HomeMy WebLinkAboutConservation Corridor - DRRH
3/11/2010
Creating an Action Plan
for Parks and Land
Conservation in South
Deschutes County
A Conservation Corridor
Jerry Hubbard and David Ogden
PO B OX 3042, S UNRIVER, OR
2
Title: Creating an Action Plan for Parks and Land Conservation in South
Deschutes County
March 6, 2010 1 pm
Contents: Page
Executive Summary 2
Abstract 5
The Problem 5
Understanding the concept of the Corridor 5
Citizens and their priorities 6
Regional Growth
Deschutes County’s Recreational Economic Impact 6
Tourism 7
Deschutes Scenic Waterway 9
Groundwater Issues 10
Wetlands Impact on Nitrates 11
Oregon Spotted Frog 11
Geographic Area of the Conservation Corridor 12
How the Corridor solves the problem 12
Conceptual Plan 13
Conclusion 14
Notes:
Map of Central Oregon 15
Oregon Spotted Frog Conservation Recommendations to Limit Conflicting Use 15
3
Executive Summary
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to create interest in establishing a public use, open space and
recreational corridor from U.S. Forest Service land at Anne’s Butte through the Deschutes River
Recreational Home (DRRH) Sites neighborhood connecting into U.S. Forest Service land at Spring River
Road. The corridor would include wetlands, open spaces, wildlife corridors and habitat, protect water in
the corridor that drains into the Upper Deschutes River via U.S. Forest Service land, provide quiet and
active parks for the public and perhaps become part of the State of Oregon’s Scenic Bike Path system.
The Problem: Within the Deschutes River Recreational Home Sites (DRRH) neighborhood there are no
public parks, bike and walking paths, and river access and boat launch/retrieval sites. The sub‐division
was platted prior to concerns for wetlands, and with disregard to their boundaries.
As development occurred over the ensuing decades, property owners found themselves disenfranchised
of their investment by Land Use Laws and environmental restrictions. Caught between septic feasibility,
the National Wetland Inventory, and very real seasonal flooding, sizeable blocks of hitherto residentially
platted lands were abandoned for taxes.
The majority of the DRRH subdivision has been identified as a high groundwater area. Additionally, the
use of standard septic sewage systems may be adding to a regional issue of high levels of nitrates,
though this in turn has lead to the prospect of a regional sewer system. The lack of dedicated wetlands
coupled with the number of buildable lots is of considerable concern.
Understanding the concept of the Corridor:
The concept of a conservation corridor is to set aside in a public trust or another venue over 70 lots to
create permanent public open spaces, wetlands, parks and recreational areas.
Groundwater Issues
South Deschutes County has a concentration of high groundwater areas. These are areas where the
groundwater lies less than 24 inches beneath the surface of the land. Because groundwater is so close
to the surface, these areas are uniquely vulnerable to impacts from development and other human
activities. These being potential contamination of the aquifer and or the Deschutes and Little Deschutes
Rivers.
Understanding the concept of the Corridor:
The concept of a conservation corridor is to set aside in a public trust or another venue over 70 lots to
create permanent public open spaces, wetlands, parks and recreational areas.
4
Wetlands Impact on Nitrates
Dr. Paul Adamus’s report “Oregon Rapid Wetland Assessment Protocol” stated ???? looking for a para or
two on how wetlands in the Sunriver area can have a positive impact on reducing nitrates in the
groundwater????
Oregon Spotted Frog
The Oregon spotted frog is considered a Candidate species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service
(FWS), which means that there is sufficient information to support a proposal to list this species
as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The FWS is currently
completing a status assessment for the Oregon spotted frog.
Development of Deschutes County “red lots” within the floodplain of the Upper Deschutes and Little
Deschutes Rivers may pose a threat to Oregon spotted frog in the future and could be considered
conflicting uses relative to conservation of the Oregon spotted frog.
Geographic Area of the Conservation Corridor
The area is located to the south of Sunriver Resort off Spring River Road (which leads to Mt. Bachelor).
Google map link:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Oregon&f=s&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Oregon&ll=43.858297,‐
121.470809&spn=0.015689,0.038495&t=h&z=15>
Map:
Is attached
There are 68 mainly one‐half acre lots in the open space, wetland and or red tagged high ground water
areas from Anne’s Butte (USFS) property to Spring River Road.
By obtaining these lots the public and the neighborhood will have created a permanent park and
recreation area for the enjoyment of our citizens and stewardship of the land and wildlife.
How the Corridor solves the problem:
The conservation and parks and recreation corridor will solve the various problems facing SDC by:
• Setting aside wetlands and preserves wildlife corridors and habitat
• Capturing storm and seasonal melt water and redirecting it to the wetlands in the corridor.
• Creates park and recreation areas for neighbors and visitors
• Strengthens the local and SDC economy
5
• Provides shovel read construction jobs
• Improves the quality of life for our citizens and secures it for future generations
Conceptual Plan
In order to obtain the county and privately owned lots in the conservation corridor the following is a
draft concept plan:
1. County Owned Lots
a. Request the County transfer ownership of lots (see attached list of lots) to a non‐profit
agency.
2. Privately Owned Lots
a. Identify lot owners
b. Mail a registered, return receipt letter to each lot owner offering several options on how
they can place their property in the conservation corridor. The options are:
i. Donate the property to the non‐profit which may result in a tax deduction.
ii. Trade a red tagged or identified Wetland lot for another buildable lot the County
owns in the same area.
iii. Accept a one‐time, fixed price, non‐negotiable offer to sell their property to the
non‐profit. All private property owners would be offered the same fixed purchase
price.
3. Budget
a. The budget to obtain the lots is estimated at $380,000 (subject to third party determination
and arbitration).
Conclusion:
Reconnecting the public with the national forests and quality day use facilities will attract new and
returning visitors to South Deschutes County hence improving the economic vitality of the region.
Obtaining private wetland property will protect an outstanding and remarkable area for current and
future citizens.
Connecting the U.S. Forest Service’s land west of DRRH near Anne’s Butte with the Forest Service’s land
adjacent to the Upper Deschutes River and Spring River will preserve open spaces and wildlife habitat.
The corridor will protect the water drainage into the Upper Deschutes River and provide recreational
opportunities for residents and the visiting public.
Creating a team of results‐oriented partners including the U.S. Forest Service, the State of Oregon,
Deschutes County, non‐profits and private citizens will create a plan for establishing open spaces, parks
6
and conserved land the echo public priorities and create a lasting legacy for future generations.
Title: Creating an Action Plan for Parks and Land Conservation in South
Deschutes County
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to create interest in establishing a public use, open space and
recreational corridor from U.S. Forest Service land at Anne’s Butte through the Deschutes River
Recreational Home (DRRH) Sites neighborhood connecting into U.S. Forest Service land at Spring River
Road. The corridor would include wetlands, open spaces, wildlife corridors and habitat, protect water in
the corridor that drains into the Upper Deschutes River via U.S. Forest Service land, provide quiet and
active parks for the public and perhaps become part of the State of Oregon’s Scenic Bike Path system.
The Problem: Within the Deschutes River Recreational Home Sites (DRRH) neighborhood there are no
public parks, bike and walking paths, and river access and boat launch/retrieval sites. The large
subdivision was plotted without any parks and recreational areas for residents, guests and the public.
The area is close to Sunriver Resort and a large residential area and is bordered by U.S. Forest Service
land that offers limited access and day use facilities to the public (Besson day use site is over three miles
off of Spring River Road).
U. S. Agriculture Secretary Vilsack stated “it is time for a change in the way we view and manage
America’s forestlands with an eye towards the future…It is essential that we reconnect Americans across
the nation with natural resources and landscapes that sustain us”.
The Upper Deschutes River is a Wild and Scenic River and recreation is an Outstanding Remarkable
Value because of the range of activities, the variety of interpretive opportunities, and the attraction of
the river for vacationers from outside the region (Upper Deschutes Wild and Scenic River and State
Scenic Water Comprehensive Plan 7/1966).
Creating a public use corridor from U.S. Forest Service land through the DRRH neighborhood would be a
building block on the Forest Service’s vision of supporting communities and reconnecting the public with
the national forests.
As development occurred over the ensuing decades, property owners found themselves disenfranchised
of their investment by Land Use Laws and environmental restrictions. Caught between septic feasibility,
the National Wetland Inventory, and very real seasonal flooding, sizeable blocks of hitherto residentially
platted lands were abandoned for taxes.
The majority of the DRRH subdivision has been identified as a high groundwater area. Additionally, the
use of standard septic sewage systems may be adding to a regional issue of high levels of nitrates,
7
though this in turn has lead to the prospect of a regional sewer system. The lack of dedicated wetlands
coupled with the number of buildable lots is of considerable concern.
The DRRH subdivision is located on a high groundwater area. The use of septic sewage systems may be
adding to a regional issue of high levels of nitrates. The lack of dedicated wetlands and the number of
buildable lots is of considerable concern.
Understanding the concept of the Corridor:
The concept of a conservation corridor is to set aside in a public trust or another venue over 70 lots to
create permanent public open spaces, wetlands, parks and recreational areas.
Citizens and their priorities
In March 2009, Deschutes County polled South Deschutes County (SDC) citizens on community Values as
part of the County’s comprehensive plan update. The results of the electronic polling from Sunriver area
citizens showed:
• 53% lived/worked/owned property in SDC.
• 50% owned property in high groundwater area(s).
• 87% believed SDC would over the next ten years significantly or somewhat attract more
residents.
• 83% believed over the next ten years the SDC would significantly or draw somewhat more
visitors.
• 25% saw a little improvement and 34% saw a little decline in the quality of live in SCD compared
to a decade ago.
• 57% saw the economy/jobs and 43% saw wildfires as the two biggest problems facing SDC.
In polling on Community Values, there were four areas rated as very important by Sunriver area citizens:
1. Involvement in decisions affecting SDC.
2. Reduce wildfire hazards
3. Protect the Deschutes River
4. Maintain/protect Drinkwater supplies
The group rates as important conserving forest land for forest uses; protecting fish habitat; and
preserve/protect water quality. The Deschutes Community Development departments Fact Sheet of
4/8/2009 listed:
84.3% of land use as forest
6.4% rural residential
4.9% open space and conservation
2.8% agriculture
1.6% City of La Pine
Regional Growth
There are 102,226 acres or 37.1% of the area with a Wildlife Overlay. The estimated housing and
population (excluding the City of La Pine) showed existing dwelling units of 11,008 and a growth
potential of 5,315 and a population of 20,915 and growth of 10,099 by 2025.
Deschutes County’s Recreational Economic Impact
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in a 2008 study on the economic value of shish and wildlife
recreation in Oregon reported an economic value of $78,502,000 in Deschutes County consisting of:
$44.3 million in Wildlife viewing
$25.7 million in fishing
$8.5 million in hunting.
Deschutes County ranked number four out of 36 counties in the economic value of recreation.
Tourism
Nestled next to the Deschutes River on 3,300 acres of pristine high desert, lush meadows and beautiful
pine forests, the Sunriver area is the premier Northwest destination for vacationers, golfers, and
outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. With the Cascade Mountains to the west and the Newberry Volcanic
National Monument to the east, Sunriver boasts an exciting array of world class amenities such as golf,
tennis, swimming, horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, fly fishing, biking, hiking,
bird watching, spa and fitness centers, music and art festivals, and a variety of restaurants from fine
dining to casual (Sunriver Chamber of Commerce).
8
There are approximately 4,200 residences and lodging units in Sunriver and about 1,500 residents call
Sunriver home on a full‐time basis. During the peak summer season, Sunriver’s population can swell to
nearly 20,000 vacationers and visitors on any given weekend (Sunriver Chamber of Commerce).
Nestled along the Cascade Mountains, the Deschutes National
Forest is one of the most popular recreation forests in the Pacific
Northwest. Truly a four season vacationland, the Forest attracts
more than 8 million people every year to camp, fish, hike, hunt,
ski, and enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities. The Forest also
provides variety of commodities (USFS website).
Visit Bend conducted a two‐year survey on the kind of people who visited the Bend area in the summers
of 2008 and 2009. The following are some of the highlights of the survey that related to the creation of
a conservation corridor near Sunriver:
• 61% are female and 39% male
• 69% are between ages 35 and 64
• 35% are households with children living at home
• 68% have incomes from$50,000 to $199,000
• 40% come from Oregon and 39.6% from Washington
• 28% plan or visited the Cascades Lakes Scenic Byway
• 28% Deschutes River trail
• 26% Sunriver
• 21% lava lands
• 15% Mt. Bachelor Ski Area
• 9% Newberry National monument
9
Lava Cast Forest
In travel activities visitors did or planned to do:
• 63% hiking and trail running
• 36% biking
• 18% camping
• 12% rafting, kayaking and canoeing
• 9% bird watching
• 9% fishing
The Deschutes Scenic Waterway which includes the segments of the Deschutes River from Little Lava
Lake downstream to Crane Prairie Reservoir, from the gauging station immediately below Wickiup Dam
downstream to General Patch Bridge, from Harper Bridge downstream to the Central Oregon Irrigation
District´s diversion structure (near river mile 171), from Robert Sawyer Park downstream to Tumalo
State Park, from Deschutes Market Road Bridge downstream to Lake Billy Chinook Reservoir (excluding
the Cline Falls hydroelectric facility near river mile 145), and from immediately below the existing Pelton
reregulating dam downstream to the confluence of the Deschutes River with the Columbia River,
excluding the City of Maupin as its boundaries are constituted on October 4, 1977.
10
The Upped Deschutes Wild and Scenic river management plan (7/1996 appendix C‐44‐45) listed a 1992
study showing 158,000 bicycle user trips occur along the stretch of the Upper Deschutes River in the
Sunriver area. An estimated 1,790 angler days occurs in the river from La Pine State Park to the north
boundary of Sunriver. Canoeing and other flat‐water craft make up a large percentage of boating use.
In 1992, the Sunriver marina canoe rentals accounted for over 18,665 visits.
Analysis of 1990 data estimated 251,000 people per year utilizing the segment of the river from La Pine
State Park to Sunriver. In the river segment from the north boundary of Sunriver to COID Diversion as
many as 18,000 people a year travel much of this reach in canoes from the Sunriver Marina.
Groundwater Issues
South Deschutes County is slowly growing and the need to conserve open spaces, wildlife habitat and
corridors, protect water quality and improve the economy is increasingly important.
South Deschutes County has a concentration of high groundwater areas. These are areas where the
groundwater lies less than 24 inches beneath the surface of the land. Because groundwater is so close
to the surface, these areas are uniquely vulnerable to impacts from development and other human
activities.
In South Deschutes County there are:
• 5,422 acres of high groundwater areas
• 1,700 high groundwater development lots
o 1,500 undeveloped lots
o 200 developed lots
• 18,000 residents in SDC rely on groundwater as their primary drinking water source.
• Natural resources in high groundwater’s areas include:
o 1,852 acres classified as wetlands
o 1,608 acres flood plain
o 5,422 acres deer migration zone
o 290 acres elk range
11
12
Attachment number 1 shows the depth to groundwater areas.
The Deschutes County rural development plan (Chapter 23.24.610) has a goal “to preserve and
enhance the open spaces, rural character, scenic values and natural resources of the county”.
By preserving the open spaces and high groundwater areas from the Forest Service’s Anne’s Butte area
through DRRH to the Forest Service’s land next to the Upper Deschutes and Spring Rivers, the public will
have created a stewardship plan for one area of South Deschutes County.
Wetlands Impact on Nitrates
Dr. Paul Adamus’s report “Oregon Rapid Wetland Assessment Protocol” stated ???? looking for a para or
two on how wetlands in the Sunriver area can have a positive impact on reducing nitrates in the
groundwater????
Oregon Spotted Frog
The Oregon spotted frog is considered a Candidate species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service
(FWS), which means that there is sufficient information to support a proposal to list this species
as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The FWS is currently
completing a status assessment for the Oregon spotted frog.
The Upper Deschutes and Little Deschutes Rivers and associated wetlands are key habitat for the frog.
In particular, riverine oxbows that contain permanent standing water but are no longer connected to
the river provide essential overwintering and breeding habitat for Oregon spotted frog. The rivers and
associated floodplains are connectivity corridors that must be maintained to allow populations of frogs
to interbreed. Small ponds and isolated wetlands with emergent or floating aquatic vegetation and
perennial water also provide habitat for the frog, particularly those that are devoid of predatory fish and
bull frogs.
In the Upper Deschutes and Little Deschutes Rivers, Oregon spotted frog is threatened by the loss of
marsh habitat due to vegetation succession and lodgepole pine encroachment into wetlands; alteration
of riverine and wetland hydrologic regimes; interactions with non‐native fish and bull frogs; and
degraded water quality. Livestock grazing in high density may also pose a threat to Oregon spotted frog.
Development of Deschutes County “red lots” within the floodplain of the Upper Deschutes and Little
Deschutes Rivers may pose a threat to Oregon spotted frog in the future and could be considered
conflicting uses relative to conservation of the Oregon spotted frog. Filling of wetlands will directly
affect the habitat on which the frog is dependent. Additionally, the recent findings of the US Geological
Survey suggest that development of lots with a high water table will increase nutrient loading (i.e.,
13
nitrate) in the rivers. Excess nitrate loading in the river, combined with a naturally occurring high level
of phosphorous in the substrate, will greatly exacerbate eutrophication of the rivers and lead to excess
algal growth and vegetative growth. Spotted frogs are dependent not only on the wetland habitat but
the high quality of water within these wetlands (full report from Glen Ardt – ODFW Wildlife Habitat
Biologist see note 1 below).
Geographic Area of the Conservation Corridor
The area is located to the south of Sunriver Resort off Spring River Road (which leads to Mt. Bachelor).
Google map link:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Oregon&f=s&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Oregon&ll=43.858297,‐
121.470809&spn=0.015689,0.038495&t=h&z=15>
There are 68 mainly one‐half acre lots in the open space, wetland and or red tagged high ground water
areas from Anne’s Butte (USFS) property to Spring River Road across from the USFS property which
adjoins the Upper Deschutes and Spring Rivers.
By obtaining these lots the public and the neighborhood will have created a permanent park and
recreation area for the enjoyment of our citizens and stewardship of the land and wildlife.
Specifically, the area under consideration consists of:
• Deschutes County owns 6 lots totaling 3 acres
o Deschutes County owns xx lots and xx acres of property that may be zoned as buildable
lots.
• Private owners have 62 lots totaling 32 acres
o Private owners have xx lots totaling xx acres of property that may be zoned as buildable
lots.
o Private owners have xx lots totaling xx acres of property that may be zoned as
wetland/red tagged lots.
Attached is a map showing the property in the proposed public corridor and the U.S. Forest Service’s
national forest land bordering the DRRH community.
How the Corridor solves the problem:
The conservation and parks and recreation corridor will solve the various problems facing SDC by:
• Setting aside wetlands and preserves wildlife corridors and habitat
• Capturing storm and seasonal melt water and redirecting it to the wetlands in the corridor.
• Creates park and recreation areas for neighbors and visitors
• Strengthens the local and SDC economy
14
• Provides shovel read construction jobs
• Improves the quality of life for our citizens and future generations
At an elevation of 4300 feet, the climate in the region is one of cool nighttime temperatures with a short
frost‐free summer that averages less than 100 days annually and a winter period of five or six months
where snow can reside on the ground at any time. The rivers receive significant input from cool spring
fed waters. The groundwater is mostly derived from snowmelt in the high Cascades to the west, and is
also relatively cool.
The development of thousands of small lots in the South County is therefore superimposed upon highly
permeable, rapidly draining solid and a high groundwater table with relatively cold‐water temperatures.
The overwhelming majority of lots are served by on‐site sewage disposal system (septic systems),
including standard drain fields, cap and fill systems, and more recently sand‐filter systems. Nitrates, a
by‐ product of septic systems and an indicator of human pathogens, are poorly retained in the fast
draining soils and do not easily break down due to cool groundwater temperature.
As a result, loading of nitrates occurs in the shallow groundwater aquifer that underlies this region. The
presence of a high level of nitrates is of great concern because this same aquifer is the source of drinking
water for the residents in the area. (Regional Problem Solving for SDC, Chapter 23.44 dated 4/20/2002)
The creation of a conservation corridor and removal of over 70 lots from development can only improve
the nitrate issue close to the Upper Deschutes River.
Conceptual Plan
In order to obtain the county and privately owned lots in the conservation corridor the following is a
draft concept plan:
4. County Owned Lots
a. Request the County transfer ownership of lots (see attached list of lots) to a non‐profit
agency.
b. The non‐ profits accepts ownership of the lots.
5. Privately Owned Lots
a. Identify lot owners
b. Mail a registered, return receipt letter to each lot owner offering several options on how
they can place their property in the conservation corridor. The options are:
i. Donate the property to the non‐profit which may result in a tax deduction.
ii. Trade a red tagged lot for another buildable lot the County owns in the same area.
15
iii. Accept a one‐time, fixed price, non‐negotiable offer to sell their property to the
non‐profit. All private property owners would be offered the same fixed purchase
price.
iv.
6. Budget
a. The budget to obtain the lots is estimated at:
i. Private Lot purchase $5,000 per lot times 70 lots = $350,000.
ii. County lots – title transfer services at $5,000.
iii. Non‐profit services at $5,000.
iv. Signage and information kiosk’s $5,000.
v. Legal services $5,000.
vi. Contingency $10,000
vii. Total Budget $380,000.
Conclusion:
Reconnecting the public with the national forests and quality day use facilities will attract new and
returning visitors to South Deschutes County hence improving the economic vitality of the region.
Obtaining private wetland property will protect an outstanding and remarkable area for current and
future citizens.
Connecting the U.S. Forest Service’s land west of DRRH near Anne’s Butte with the Forest Service’s land
adjacent to the Upper Deschutes River and Spring River will preserve open spaces and wildlife habitat.
The corridor will protect the water drainage into the Upper Deschutes River and provide recreational
opportunities for residents and the visiting public. A first class day use facility will create a new
economic base for the South Deschutes County.
Creating a team of results‐oriented partners including the U.S. Forest Service, the State of Oregon,
Deschutes County, non‐profits and private citizens will create a plan for establishing open spaces, parks
and conserved land the echo public priorities and create a lasting legacy for future generations.
Prepared by:
Jerry Hubbard
David Ogden
Oregon Spotted Frog in the Upper Deschutes Basin
Note 1 –
Oregon Spotted Frog Conservation Recommendations to Limit
Conflicting Use
The Interagency Working Group recommends that Deschutes County add an Oregon spotted
frog habitat area to the wildlife area combining zone map to include the floodplains along the
Deschutes and Little Deschutes Rivers south of Bend (approximately from River Mile (RM) 173
16
17
to headwaters of the Deschutes River and from the confluence with the Deschutes River to the
Klamath County line (~RM42.9) for the Little Deschutes River).
• Oregon spotted frog habitat is essential and limited, and depending on the site, it could
be irreplaceable. The mitigation goal for essential, limited, and irreplaceable habitat is
no net loss of either habitat quantity or quality through avoidance (Oregon Department
of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) Habitat Category 1). The mitigation goal for essential and
limited habitat if impacts are unavoidable is no net loss of either habitat quantity or
quality and to provide a net benefit of habitat quantity or quality (ODFW Habitat
Category 2).
• The Working group recommends a No Net Loss of wetlands within the Oregon spotted
frog habitat area. Therefore, wetland fill permits should be sent to the ODFW and FWS
for review and comment to the county on their findings.
• The working group recommends that Deschutes County complete a Local Wetland
Inventory to properly protect wetland and inherent functions and values.
• Hydrologic connectivity should be maintained when wetlands will be filled. For example,
culverts should be installed below roads, driveways, or other obstructions that may block
hydrologic connectivity that allows for proper wetland function and dispersal of Oregon
spotted frogs.
• Limit structures within floodplains. that could impact floodplain functions
• Maintain highest water quality standard in wetlands and rivers.
The Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa) is endemic to the Pacific Northwest and historically
ranged from southwestern British Columbia to northeast California. There are less than 50
known sites inhabited by the species in southwestern British Columbia, western and south‐
central Washington, and western, central, and south‐central Oregon; no populations are known
to persist in California. Revisits of historic localities suggest the species is lost from 70‐90% of its
historic range (Cushman and Pearl 2007).
18
In Oregon, Oregon spotted frogs historically were found in Multnomah, Clackamas, Marion,
Linn, Benton, Jackson, Lane, Wasco, Deschutes and Klamath counties. Currently, this species is
only known to occur in Deschutes, Klamath, and Lane counties. In Deschutes County, Oregon
spotted frogs occur within water bodies on the Deschutes National Forest, Prineville District
Bureau of Land Management and private land.
The Oregon spotted frog is considered a Candidate species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service
(FWS), which means that there is sufficient information to support a proposal to list this species
as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The FWS is currently
completing a status assessment for the Oregon spotted frog.
The Upper Deschutes and Little Deschutes Rivers and associated wetlands are key habitat for
the frog. In particular, riverine oxbows that contain permanent standing water but are no
longer connected to the river provide essential overwintering and breeding habitat for Oregon
spotted frog. The rivers and associated floodplains are connectivity corridors that must be
maintained to allow populations of frogs to interbreed. Small ponds and isolated wetlands with
emergent or floating aquatic vegetation and perennial water also provide habitat for the frog,
particularly those that are devoid of predatory fish and bull frogs.
In the Upper Deschutes and Little Deschutes Rivers, Oregon spotted frog is threatened by the
loss of marsh habitat due to vegetation succession and lodgepole pine encroachment into
wetlands; alteration of riverine and wetland hydrologic regimes; interactions with non‐native
fish and bull frogs; and degraded water quality. Livestock grazing in high density may also pose
a threat to Oregon spotted frog.
Development of Deschutes County “red lots” within the floodplain of the Upper Deschutes and
Little Deschutes Rivers may pose a threat to Oregon spotted frog in the future and could be
considered conflicting uses relative to conservation of the Oregon spotted frog. Filling of
wetlands will directly affect the habitat on which the frog is dependent. Additionally, the
recent findings of the US Geological Survey suggest that development of lots with a high water
table will increase nutrient loading (i.e., nitrate) in the rivers. Excess nitrate loading in the river,
combined with a naturally occurring high level of phosphorous in the substrate, will greatly
19
exacerbate eutrophication of the rivers and lead to excess algal growth and vegetative growth.
Spotted frogs are dependent not only on the wetland habitat but the high quality of water
within these wetlands