opportunity provider and employer. . '~ '.,. t '. " ..4 ­ . '. . ~ ,.. .-; 1\ . ~~ . ~ . ..". II 1 ,I·: ' \' www.fs.fed.us/centraloregon for the gr ea test good ------------------------------------------ Deschutes County Project/Activity Briefing Prineville BLM April 2014 La Pine Land Conveyance The Patents and Quitclaim Deed for the Library site were issued on March 19th , 2014 . The City of La Pine and the Deschutes Library District were asked to develop a new lease agreement that would become effective upon conveyance to allow the Deschutes Library District to relinquish the existing R&PP lease affecting all of Parcel C. Parcel A is situated in a grazing allotment. It has been in non-use for several years and the fences are down in several places. As of Jan 2013, the operator (James Callison) was planning to sell the base property to his business partner who is planning to retire. The property is situated in a Herd Law District-closed range. The operator is responsible to contain the livestock within an enclosure. Sage Grouse Playa Environmental Assessment The BLM is preparing to issue a Decision on the Sage-grouse Playa Management project. The project area includes BLM-administered public land in and around playas south of Highway 20 near Hampton, Oregon. The EA considered alternate ways to improve the ecological condition of playas and surrounding areas for sage-grouse in the Hampton, Ram Lake and ZX Allotments. The BLM solicited public and tribal input in spring 2012 during scoping, and talked with the three grazing permittees multiple times during development of the project. The public review period for the EA ended in December 2013, with the BLM receiving nine comment letters, mostly from the same parties that commented during scoping, including: ODFW, USFWS, ONDA and the livestock grazing permittees. The response to comments and a draft decision are currently being reviewed by the State Office and solicitors. The draft decision includes a combination of actions that will achieve the project purpose of improving ecological condition of playas and surrounding areas for sage-grouse. Other factors were trade-offs between effects on resources, the agency (public) cost for implementation and maintenance , the risk of long term investment in infrastructure, and the potential for the actions to be successful. The BLM considered public input in letters regarding people's desires for and concerns about the area. Alternative 2 (eliminate livestock grazing) would have provided the most improvement to the ecological condition of playas and surrounding areas for sage-grouse with the least expenditure on infrastructure (water developments and fences). However, the BLM weighed that against the effect on grazing permittees and the local economy, and the difference in effects on sage-grouse between Alternative 2 and the other alternatives. Since the primary concern regarding sage-grouse was concentrated livestock grazing on playas and around water sources, removing livestock from the entire allotment would not provide much more benefit than fencing off a few key playas from livestock grazing as is done in Alternatives 3, 4 and 5. Cline Buttes BLM continues to work on implementing the Cline Buttes Recreation Area Plan. We would like to acknowledge and thank George Kolb, Deschutes County Road Dept. and Jim Smith, Deschutes County Community Justice Program for their help over the past year. Some of the recent accomplishments at Maston include: • new mountain bike/hike trail constructed at Juniper Trailhead (Maston) to provide short loop opportunity and mountain bike/hike trails constructed at north end of Maston area • trail improvement work done throughout Maston area in response to last August thunderstorm and erosion problems • installation of trail signs, including warning signs at road crossings within Maston area • fence maintenance work done for Maston Area by Deschutes County Community Justice Program crews (installing/replacing wood fence posts, installing metal t-posts and restringing wire when needed on old fence line on east side of Cline Falls hwy. • intersection apron paving done on edge of Cline Falls Hwy at Juniper Trailhead (done by Deschutes County Road Department) Upcoming Maston Work includes: • Additional mountain bike/hike trail construction and signing • Gate installation on "red cinder road" east of Juniper Trailhead • Coordination with Deschutes County Search and Rescue/new trail map, gate identification numbers Work also began in the Tumalo Canal Trail Use area. Projects included: • Trail construction of pedestrian trail system completed • Interim parking area created for single vehicles at Barr Road/Gerking Market Road, access gate installed • Trail signs installed • Grant funding secured for new trailhead on Barr Road north of Gerking Market Road. Upcoming Tumalo Work • Tumalo Canal Trailhead development (major trailhead funding through state park grant) • Equestrian trail system development Cline Falls Highway Trail Crossing Depending on find and staff resources, BLM may begin working on the trail crossing of Cline Falls Hwy this fall. This crossing has been reviewed by the Deschutes County Road Department and a permit has been issued by Deschutes County Community Development Department. Deschutes County will have direction over the style and location of warning/street signs on Cline Falls Hwy. Special Recreation Permits BLM issued a Special Recreation Permit for the first annual "Mastondon" running event. The race was held this March with 69 runners completing the 12.5 mile footrace. BLM has also issued a permit for the May 3 & 4 -Roll and Sole Bike and Footrace, also at Maston. This 8.7 mile run, 11.5 mile bike will have 25 solo participants and 50 team participants. Hazardous Fuels ReductionlThinning Cline Buttes: BLM fuels staff has completed 440 acres of hazardous fuels reduction (thinning, piling and burning) in and around the Cline Buttes Maston Recreational area. Commercial firewood contractors are working closely behind the thinning contractors in the Maston area between Cline Falls Highway and the Deschutes River. Another 423 acres of junipers have been thinned and hand piled in the Maston area and these hand piles will be burned next fall/winter between November-February 2014/15, weather dependent. In the Tumalo area of Cline Buttes, 403 acres of juniper thinning and hand piling will begin as early as September 2014 . These hand piles will be burned in February 2015 (if hand piles are cured) or the fall of 2015 . La Pine area In the La Pine area fuels specialists have recently completed burning 540 acres of hand and machine piles in various locations including: Highway 31 , near subdivisions such as Deschutes River Recreation #4, Sun Forest Estates, Forest Meadows, Antelope Meadows and Split Rail. The piles were leftover hazardous fuels from projects that reduced the potential for severe wildfire, increased firefighter and public safety, and promoted ecosystem health within the La Pine area. Doghair Biomass/Timber Sale In February, 2013, T2, the contractor for the Doghair Biomass/Timber Sale , began operations on Highway 97 and Masten Road near La Pine . The project straddles the Deschutes/Klamath County line . The entire project is 3,018 acres and will take approximately 1-2 more years to complete. Initial work will use feller/bunchers to cut and remove mid-story lodgepole pine in an extremely dense stand on both sides of Highway 97, south of La Pine. The material will be processed and used for sawlogs (to Interfor Pacific in Gilchrist), clean chips (for paper production, Boise Cascade, Boise, 10), and hog fuel (for power generation at a facility in northern CA). BLM is coordinating with ODOT for concurrent treatment within their ROW on BLM and private lands. Following the thinning, a second round will include combination of slash -busting, understory thinning, hand piling and prescribed fire . This two-stage process is needed to meet overall project objectives of fuels reduction, forest health, ponderosa pine restoration, enhancement of wildlife habitat, and improvement of highway safety and scenic quality. Tumalo Ponderosa Pine/Juniper Thinning Project Prineville District released the Tumalo Vegetation and Trail Management Project EA for public comment in spring 2013. The goal is to restore the ponderosa pine forest, juniper woodland and shrub-steppe plant communities in this 800-acre block of land three miles west of Tumalo to a more historically representative condition and to implement a non-motorized trail system. The 30-day comment period ended on April 22, 2013 . BLM received about 40 comments, most focusing on non-motorized recreation trails , public road access (both too much and too little), burning/smoke issues, and wildlife habitat. Update: BLM has analyzed and responded to comments and modified the preferred alternative. The Decision was issued February 13, 2014. The project will be implemented starting summer, 2014. Oregon Badlands Wilderness Plan Congress designated the Oregon Badlands Wilderness in 2009, which led to the development of a management plan that provides guidance for preserving and enhancing wilderness values while offering opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation . Concerns or issues included travel management (amount and placement of trails), access (group size, types of use) and grazing (retiring pastures, location of guzzlers). The final Wilderness Management Plan has been signed . Depending on staff and funding, we will begin cultural surveys of the old can dumps and proposed trail links to existing trails (2.25 miles) and on 6.7 miles of roads to trails. We will continue to work with the Friends of the Oregon Badlands (FOBBITS) to continue to remove old. Prineville will also be working on access points around the Badlands. This fall, we will be adjusting the vertical alignment of the road going in to Reynolds Pond on the north side of the Badlands. Currently the road is the lowest point and holds significant water during rain events, creating mud­ bogging opportunities that further degrade the road. We will also be rocking the road and creating a 14-foot road width with turnouts. The current schedule is to begin this work this fall. Multiple Grazing Permit Renewal Environmental Assessment The Multiple Grazing Permit Renewal EA is an environmental assessment evaluating the effects of renewing 31 grazing permits or leases, installing range developments in some of these permit's or lease's allotments, and maintaining some existing range developments in some of the permit's or lease's allotments. Scoping has already been completed for this project and we are in the process of writing the EA and doing the analyses . The EA is anticipated to be completed later this year and will be released for public comment before any decisions are made. There are eight Allotments that are in the Multiple Grazing Permit Renewal EA in Deschutes County. Cliff-Hatcher Allotment EA Issues and concerns continue to be raised for not having cows in this area and to potentially use the allotment for alternate purposes such as a spray field for sewer effluent. This allotment continues to not be a high priority due to other workload issues such as sage grouse. BLM has made an effort to let people know that the BLM is NOT proposing to close Huntington Road . Greater Sage-grouse RMP amendment In April 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) determined that the greater sage-grouse warrants the protection of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), but that listing the species was precluded by the need to address other, higher-priority species first. One reason for the FWS identification of the greater sage-grouse as a species to protect was an identified need for more adequate and consistent regulatory mechanisms to ensure species conservation. In Oregon, BLM has the opportunity to fully consider long-term sage-grouse conservation and habitat restoration guidance contained in the Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Assessment and Strategy for Oregon published by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. To date, an Interdisciplinary Team (lOT) has been formed, a contractor hired and the Resource Management Plan (RMP) process has begun . . Update: BLM has reviewed the Deschutes County land use planning assessment (a review the county did to determine the level of compatibility of their land use planning guidance with the sage­ grouse direction contained in the State of Oregon Sage Grouse Strategy 2011), and provided feedback. The review was very well done; however, BLM feels the level of detail the county included should be scaled back. Currently the level of detail on the maps was specific enough that locating a lek would not be that difficult and the leks could be put at risk. Get Outdoors! Day Prineville BLM is in the early planning stages for a 2014 Get Outdoors! Day event on June 14. BLM plans to tie the event to the 50 th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act with a "Primitive Days" theme . Potential stations for people to visit could include flint knapping, tracking, Leave-No-Trace, wilderness camping/packing, safety, a Pistoleros demonstration at the Central Oregon Sport Shooting facility, Dutch oven cooking and more. Redmond Caves BLM has added an Archaeological Society of Central Oregon (ASCO) Volunteer Site Steward to help monitor changes in condition on the 40-acre parcel. Vandalism in the form of spray paint graffiti continues to be a problem at the entrance and interior of the lava tubes. Tumalo Dam BLM and the Deschutes Co. Landmarks Commission (HLC) worked together to sign the ''Tumalo Dam 1915 Deschutes County Landmark." BLM installed one sign and the second is in progress (BLM and Deschutes County Road Department). Deschutes County and Deschutes County Landmarks Commission are hosting Mayas Preservation Month. Several activities are scheduled, including a history walk at Tumalo Dam, May 10th, 10-1 pm. Horse Ridge Grazing Livestock grazing is an authorized use in the Horse Ridge area. It is an active grazing allotment and though it has been quite a few years since livestock have been out there, cows were present in 2013 and will continue to be present each year. Horse Ridge is also a popular mountain biking area, with use significantly increasing since the last time the area was grazed and the potential for rider/livestock conflicts. BLM continues to work with local mountain biking groups (e.g. Central Oregon Trail Alliance) to get the word out about the presence of cows, particularly on downhill trails. This past year there was a good working relationship between the BLM, the public, and the livestock operator. It is a good demonstration of multiple-use on BLM land, and although both parties don't always see eye to eye, good communication helped facilitate these uses. Seasonal Wildlife Closures Four areas [Cline Buttes (3-sites) and Dry River Canyon (east of the Badlands)) were seasonally closed to all uses this season to protect nesting raptors. Efforts to inform the public this year included media releases, online postings, and posting of maps and signs at trail heads and trail junctions . This past fall, volunteers and OMD youth helped decommission trails leading into the Maston closure area. This coming fall we plan to complete trail decommissioning in the Maston and Fryrear area. Planning efforts are underway to realign a fence in the Fryrear area to the seasonal closure boundary to facilitate ease of closure maintenance and improve on the ground communication to recreationists. Nesting is currently underway and we will be monitoring all closure sites for reproductive status and success. Oregon Spotted Frog Habitat Improvement Environmental Assessment This purpose of this project will be to improve Oregon Spotted Frog Habitat along the Little Deschutes River in the land that the BLM acquired through the Casey Tract land acquisition. Actions that may be considered in this project include excavating oxbows, applying herbicide to remove reed canarygrass, and allowing the removal of bullfrogs. Specific proposals are still being developed for this project, so scoping has not been conducted yet. An EA for this project is anticipated to be completed next year. Buckhorn Canyon Mining Claim The mine claimant in Buckhorn Canyon, west of Redmond and north of Hwy 126 has apparently abandoned the site, after operating there seasonally since 1988. Production equipment and waste material is left onsite. Unless communication is restored, BLM will partner with DOGAMI (Oregon Department of Geology) to reclaim the area in FY 2015. Steamboat Rock Area/Crooked River Ranch We are working with local residents to address two issues in this area: a secondary access to Crooked River Ranch and vandalism/dumping in the Steamboat Rock area. Crooked River Ranch is continuing to pursue options to create a secondary egress point from the ranch in the event of an emergency. Our engineer has recently worked with the ranch to apply for a Federal Lands Access Program grant to create access on to Lower Bridge Road where Deschutes County has approved an exit. At this time, CRR is researching this grant option as well as looking in to other funding opportunities. Dumping is an ongoing issue in the Steamboat Rock Area . The area serves as the informal landfill to many people in CCR, Redmond and Terrebonne. Household garbage, animal carcasses, tires, and yard debris are not an uncommon sight and the only way to catch somebody dumping here is either in the act or through a camera. However due to the large amount of access roads into BLM from Lower Bridge Way, placing a camera in any particular road is an exercise of luck not strategy. BLM has used Deschutes and Jefferson County Community Justices for clean ups in there, as well as using the site for a National Public Lands Day cleanup several years ago . BLM continues to work with local residents to get information about dumping, location of dump sites and to assist with cleanup. Lands/Realty Actions in Deschutes County We continue to work on a variety of lands and realty actions throughout the district, with many in the Deschutes County area . These projects include: • Completion of the La Pine Conveyance Act to Deschutes County and City of La Pine. Patent documents received by Prineville and are ready to be given to the County. Completion required renewing 3 Rights-of-Way (ROW) for Mid State Electric for lines in la Pine . ROWs issued to Bend Cable, Quantum Communications (fiber optic lines) and to Deschutes Valley Water, Avion Water (water/pipelines) Transferring ROWs from High Desert Development to Pronghorn Development and from Thornburg to Delashmutt at Cline Buttes. Renewing 2 Recreation and Public Purposes leases for solid waste to Deschutes Co. Dept. of Solid Waste Working with Redmond Gun Club to identify public lands for relocation of their facility Working with Central Electric Coop to renew 38 powerline ROWs Processing 2 relinquishments of ROWs for local residents who no longer need them. Tumalo Irrigation District No change since 2013 update. BlM has discovered a land ownership discrepancy with Tumalo Irrigation District, and continue to meet with TID to resolve the issues. BlM's assessment of several parcels of land that TID was proposing to exchange with the Department of State lands has determined that three parcels of land are in BlM ownership. TID continues to believe the three additional parcels are theirs. BLM/Radlands No change since 2013 update. BlM would still like to work with Redmond Parks and Recreation to reach an agreement to manage BlM land between the Radlands and the North Unit Irrigation District canal system east of Redmond. The area is receiving significant damage by motorized use, dumping, and mudbogging . The area is also the site of numerous homeless camps. BlM would like to work with Redmond and NUID partners to implement the non-motorized/shooting closure identified in the 2005 Upper Deschutes Resource Management Plan. GETTING RESULTS Deschutes County Service Partner Grant Program 2013-2014 $193,500 Invested in 13 Nonprofits $11 ,000 • Emergen cy food , dothing she Ite r Servic e s to underserved po pu lation s • Pr o tection from/treatm ent for child abu se/neglec t • Other INVESTMENT IMPACT BASIC NEEDS: food, emergency shelter, link to resources Bethlehem Inn Emergency Meals $15,000 .5 FTE to coordinate emergency meals program, 5 ,970 volunteer hours, 66,000 meals, 1,400 food boxes for people who are homeless Cascade Youth & Family Ctr $13,000 500 emergency shelter nights/crisis intervention and/or family mediation Central Oregon Council on Aging Home .5 FTE to coordinate nutrition program 5,200 Delivered Meals & Congregate Dining volunteer hours, 95,000 meals for senior $28,500 citizens Central Oregon Veteran's Outreach .33 FTE to coordinate homeless veteran 's $10,000 outreach, 1 ,250 volunteer hours of outreach/wrap around case management Family Access Network $10,000 .5 FTE connect 180 individuals to basic-need resources at La Pine Middle School Redmond Council for Seniors $4,000 Equipment/supplies for nutrition center to provide 60,000 meals for senior citizens Central Oregon 2-1-1 $10,000 Pro vide 9 500 citizens w/links to pro grams an d services by phone, email, texts, an d we bsite SERVICES TO UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS: Increase family assets &opportunities Latino Community Assn $11,000 200 free dental services, legal consults for 75 clients, health insurance application assistance for 100 clients, tutoring for 50 clients, after- school literacy for 50 clients PROTECTION FROMjTREATMENT FOR ABUSE &NEGLECT: keeping children safe CASA $30,000 300 chi ldren i n foster care have a CASA KIDS Center $20,000 100 medical evaluations on suspected victims of child abuse and/or neglect MountalnStar Family Relief Nursery 150 children at risk of abuse/neglect receive $ 12.00{L ._cOs · . te~ntion homfuLisits. srute Qate bas ic needs Mary's Place $10,000 1,800 supervised visits Ar'\ID safe exchanges for families that have experienced domestic violence , sexual assault, stalking and/or child abuse OTHER Upper Deschutes Watershed Council $20,000 Protect and restore streams and rivers in 2 million acre upper Deschutes River watershed Prepared by the Early Learning Division Page 1 of 1 CASA of Central Oregon '~ A voice of hope for abused and neglected children~CASA""T"~ourt Appointed Speciol Advocates FOR CHILDREN April 9, 2014 Dear Commissioners and Budget Committee: Thank you for your continued commitment to CASA of Central Oregon and the abused and neglected children in Deschutes County. As you know, our program's mission is based on the belief that every child deserves a safe and permanent home. Our goal is to provide a volunteer advocate for every abused and neglected child in need. The $30,000 provided by the county directly supports recruitment, training, and support of volunteers. The attached provides a detai led overview of how your support benefits the children in Deschutes County. Your continued support of CAS A is deeply appreciated. Sincerely, ~ Pam Fortier Executive Director I am for the childT • 1435 NE 4th Street., Suite C • Bend, OR 97701 Bend Office: Tel. (541) 389-1618· Fax (541) 383-2826 Bend: (541) 389-1618 • Madras: (541) 475-9426 • Prineville: (541) 447-7220 Community Par t ne r www.c asaofc entraloreg o n .org CASA of Central Oregon Recruitment: This phase of our program takes place throughout the year. This is an essential step to ensure the quality and quantity of potential volunteers is available for our training program. A county-specific recruitment plan is developed and implemented to assess the children served, the community and how best to attract a population of possible volunteers to reflect the children served. The targeted recruitment plan is essential to ensure a diverse ! selection of qualified volunteers is recruited. i Training: Law requires volunteer screening. While this critical step is costly, it includes review of completed written applications, pre-training interviews with staff, criminal background checks, I t fingerprinting and reference checks. All of this information is vital in determining the profile of potential candidates. Once the candidates complete and pass the screening process they transition to the training. Due to volunteer attrition and the increasing number of DHS cases coming into care, it is essential for us to maintain three trainings per year. The 34-hour J trainings take place in the fall, winter and spring and are completed with the volunteers being sworn in by the local judge. Volunteer Support: Ongoing staff support of new and existing volunteers is a critical part of the program. Funding helps support staff time and the integral role they play in providing direction and oversight to each volunteer ensuring each child receives the appropriate service. The following highlights outline some of the critical functions included in the support coordination role: a. Monthly contact and with each volunteer; b. Assists volunteer in development and monitoring of child's case plan; c. Serve as an information resource; d. Reviews required Court Reports written by volunteers and distributes to all legal parties; e. Assists in conflict resolution on behalf of CASA; f. In absence of volunteer, staff acts as CASA presence in court hearings, family court and Citizen Review Board meetings; g. Conducts monthly trainings; h. Compiles data in volunteer/family database to maintain accurate and complete case documentation. A major factor in avoiding bad outcomes for an abused child is the presence of a concerned adult. CASA volunteers are highly effective in getting their recommendations accepted in court and their Court Reports lead to a higher number of services being ordered for children and families. Low case loads for CASA volunteers mean the courts can make better decisions for children. They handle just one or two cases at a time, so they can give each child's case the sustained, personal attention the child deserves. Volunteers stay with each case until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home with hope for a positive future. , .. As a legal party to the case, their role is defined by Oregon State statute and their responsibilities include: I -Investigate all relevant information about the case -Advocate for the child's best interests, ensuring that all relevant facts are brought before the court -Monitor the case to ensure that the court, social services, and the child's attorney fulfill their obligations to the child in a timely fashion -Monitor all court orders to ensure compliance and to bring to the court's attention any change in circumstances that may require a modification of the court's order -Have face to face contact with the child at a minimum of every 30 days -Provide a written court report to the staff 48 hours in advance of the court hearing Volunteers are expected to visit the child /youth on a monthly basis, be in contact with foster I ! 1 parents, DHS caseworks, attorneys involved in the case as well as doctors, therapists and teachers. Volunteers are requested to submit hours and mileage to their assigned Program Coordinator on a monthly basis. I ---------- ~~"'__"""'~"i>~1.~~","~~~~.a>iI;<'''''''''.I''i~'~")i,;j;~~~~~~~~~...",,"~~~~~__~"li I;) ~·"'I""",;~r~~,('--C~''''''"";';-~!"Ii'''.:.i~o¥~~~~~~; ----­ CASA of Central Oregon FY09/10 FY 10/11 FY 11/12 FY 12/13 FY 13/14 FY 14/15 Deschutes County ------­ New Volunteers 22 20 37 23 35 projected -----­------­-----­------­-----­....~ Total Volunteers 85 77 102 93 113 projected New Children Appointed 96 64 129 70 61 projected ...... --~---------­ Total Children Served 240 229 241 241 235 projected -----­ State Funding $47,116 $47,116 $47,636 $39,939 $39,939 $38,556 ---------­ County Funding $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 ---------­ United Way Funding $27,000 $27,000 $27,000 $25,689 $29,800 $29,800 -----­...~- Foundations $75,000 $24,000 $20,577 $27,548 $48,174 $45,000 -----­ Individuals $45,828 $63,048 $80,118 $104,404 $79,200 projected $113,000 «weather ca ncellation) Total Revenue $224,944 $191,164 $205,331 $227,580 $227,11 $256,356 -- MountainStar Family Relief Nursery Spring 2014 Update on Early Childhood, Child Abuse Prevention: 80,000 70,000 60,000 Total Child AbuHINegiect Reports 71,88e 14~2 sa,OIl6 53 5041157~-~ i--=' 6O ,He ' w, f r­,-,-,-I-i- 50,000 40,000 42 ,A55 I-­- - - - - - - -I-­ ~ I-­ - I-­ '-'­ I-­ 30,000 I-­----I-­I-­~ I-­ 20,000 10,000 I-­ I-­ - - - - - - - - - I-­ I-­ I-­ I-­ I-­ II I-­ Child Abuse Rate -last three years (per 1,000) • Deschutes -8.1,8.4, and 7.1 (260 children) • Crook -9.5, 13.1, and 20.8 (91 children) • Jefferson -13.3,17.2 and 11.1 (60 children) Early Childhood Trauma Impacts: • Neurobiology • Psychosocial • Health Outcomes MOUNTAINSTAR IN DESCHUTES CO.: Therapeutic Early Childhood Program -60 kids in classes, home visits, basic needs support, parent ed. • 89% of families 15 or more risk factors Safety Net Srvcs -150 children and their families • 84% of families 10 or more risk factors Mental Health -49 children & parents including PCIT (parent child interaction therapy) (no OHP dollars) Child Abuse VICtims by Age Oregon FFY 2012 . Oto 1 . 2 to 5 . 6to 17 Rate of children entering care, by entry age (per 1000 d1Hdten under 1 8 1n general poputellon) ,." -,~{N'21 -N~(Nl', o , 2 3 .. 5 i 7 , 8 8 10 11 12 13 '4 15 ~ 17 Reduction in Victimization Rates Per 1000 Children ~~---------------------------------- 1&1 1<1>0 UO lOll &!l . () Some GREAT News about Quality! • 5 Star Rating by Oregon's Quality Improvement Rating System (QRIS) for Early Child. Care • We are also accredited by National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYe) • "Free" service for families where 98% are below federal poverty level Sustainability On-going challenge Far exceed required 25% cash match Few in Early Childhood HUB are focused on private sector investment S15 Lean Staffing S1 Now is opportunity for growth ...if we get community buy-in Considering: • La Pine • Prineville Next Steps: Find Individuals Local Support Team Letter of Interest by June 1st Support Letters Dispar ,ities in Early Vocabulary Growth 1200 Coli eo" cJ.uc.)ted ~ 600 200 PI'Irents 16mos. 24 mos. 36 mos. Chlld"s Ace (Months, Stre t ching Gov't DolI-ars Mormto·nSta r Famiiy fl. 'If!/ f ursuy • p,.' .~Fa"ems I<:AS II' . Gw"t F.",·' S [)15 U.TlrlEU • ..~1I.iCfS to' J~fJD" Co . begjfl FY 13·.!4 PfOS -l H 1:'-11 Pl'11·12 Ft 12·ll PI 13-1 4" Oregon Relief Nurseries in 2013 -- - --- -- -- ----- ,.•• •• • r­ I The Difference YOU Make Like most of us, I'm hard-\\>-ired to protect young children. Last week I took a toddler off the bus who pretended to keep sleeping as I carried him to our therapeutic classroom. He was like a wet noodle in his effort to stay cuddled up, warm and close to me. He slowly made the transition to another great day at MountainStar with his friends, teachers and classroom volunteers. I recently asked Jeanna Darnell, Program Coordinator at our new Juniper Junction site in Madras, what she liked best about her job and she said "watching families make positive changes". The success stories she shared included parents and children who accepted their situations and stretched to act differently -whether a parent facing an abusive relationship or a 4-year-old in the classroom learning how to respond calmly rather than aggressively toward his peers. We should all be so courageous in the face of adversity as the famiiies enrolled in our Relief Nursery programs. I am thrilled to report that our Bend operation passed another quality milestone for our exceptional early childhood work in March. We are proud to be the 11 th program in Oregon to receive a 5-star quality rating from Western Oregon University, in addition to our accreditation by the National Association for the Education Young Children [NAEYC]. It is an amazing thing that children who live with an average of 15 risk'factors for abuse and neglect are able to receive high-quality early childhood education experiences that further enhance their development and chance for a healthy future. Your support made 2013 a year of growth and success for MountainStar, with the possibility of future expansion in 2014 as we work to keep children in Central Oregon safe, parents successful and families together! Here's to our continued partnership, ~ MountoinStor,,\\~ Tim Rusk family relief nurseryExecutive Director Keeping children safe, parents successful and families together. What you . gave In Deschutes County .., 552 iDdividuala, busiD , c hun:bes & groups contributed $238,225 The Gloria Lopez-Davis Infaal Classroom Endo\\-menl was created wuh a $50,000 gift from donor C..arl Oa\"lll 13 fouodaciol1l including United Way con rn buted $130.,397 5 State and Couocy agencies conmbured $J04,596 177 individuals. buaiDesses, churches & groups pro=fed in-kind donations and sen'ices valued al $11,575 85 voluoleen contributed J , 20 houn as Isang In chi rooms, defu.mng food. used dodung & e(jwpmc:nt, cleaning and repamng classroonu. and servUlg on our board During our first 6 months in Jefferson County", TI individuals, busioeases, c:burche & groups conmbuted $4,133 8 foUDClatioos conttibuted 541.728 2 Slale agenci conttibured $71,585 Who you helped Relief Nursery Services in both Counties ", Ages served: 6-weeks to 4-years-old Total children served: 228 (193 Deschutes, 35 Jeffel-son) Total clients: 764 (children & family members) Number of campus visits: 7,157 Number of outreach visits: 2,5U (home visits , parent classes, family e,oents) Mental health counseling: 49 children & parents, total of 414 hours 89% of children in the therapeutic classroom had 15+ risk factors 30% of children had a medical disability 49% of parents were victims of neglect and abuse as children 98% of families lind below the federal poverty b°cl and on anrage experienced 3 or more of these risk factors : Unable to obtain enough food for every family member Family was homeless or had no permant:nt home Inadequate family supplies or child supplies No telephone or access to reliable telephone No access to transportation Underemployed or unemployed therapeutic Early Chlldhaad Program •.• hoyou helped Relief Nursery Services in both Counties ... Ages served: 6-weeks to 4-years-old Total children served: 228 (193 Deschutes, 35 Jefferson) Total clients: 764 (children & family members) Number of campus visits: 7,157 Number of outreach visits: 2,512 (home visits, parent classes, family e\"cnts) Mental health counseling: 49 children & parents, total of 414 hours 89% of children in the therapeutic classroom had 15+ risk factors 30% of children had a medical disability 49% of parents were victims of neglect and abuse as children 98% of families lived below the federal poverty level and on average experienced 3 or more of these risk factors: Unable to obtain enough food for every family member Family was homelcss Or had no permanent home Inadequate family supplies or child supplies No telephone or access to reliable telephone No access to transportation Underemployed or unemployed With the following results 98"/, of children neglect. 900/, of children in the therapeutic c lassroom sho wed an impm\'ement in thei£ cognitn-e, social and phYS ical tkYdopment. 88"/. o f parents reported dec~ased sttel! related to pare nting. 82"/, of parcuts reported £hat thel' created a po iti,'e support network for chemsd~'CS . Juniper Junction SatelUte in Madras ... 'Lis a' began a l Juniper Junction when s he was only 2-months-old. Her young single mother was \'e~ Ill\\' Income and ber father Wall in prison. Lis Q' mom utilized e\'ecy opporturuty that Juniper Junction staff offered ber for support. including parent education, ho me \'isi ,counseling and f2mi1)' nigh IS . h~ a\s (') ensured that LisSlI never nu sed a class , despite aan pOl12tion challenge . Today, Liss:!'s mom is a proud graduate of COCC's Criminal Jusoce program with a eertificate thar will enab le h~r to work with juvenile offenders. LIssa's dad is ow of prison and is a \'cry acti\'e and supportive father. This bnght, acove t6·month-01d toddler nuw has a family able to care for her needs and theU' own. 'Anita' s tarted in o ur program as an infant and is DOW 2-yean-01d. he has a diagnosis of ktai alcohol syndrome. ' he has \i\-ed in a gamge an a borne that wu shared b~ 4 families, in a motd. at a homeless sbdn:r and her &mi!yis currently 1iving in lltable housing for the first time in her shan life. The adults in ber home are menrall)' challenged and he is the youngnt of fo ur children . She is flourishing in the theupeutic classroom en\'lrODmen t. including btg leaps in her language developmmt. She trUSts the teachers and \'olunteen in the classroom and has leamed to uk tOr hdp when he: nL'Cds It. It is touching to see her joy and happinC$S when she is at play. rayed free of child abuse and ~ MountainStar fam ily relief nursery 2125 NE Daggett Lane Bend , OR 97701 Community Partner Spring 2014 Report on Results! Deschutes County 211 Requests 12000 10000 ~ ).If ~211Calls 8000 -L ~ ~.----- ~ .......WebVisits -a-Text/Email 6000 4000 ",,*-Total 2000 +.~ o 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Date: April 7,2014 To: Board of Commissioners From: Judith Ure Subject: State Lobbyist Solicitation At the conclusion ofthe 2013 legislative session, the Board of Commissioners expressed an interest in assessing the County's current needs for state lobbying and legislative services and to potentially update the existing arrangement accordingly. Since 2003, the County has engaged Public Affairs Counsel (PAC) for lobbying and legislative services. While there is no legal or policy mandate to solicit new proposals for services periodically, the current contract with PAC has expired and should be either renewed or replaced. In making such a decision, the Board may wish to consider the following infonnation. Options The County's legislative program can be managed in a variety of ways, including: 1. Renewing the current contract with PAC. As the tenns of the existing contract were established in 2003, issues such as scope of work and compensation may need to be revisited. 2. Issuing a request for proposals soliciting interest from qualified finns to provide lobbyist and legislative services and enter into a new contract with the successful proposer. 3. Recruiting, hiring, and maintaining a County staff person to coordinate legislative activities and lobby on the County's behalf. Considerations Although many issues may be considered by the Board in detennining the best approach for the County's legislative program, a few that have received mention to date include: • How ready and continued access to the County's legislative delegation will be facilitated. • How a finn's various clients who hold opposing positions are managed and how conflicts of interest are mitigated. • How the County's positions on proposed legislation will be coordinated with the Association of Counties (AOC) and various departmental professional associations. • How the County's legislative activities will be coordinated with other local public agencies, business organizations, and community groups. Timelines Preparation for the 2015 legislative session officially begins on September 22 when pre-session requests for proposed legislation are due. To ensure that the County is ready and able to act by then, arrangements for lobbying and legislative services should be in place by August 15,2014. Following is a tentative schedule of activities that would correspond with that target for each of the options above: Option 1 June 9-July 4 Identify issues to be revised or included in new contract. July 7-31 Open negotiations with current contractor as to terms of new contract. August 1-14 -Prepare contract. August 15 -Execute contract. Option 2 May 6-29 -Prepare request for proposals document and rating materials. May 30 -Issue request for proposals. June 2-27 -Accept proposals. f June 23-July 3 -Evaluate proposals. July 7 -11 -Present recommendation to Board of Commissioners for approval. I I July 14-18 -Allow unsuccessful proposers to appeal decision. July 21-25 -Consider appeals. July 28-31 -Make final decision. August 1-14 -Negotiate terms of contract and prepare document. August 15 -Execute contract. Option 3 May 1-30 Develop position description. June 2-7 Advertise recruitment. June 9-July 3 -Accept applications. July 7-14 -Hold interviews. July 21-25 -Conduct background checks. July 28-31 Select candidate and make offer of employment. August 1-15 Employment start date.