HomeMy WebLinkAboutTrout Unlimited notes 041112Trout Unlimited Discussion (4/5/12)
1. South County assets and issues
Trout Unlimited makes a difference by funding improvements with other partners, physically
implementing projects on the ground, and providing education and outreach materials.
Emerging opportunities with high groundwater lots (acquisition by park district?)
Stabilizing winter flows (#1 priority)
Protect and maintain floodplain and water quality
Ideally, by engaging property owners who own property along/near the Little Deschutes and
Deschutes Rivers about the benefits of improving instream flow, they’ll be able to advocate for that
outcome in a positive manner.
2. Partnerships
Trout Unlimited is undertaking several projects in the upper Deschutes Basin. They’re partnering on:
Ryan Ranch, forest service land adjoining the Upper Deschutes River floodplain that is being
considered for restoration by reconnecting it to the channel
Mapping the Big Marsh area of the Crescent Ranger District (Klamath County)
Developing the River Stewardship Guide
Partnerships are important and include groups like:
Irrigation Districts
Deschutes River Conservancy
Upper Deschutes Watershed Council
Upper Deschutes River Coalition
Recreational groups
The community
Property values are enhanced by river improvements and the community needs to be involved in
finding solutions.
3. Other Suggestions/Observations
Possibility of Upper Deschutes River Coalition expanding their coalition boundary to include the
entire south county area
Contact the Ford Foundation, which is currently working with small, rural communities (Sisters,
La Pine) with leadership training. They may have funding to assist with implementation.
Peruse the Upper Deschutes River Coalition Vision Document, which may offer further
insight/reinforcement of emerging/important land use issues.