HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-06-25 Work Session Minutes
Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Page 1 of 4 Pages
For Recording Stamp Only
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
1300 NW Wall St., Bend, OR 97701-1960
(541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org
MINUTES OF WORK SESSION
DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014
___________________________
Present were Commissioners Tammy Baney, Anthony DeBone and Alan Unger.
Also present were Tom Anderson, County Administrator; Erik Kropp, Deputy
County Administrator; and, for a portion of the meeting, Dave Doyle, County
Counsel; Timm Schimke, Solid Waste Department; Susan Ross and James Lewis of
Property & Facilities; Anna Johnson, Communications; and Brent Fenty of the
Oregon Natural Desert Association.
Chair Baney opened the meeting at 1:30 p.m.
___________________________
1. Presentation of the Oregon Desert Trail Project.
Brent Fenty gave an overview of ONDA, and their mission is to protect and
defend Oregon’s natural deserts. (He gave a PowerPoint presentation at this
time, a copy of which is attached for reference.)
They catalog historical sites, natural sites and Native American sites as well.
They look to have the trail system be as non-confrontational as possible with
other uses, and utilize existing trails when able. After three years, they were
able to come up with a system that covers four ranges and 800 miles. Last year
four people have hiked the entire trail, the first being a woman solo.
This has been proposed as a connecting trail to others, as a national recreation
trail concept. It would not shut down any uses. The ONDA website has maps
of every section, with details including where private lands are located.
Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Page 2 of 4 Pages
They continue to ask for feedback from communities and counties as to
services, challenges and amenities.
Chair Baney stated that Harney County voiced some concerns. (She shared a
letter at this time.) There are questions about liability. Mr. Fenty stated that
there seem to be few lawsuits, considering the number of trails in the State.
Case law makes it difficult for people to prevail when people use public lands.
He has been told that trails that are part of the landscape, there is less liability.
Bringing in construction materials to build a trail can create some liability.
He has met with the counties and hope most issues can be resolved. Some fall
on the shoulders of the other agencies that have existing trails. This project
would not change the landscape, although it makes lands more accessible.
These lands are already available to the public.
Some of their members are with Search and Rescue, and they are supportive.
He has been told the cost to the counties is not huge as much would be borne by
the federal government. Generally, those who take on this kind of hike know
what they are doing, as opposed to those who want to wander for a day and lose
their way. Experienced hikers would generally be well equipped.
International Mountain Biking has signed on, as have horse riding groups.
Some alternate routes have been mapped for those who want to use watercraft.
ONDA wants to respond to concerns now in case there is a process that should
be followed. They want communities to embrace and benefit from this. It
needs to be on the USFS and BLM maps as well.
Commissioner Unger said that most of the trail is in Lake and Harney counties.
He asked if the BLM needs to be involved. The biggest concern is responding
to emergency situations. Mr. Fenty said that those who do these kinds of
activities want others to be able to do the same; and there is an economic
benefit as well. This is a recreational asset to all of the counties involved.
Chair Baney said that these are public lands and there is nothing keeping people
from going out there. Mr. Fenty stated that this guide helps them to know
where to go and how to avoid private lands, and how to find some of the
spectacular scenery. Some is already mapped as existing trails.
Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Page 3 of 4 Pages
Chair Baney is supportive and encouraged ONDA to discuss this further with
the entities involved. The Governor has asked if there is an Oregon Solutions
process that might be used for this. Commissioner Unger is supportive as well,
but wants to make sure the proper process is followed. He wanted to know if
the BLM has something in mind.
Mr. Fenty said Lake and Malheur counties are the most supportive since this
goes which their ‘branding’ plans. Harney County seems to have the most
concerns. Deschutes County would be the gateway to the other counties.
2. Other Items.
The Board went into Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(e), real estate
negotiations, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
___________________________
Chair Baney left the meeting at this time.
___________________________
Discussion took place regarding the State of the Community Chamber of
Commerce event in Sisters on July 1.
___________________________
Regarding the Eastern Oregon Counties Association has asked for additional
funding that the Board had not approved. The Board agreed to $7,500 last year
but Deschutes County has now been billed for the remaining portion.
Commissioner DeBone said he gets e-mails from them but does not have time
to attend their meetings. Commissioner Unger stated that this is Central Oregon
and not Eastern Oregon, and the County has not been that involved. Mr.
Anderson will respond that the County only wanted to pay $7,500 in its first
year, and is still assessing its involvement.
Being no further items discussed, the meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m.
DATED this f~ Dayof ~ 2014 for the
Deschutes County Board of Commissioner
CW~
Tammy Baney, Chair
t:ZdItrY~.
Anthony DeBone, Vice Chair
ATTEST:
Alan Unger, Commissioner ~~
Recording Secretary
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, June 25,2014
Page 4 of 4 Pages
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
1:30 P.M., WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014
1. Presentation of the Oregon Desert Trail Project Dan Morse, Oregon Natural
Desert Association
2. Other Items
Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(e), real estate negotiations (several
items) -Susan Ross
I
I
I
I ~
I
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.
IMeeting dates. times and discussion items are subject to change. All meetings are conducted in the Board o/Commissioners' meeting rooms at I 1300 NW Wall St., Bend, unless otherwise indicated. /fyou have questions regarding a meeting. please call 388-6572.
I
i
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-mail to bonnie.baker(a)deschutes.org.
~lI
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
IHI I
I
I
I T
I I
I I,
,
I
I
I I
I
I
I
I,
T~·~"~··
I""'OJ
(0
a..
I ;~
!OJ
(0 ,a..
l
f
I
r
!
I
I
~
f
\
1
SUBMITIED BY E-MAil
November 8, 2013
Mr. Jerry Perez, State Director
Oregon Office of Bureau of land Management
1220 S.W . 3rd Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
Robyn Thorson, Pacific Northwest Regional Director
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
911 NE 11th Ave
Portland Oregon 97232
Re: Oregon Desert Trail Proposal
Dear Mr. Perez & Ms . Thorson:
With this letter and the attached information, I request consideration of the Oregon Desert Trail
proposal on behalf of over 4,500 members and supporters of Oregon Natural Desert Association
(ONDA) and with support from Oregon Sierra Club (http://oregon.sierraclub.org/), a member
supported, public interest organization that promotes conservation of the Oregon natural
environment by influencing public policy decisions, the Outdoor Alliance
(www.outdoora lliance .netl ). a national coalition that protects and promotes the human-powered
outdoor recreation experience by uniting the voices of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts to influence
policy for America's public lands, American Hiking Society (www.americanhiking.org ), a national
organization that promotes and protects foot trails, their surrounding natural areas, and the hiking
experience, Back Country Horsemen Of Oregon (www.bcho.org ), a statewide organization that works to
maintain equestrian access to public lands, and American Whitewater (www.americanwhitewater.org/),
a membership organization representing a broad diversity of individual whitewater enthusiasts, river
conservationists, and more than 100 local paddling club affiliates across America that works to conserve
and restore America's whitewater resources and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely.
We collectively request that you consider the establishment of the proposed Oregon Desert Trail route
as a National Recreation Trail "Connecting Trail" to the existing "Oregon High Desert National Recreation
Trail" and the "Fremont National Recreation Trail." Your empowerment and responsibility to analyze
and recommend a "Connecting Trail" for Secretarial approval is established by the National Trails System
Act (P.l. 90-543) and associated agency guidance (BlM Manual 8353, Section 1.4 B.3). I hope you find
that the associated document and request thoroughly address the identification and evaluation
requirements for "Nominating National Recreation Trails" as described in agency guidance and we look
forward to assisting you in the evaluation and establishment of this trail.
OREGON DESERT TRAil OVERVIEW
In 2011, the Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA) began work on a three -year project to
determine a long-distance, non-motorized trail route on public lands that passes through many ofthe
natural and cultural wonders of central and southeastern
Oregon. This route-referred to as the Oregon Desert Trail
(ODT)-is approximately 750 miles long. It links existing trails,
two-track roads of varying conditions, other routes including
historical wagon roads, and many miles of cross-country terrain.
The proposed route stretches from the Oregon Badlands
Wilderness east of Bend to Lake Owyhee State Park near the
Oregon-Idaho border. All of the ODT is currently open to hiking,
and many sections are appropriate for mountain biking, horse
riding, and kayaking, canoeing or rafting.
Over the past three years, the proposed ODT route has been
inventoried by over a hundred volunteers as well as members of
the ONDA staff. The inventory has captured photos, written
and GPS documentation oftrail and route conditions, water
sources, wildlife, vegetation, and items of cultural and historical
OQTFACTS
Total Length: 766 miles
Highest point: Steens
Mountain (9550 feet)
Lowest point: Owyhee
Reservoir (2670 feet)
Longest stretch of
cross-country travel:
Anderson Crossing to
Three Forks (46 miles)
significance-thereby providing a general overview of the ODT's features . The initial route inventory
was completed in the fall of 2012. In June and July of 2013, Sage Clegg, an experienced long-distance
hiker, completed the first through-hike of the ODT as a trial run of this new trail. The data she collected
supplemented the previous three years of data; all of the on-the-ground inventory information was used
to develop the attached ODT Guide and Maps .
Trail routes like the ODT are not new to Oregon-the iconic Pacific Crest Trail is a developed hiking trail
that runs north-south through the Cascades stretching from Mexico to Canada. The existing "Desert
Trail ," envisioned and partially established by the Desert TraH Associationl, runs parallel to the Pacific
Crest Trail through the High Desert Plateau regions of Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada and California
also stretching from Mexico to Canada. The ODT is proposed to overlap with a north-south section of
the Desert Trail known as the "Oregon High Desert National Recreation TraW' running along the Pueblo
Mountains and Steens Mountain in southeast Oregon. This existing route, primarily marked by rock
cairns, is recognized on Pacific Northwest Recreation Maps as "Desert Trail (unmarked corridor)."
One aim of the Oregon Desert Trail project is to establish the ODT route as an official trail, much in the
way that the "Desert Trail" is deSignated on recreation maps. However, it is NOT an aim of the project
to develop a trail like the PCT's single-track, but rather to use the existing network oftrails, roads, and
cross-country sections to form a hiking "corridor." The Grand Enchantment Trail in Arizona and New
Mexico is an example of an ODT-like route that pieces together existing infrastructure and cross-country
1 See the Desert Trail Association's website at http ://www.thedeserttrail.org for more details.
11/08/13 Oregon Desert Trail Proposal Cover Letter 2
·.
travel to link many of that region's natural wonders and is commonly described as a "wilderness trekking
route.,,2
As important as stating what the OOT is, it is equally important to note what the OOT is NOT:
1. The OOT is NOT a developed trail like the PCT or other single-wide tread trails. The OOT concept
embraces the wide-open nature of Oregon's desert landscape. Part of the value of the OOT is
using developed trails and roads where they exist, but also keeping long stretches open to cross
country travel. These off-trail sections are important to the "wild and undeveloped" aspect of
many parts of the route.
2. The OOT is NOT exclusively for hiking and backpacking. Many sections of the route are great for
mountain biking, horse riding, and even kayaking or canoeing.
3. The OOT is NOT intended for motorized travel. It is designed for non-motorized, "quiet"
recreation in order to minimize conflicts with existing uses, natural and cultural resources and
maximize enjoyment of the wild and open spaces. Because the OOT uses many open motorized
routes, there are portions that are shared with motorized travel.
The trail passes through both well-known and lesser known lands throughout Oregon's high desert. The
route was specifically developed to avoid sensitive wildlife habitat and cultural sites, to be on public
lands or use public right-of-ways, to utilize existing sources of water where possible, and to overlap as
much as possible with public lands that are currently prioritized for conservation management. The
route travels through lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) (79%), U.S. Forest
Service (13%) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (7%), and Oregon State Lands (1%). The common theme
is that many of these lands are currently in some form of permanent or temporary federal protection.
For example, the proposed path includes currently protected areas such as the Steens Mountain
Cooperative and Protection Area (CMPA) and Wilderness, the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge,
as well as numerous Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) which have remained temporarily protected for
nearly three decades and are currently managed by the BLM for their wilderness values (refer to table
on following page). 39% of the route lies within these permanently or temporarily protected areas
26% in WSAs (197 miles), 7% in National Wildlife Refuges; and 6% in Wilderness Areas (46 miles). An
additional 30% (222 miles) of the route travels through citizen-proposed wilderness areas and areas the
BLM has identified as "lands with wilderness characteristics." As areas already dedicated to wildlife
conservation and primitive recreation, the existing designations complement the core goals of the OOT.
2 See the Grand Enchantment Trail's website at http://www.simblissitv.net/get/ for more details.
11/08/13 Oregon Desert Trail Proposal Cover Letter 3
Core Goals of the Oregon Desert Trail
The goals of establishing the Oregon Desert Trail encompass conservation, wildlife connectivity,
recreation, economy, and connecting the public to their lands. First and foremost, the ODT will help
develop greater public awareness of the conservation value of Oregon's high desert by connecting
people with this amazing landscape. While there are some guidebooks that describe hikes and
explorations in central and southeast Oregon 3
, public knowledge about many of the state's most unique
natural features is sparse. The intent is also to highlight the interconnected nature of this landscape and
the movement of people and wildlife across this vast area. The ODT will help open doors for outdoor
enthusiasts who may be unfamiliar or unsure about exploring Oregon's high desert and allow them to
do it in a way that respects the cultural, historical and biological values of this area.
A second goal of the project is to provide and publicize more opportunities for non-motorized, "quiet"
recreation, which represents a growing sector of Oregon's economy but is relatively underrepresented
in Oregon's high desert. The ODT would provide more structured opportunities for non-motorized
recreation in the form of hiking, biking and horseback riding routes. The ODT is important because of
the lack of developed non-motorized trails in this part of the state; for hikers the ODT greatly increases
the opportunity for day hikes, multi-day backpacks, or even a 7S0-mile through-hike.
PROTECTED AREAS (BOTH TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT) ALONG THE OREGON DESERT TRAIL
1. Oregon Badlands Wilderness 13. Willow Creek WSA
2. Squaw Ridge Lava Bed WSA 14. Disaster Peak WSA
3. Sand Dunes WSA 15. Fifteen Mile Creek WSA
4. Diablo Mountain WSA 16. Oregon Canyon WSA
5. Abert Rim WSA 17. Upper West Little Owyhee WSA
6. Hart Mountain National Antelope 18. Owyhee River WSA
Refuge 19. Lower Owyhee Canyon WSA
7. Orejana Canyon WSA 20. Owyhee Breaks WSA
8. Malheur National Wildlife Refuge 21. Blue Canyon WSA
9. Steens Mountain Wilderness 22. Slocum Creek WSA
10. Pueblo Mountains WSA 23. Honeycombs WSA
11. Red Mountain WSA 24. Wildhorse Basin WSA
12. Mahogany Ridge WSA
3 The most popular amongst desert hikers are likely William Sullivan's "100 Hikes: Travel Guide Eastern Oregon"
and Andy Kerr's "Oregon Desert Guide-70 Hikes".
11/08/13 Oregon Desert Trail Proposal Cover Letter 4
A third goal of the ODT project is to establish the trail and the surrounding landscapes as an asset for
numerous communities throughout Oregon's high desert and to build dialogue and relationships
between trail users, residents and other visitors to public
lands surrounding these communities. For hikers, bikers,
equestrians and other public land recreationists, nearby
towns are vital resupply points where food and supplies can
be mailed or purchased. As such, neighboring towns may
benefit from fuel, food and other sales associated with
increased visitation.
Benefits of an Official Oregon Desert Trail: Towns, Agencies.
and Recreationists
"An organized trail system is a desirable amenity and can
contribute to the economic vitality of the community." This
conclusion, reached in a recent fact sheet4 by the American
Hiking Society, underscores the importance of creating and
maintaining official non-motorized routes across America.
While the ODT would not bring the millions of dollars per
year that other popular trails bring to nearby communities,
the ODT would be an economic benefit to the small towns
on and near the trail.
There are twelve towns and cities that the trail passes
through or near (see table on following page). Amenities of
COMMUNITIES ALONG THE ODT
• Bend
• Christmas Valley
• Paisley·
• Valley Falls
• Lakeview
• Plush*
• Frenchglen·
• Fields·
• Denio (NV)*
• McDermitt (NV)
• Rome·
• Adrian
·Route passes through
nearby towns are described in the attached trail guide. Some of these towns are well known for their
hotels and milkshakes (e.g. Frenchglen and Fields, respectively), and some have a gas station, store and
restaurant all in one building (e.g. Plush, Fields and Rome). The u.S. Post Offices and businesses in these
towns could be utilized by through-hikers to mail supplies via general delivery. As is common in towns
along popular trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail, over time it is our hope that communities along the
route would take pride in being a key part of the Oregon Desert Trail.
The agencies that manage the public lands along the ODT will benefit from this route because it will help
connect the public to their lands and greatly increase the opportunity for non-motorized recreation
(hiking, biking, horseback riding, rafting) on lands where these opportunities are currently little-known.
The trail concept highlights several primary goals of the America's Great OutdoorsS (AGO) project
sponsored by President Obama. Three primary goals of the AGO vision, we believe, are strongly linked
to the ODT concept. These three goals include: 1) Working Together for America's Great Outdoors;
4 Full report at http://atfiles.org/files/pdf/econAHS.pdf.
5 Find more information at http://americasgreatoutdoors.gov .
11/08/13 Oregon Desert Trail Proposal Cover Letter 5
2) Conserving and Restoring America's Great Outdoors; and 3) Connecting Americans to the Great
Outdoors.
Two ofthe most popular recreational activities along the ODT are currently camping and exploring at
Steens Mountain and boating on the Wild and Scenic Owyhee River. There are publications that
advertise hikes in some high desert areas, but for someone looking at recreation maps of southeast
Oregon for hiking options, clear choices are lacking outside Steens Mountain. Even the well-maintained
Fremont National Recreation Trail does not see significant public use. Land agencies could use the
Oregon Desert Trail as promotion of non-motorized recreation opportunities on their districts with
minimal administrative and management effort.
Finally, as mentioned in the "Goals" section, equestrians, hikers, mountain bikers and other non
motorized recreation users would have a new long-distance trail route that could be hiked all at once or
in small segments. This is consistent with BLM guidance that a "trail route has established public access
points that accommodate a diversity of trip lengths and provide access to a variety of opportunities for
recreation and education" (BLM Manual 8353, Section 1.10 3.i). Such uses also promote health and
fitness for current and future generations while creating exposure and appreciation for some of the
finest natural and wild areas that Oregon has to offer.
As an organization with over 4,000 members and supporters and an active base of volunteers that
received the 2011 Oregon Governor's Volunteer Award, ONDA would be pleased to assist the BLM and
USFWS in fulfilling the Conservation, Community Support, Public Information, and Trail Maintenance
best management practices (BLM Manual 8353, Section 1.6 E.3). The engagement of such volunteers
combined with the fact that this proposal does not include the construction of new trail or maintenance
of existing trails should ensure that estimated annual maintenance costs are minor. In fact, the
engagement of new volunteers might serve to reinvigorate trail maintenance on the existing National
Recreation Trail sections described in this proposal and thereby assist the agencies in meeting existing
agency requirements.
OREGON DESERT TRAIL SUMMARY
The following outline of the ODT route is organized into four geographic regions: Central Oregon
Volcanics, West Basin and Range, East Basin and Range, and Owyhee Canyonlands. For full trail section
descriptions please see the attached "ODT trail guide". The section descriptions within the guide include
a detailed summary of the trail, water sources, potential campsites, and information about the wildlife,
vegetation, geology, cultural items, and seasonality/difficulty level. All trail descriptions are based on
west to east travel.
Central Oregon Volcanics (101 miles)
The western hub of the ODT is located at the Oregon Badlands Wilderness Area east of Bend. The trail
crosses Highway 20 and rounds the west side of Horse Ridge, heads southeast over Pine Mountain then
turns south through the buttes along the national forest/BLM boundary until it reaches the east side of
Squaw Mountain. The trail continues southeast around East Lava Field and east toward Peters Creek.
The trail continues east-southeast to the Lost Forest Research Natural Area, staying east of the OHV
11/08/13 Oregon Desert Trail Proposal Cover Letter 6
areas. After passing Sand Rock, the trail continues south to the Christmas Valley Highway. In this
region, the ODT travels on lands managed by the Deschutes National Forest, Prineville BlM, and
lakeview BLM. See sections 1-4 for full trail descriptions of this region.
West Basin and Range (269 miles)
The West Basin and Range region enters a series of fault-block mountains and associated lake basins.
From the Christmas Valley Highway, the ODT trends southwest toward Burma Rim and Diablo Peak, then
south along Diablo Rim to the Red House Road that leads to Paisley. From Paisley the ODT takes the
paved road south along the Chewaucan River to the Chewaucan Crossing Campground, and then takes
the Fremont National Recreation Trail (NRT) south to Highway 395. The ODT picks up the Fremont NRT
on the east side of Highway 395 at the Mill Trailhead and follows this trail north to the Vee lake
Campground. The ODT continues north along Abert Rim, turns east at Colvin Timbers, continues east
through the Coyote Hills, and then briefly follows the Hogback Road south to Plush. From Plush, the
ODT heads east and south around Hart Lake to the south end of Hart Mountain, then heads north along
the eastern slope of Hart Mountain and Poker Jim Ridge through the Hart Mountain National Antelope
Refuge. Near the Refuge's northern border the ODT turns east and follows a series of two-track roads to
Frenchglen. In this region, the ODT travels on lands managed by the Lakeview BlM, Fremont National
Forest, Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, The Nature Conservancy, and Burns BLM. See sections
5-12 for full trail descriptions of this region.
East Basin and Range (163 miles)
The East Basin and Range region generally follows the Desert Trail Association's "Oregon High Desert
Trail" National Recreation Trail route (with a few deviations) from Frenchglen, over Steens Mountain,
around the Alvord Desert, and south through the Pueblo Mountains. Where the Desert Trail exits the
Pueblos near Denio, Nevada, the ODT then heads east through the Trout Creek Mountains and along the
rim to the top of Oregon Canyon. Here the ODT descends through Oregon Canyon to the north, turns
east at the mouth of the canyon, and makes its way across the flats to Highway 78. In this region the
ODT travels on lands managed by the Burns BlM, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, and Vale BlM. See
sections 13-19 for full trail descriptions of this region.
Owyhee Canyonlands (213 miles)
In the Owyhee Canyonlands region, the ODT leaves Highway 95 to the east, climbs up High Peak and
around the north end ofTen Mile Creek, eventually arriving at the headwaters of the West Little
Owyhee River. Here the trail follows the West Little Owyhee, both in and parallel to the drainage, to
Anderson Crossing. From Anderson Crossing the trail stays in the West Little Owyhee River's drainage to
Five Bar. Here there are three options to get from Five Bar to Three Forks: the east route via South
Cross Canyon and North Cross Canyon to the Middle Fork Owyhee (a route at moderate river flows), the
central route staying in the Owyhee River drainage (at low river flows or via packraft), and the western
route up Big Antelope Canyon and Big Springs Gorge then northeast on Skull Creek Road to Three Forks
(at high river flows to avoid a river crossing). From Three Forks, the trail heads north overland along the
eastern rim of the canyon. The ODT stays on the east side of the Owyhee River north of Rome and
parallels the river on the east rim. The trail travels both cross-country and two-track roads past lambert
Rocks, the Birch Creek Road, and north along the reservoir to leslie Gulch. From Leslie Gulch, the trail
11/08/13 Oregon Desert Trail Proposal Cover Letter 7 It
heads north up Juniper Gulch and continues to lake Owyhee State Park via Three Fingers Gulch, Painted
Canyon, Juniper Ridge and Birch Creek. In this section, the OOT travels on lands managed by the Vale
BlM, State of Oregon, Bureau of Reclamation, and Oregon State Parks. See sections 20-25 for full trail
descriptions of this region.
REQUEST TO PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES
The National Trails System Act (P.L. 90-543) provides for the administrative establishment by the
Secretary of Interior of National Recreation Trails "within scenic areas and along historic travel routes of
the Nation which are often more remotely located" (Section 2(a)ii). Further the Act seeks to "encourage
and assist volunteer citizen involvement in the planning, development, maintenance, and management,
where appropriate, of trails" (Section 2(c)).
Section 4{a) of the National Trails System Act states that the Secretary of Interior may "establish and
designate national recreation trails, with the consent of the Federal agency, State, or political
subdivision having jurisdiction over the lands involved, upon finding that-{i) such trails are reasonably
accessible to urban areas, and, or (ii) such trails meet the criteria established in this Act and such
supplementary criteria as he may prescribe."
Furthermore, the fact that the OOT proposed route overlaps with two established National Recreation
Trails (Oregon High Desert National Recreation Trail and the Fremont National Recreation Trail) provides
a unique opportunity. Section 6 of the Act titled "Connecting and Side Trails" states that "Connecting or
side trails with park, forest, and other recreation areas administered by the Secretary of Interior or
Secretary of Agriculture may be established, designated, and marked by the appropriate Secretary as
components of a national recreation, national scenic or national historic trail." We urge you to use the
"Connecting Trails" provision to expand the already designated Oregon High Desert National Recreation
Trail to include the full OOT route proposal.
Since the US Forest Service lands that overlap with the OOT proposal are already part of a National
Recreation Trail, our request for an expansion of the Oregon High Desert National Recreation Trail is
limited to the portions of the OOT route which are managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and BlM
and therefore fall under the management jurisdiction of the Secretary of Interior.
We believe that the Oregon Desert Trail presents a great collaborative opportunity for land agencies and
public land users and we look forward to partnering with you on this effort. There is little that land
agencies need to do to establish the OOT because volunteers have already undertaken the task of
inventorying, mapping and cataloguing the route. To reiterate our earlier point, there is no need for trail
construction or maintenance except in areas where this already exists. In moving this concept forward,
we make the following additional requests to the BlM, US Forest Service and US Fish and Wildlife
Service in connection with the establishment ofthe OOT:
1. Start by meeting with ONOA and other supporting organizations to share information and
develop a better understanding of the proposal;
11/08/13 Oregon Desen Trail Proposal Cover Letter 8
2. Review the proposed Oregon Desert Trail and work with ONDA and other interested parties to
publicize the trail concept and make any necessary adjustments to the route to address
landownership, environmental and/or cultural conflicts;
3. Review the application package and evaluate the concept through the appropriate NEPA
analysis (BLM Manual 8353, Section 1.6 B.1);
4. Recommend the ODT as a "Connecting Trail" to the BLM Director and Secretary of Interior (BLM
Manual 8353, Section 1.4 B.3);
5. Coordinate with ONDA and other interested parties to develop cooperative relationships
dedicated to education, training, and volunteer trail management efforts (BLM Manual 8353,
Section 1.6 C.3);
6. Publish the ODT route on future district and recreation maps, and include the ODT route in
Recreation Management plans; and
7. Evaluate and consider the ODT when making future land acquisition, water
allocation/development, and travel management planning decisions.
The attached guide and map sets for ODT users will be made available to the public via ONDA's website
(www.onda.org) and we welcome land management agency cooperation and input in how best to share
these resources with the public. ONDA will continually update maps and other trail information with
any necessary changes. We would welcome the opportunity to assist land agencies with stewardship
projects related to the ODT or promotion of the ODT that would be helpful in raising awareness about
the variety of incredible natural treasures found throughout Oregon's high desert.
I hope you will embrace this proposal as a significant opportunity to engage the public in the
management of their public lands. I look forward to discussing the proposal with you in the weeks and
months ahead and I hope you will not hesitate to contact me to discuss the proposal further.
Sincerely,
~~
Cc:
Sally Jewell, Secretary of the Interior
Neil Kornze, National BLM Director
Brendan Cain, BLM Burns District Manager
Carol Benkosky, BLM Prineville District Manager
Don Gonzalez, BLM Vale District Manager
E. Lynn Burkett, BLM Lakeview District Manager
Deb Salt, BLM National Scenic & Historic Trails Coordinator
John Kasbohm, Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge Complex Project Leader
Tim Bodeen, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Project Leader
Carl Rountree, BLM National Landscape Conservation System and Community Programs Director
Fred Way, Fremont-Winema National Forest Supervisor
11/08/13 Oregon Desert Trail Proposal Cover Letter 9
Oregon Desert Trail Sections
'(-c7 ... C ---'---'~ • --,--- _____) , r-----,.,...-.::. j .
mA HO
Map section number
o Nearby Towns
Oregon Desert Trail
_ Wilderness
Wilderness Study Area
Citizen Proposed WSA N f.'v,\ OA
HARNEY COUNTY COURT
Office ofJudge Steven E. Grasty
450 North Buena Vista #5, Burns, Oregon 97720
Phone: 541-573-6356 Fax: 541-573-8387
E-mail: steve.grasty@co.harney.or.us
Website,I': www. co. harney. or. us # www.harneycounty.org
--------,-----------------
January 8, 2014
Jerry Perez, State Director
BlM Oregon
1220 S,W. 3rd Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
Robyn Thorson, Director
Pacific Region
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
911 N.E. 11 th Avenue
Portland. Oregon 97232-4181
Brent Fenty, Executive Director
Oregon Natural Desert Association
50 SW Bond Street. Suite 4,
Bend. OR 97702
RE: Oregon Desert Trail
Dear Mr. Perez, Ms. Thorson, and Mr. Fenty,
On November 15. 2013 the Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA) in coordination with several
conservation organizations submitted a formal request to the Bureau of land Management (BlM) and
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to establish an 800 mile trail system across multiple counties
in Central and Eastern Oregon. ONDA specifically requested BlM and USFWS consider the route as
a "connecting trail" under the National Trails Act.
As proposed, the route encompasses portions of Deschutes, Harney, lake, and Malheur counties. It
is being promoted as a "great way to get people to parts of Eastern Oregon," and "create an
awareness of the high desert to permanently protect some of the places and match the conservation
steps some other places have taken."l local governments within the proposed trail system desire to
be engaged in an open dialogue with ONDA, its partners, BlM and USFWS. A regional trail network
on federal lands raises several questions that should be discussed with elected officials, state and
federal agencies and local residents. County commissioners and courts representing the four affected
counties respectfully request convening public forums in Bend, Burns, lakeview. and Vale so affected
stakeholders can understand:
: http://seattletimes.comlbtml/outdoorsJ2021500664Qregondeserttrailxm!.html
Page 1 of 5
• If a trail system of this scale is recognized in BLM's various resource. management and land use
plans.
• If not, is a National Environmental Policy Act process required?
• Who manages signage for an Oregon Desert Trail?
• How is information conveyed during the fire season of the threat of wildfires, or in the
circumstances of a drought, no open fires?
• How is public life and safety addressed in a regional trail?
• Where are the logical points of access for emergency medical service?
• How are conflicting uses managed, recognizing that grazing and irrigation may be proximate to
the proposed route?
• How have communities along the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Appalachian
Trail adapted to summer visitation?
• What are their success stories? What are their challenges and lessons learned?
If you have questions related to this request, please contact Steve Grasty, Harney County Court
Judge (Steve.grastv@co.harney.or.us, 541-573-6356), who is also coordinating with Deschutes, Lake
and Malheur counties.
Sincerely,
Steven E. Grasty,
Judge, Harney County Court
{Deschutes. Lake & Malheur County Signature Pages Follow}
Page 2 of5
!
t
I
I
f
[
I
~
I
I
I
II{ gilL]
Date
Oregon Desert Trail -Page 3 of 5
Representing Lake, Gounty Date
Oregon Desert Trail ~. Pase 4 ,of 5.
Date
\ I' -/-,( , 17 c. <:' i ....,
/ -j 6' -oJ... D J ~/
I
i
Or.eppn,.allKUt,T1'8lI ~ ~age'1.i·ot", , ,~
WWW.ONDA.ORG
I
Early Stage Planning For High Destert Trail
ment 1
-X-Cou nt",
Oregon Desert Trail Sections
r---------~_r--------____
~""--• ~T_
~O""Tt..:
_~u..-.. w SooIyA.
C_~II"U
mma E-M.U
1!Gbyn~_'''''''__'''''''''''*-r
U $ f"". s....
9 11 ME UmAM
_~91Ul
'athtbiteu..'" m.1fQd:Ied~.1 t.-sl ~1OfI ofdMOr..~o.t.1Ti",_ J""_,,,..,., • .5OD ___...oI o...... _-._
(OIIDA) ___Ilomo.....,-'aOub ...........
~.......,_ O~_
__pramot.oo_cI
___by nII...a<Ig p..bIc poky Mel--. _ 0...-__
br!!!!.JIIIIIIIII5i!l::I!!I!!..!!M . N bilNII tfuIl prt'IWd:S 1m pI'O tr'CY!r 1M ~
cudoor ~_~~WUllI'l the ~CIf~of o.&m:Ioor .a..i
palkyb _ . poIIk ...._ .-.SodotvI!e!!!!..II__!!I!!!SJIm
"'" _ --..as .......... ..........".0<ftIinc
--._C-Y_OfONpn • " ........."'po....110
• Guide Waypoint
~ Cairn
l!J 50 mile point
Oregon Desert Trail
Trail Surface Type
Cross country
Primitive
Maintained
--Paved
IIII:'J . ..' . . "'" ,-,~". "~u. ,-" liiiiiiiiiiiiii
.......... WHO WE ARE WHAT WE DO WHERE WE WORK GET INVOLVED
DONATE .,...... D_T ._.. ~DoMrI T'
Need·to-know on the Oregon Desert Trail
Plellse reId lind understllnd the fol/o wln g before using this guide:
The Oregon Desert Tr~ Is conceptu.llin nallll'l: IS I rgely UII/Il;Irke<t. does nOI vlrlftably n IS I In the
field and in HSence a lWI'Ie we'Ve gIVen 10 ;) p!.1uslbl . ro ut. on public 1:IIIcI M el 1931 rights 01 ay
ac(ou lhI h gh duert.
The InfOlmlllon on ttu.s bs dI$cribH a roIII. r;mgu1g from exISting hiking 1"1115 ~arty m.vbd 011
fflIellll ilgtncy maps; r ~ds in v¥Ying ~same txc.edingty rough and Unpa5s 3blt by vehlel,,; :IIIcI
cr05s~ountry trilvRl ~t ilbsolumly ~U1rt5 skill ", " m;lp . COmp;lSS OII1d GPS una. Tr.'lVefers on the
OOT need 10 be aw;ve 01 its remoteness. lolCk or sel't1~ and til ronmentll /laUrds. Sea5O/lOlJ
vanabHlty, s uch as heat Of SROW, e.m mal!1 lhI rOUlt dmgfiOUS. Thtit ;In SlV.1lI dry slrtlchts 1h.11
regUl.1r1y lack rell.1bJe w.mr,and Wollfr caching i1htJd 01 hmf n~il ry.
EOCA
1106 K Avenue
La Grande, OR 97850
541-963-1001 Fax 541-963-1079
INVOICE NO: 1650
DATE: June 24, 2014
To: Deschutes County Ship To: Eastern Oregon Counties Association
Attn: Tony DeBone c/o Union County
P.O. Box 6005 1106 K Avenue
Bend, OR 97708 La Grande, OR 97850
SALESPERSON P.O. NUMBER DATE SHIPPED SHIPPED VIA F .O.B. POINT TERMS
QUANrlTY DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE AMOUNT
EOCA Dues Payment second Yz $7,500.00
SUBTOTAL
SALES TAX
SHIPPING &HANDLING
$7,500.00
TOTAL DUE $7,500.00
I
I
f
f
i
l
!
l'
I
I
f
t
t
Make all checks payable to: Union County