Central Oregon Bitterbrush Broads • Entered by Mary Fleischmann on January 30, 2024
Bend Park and Rec – bridge over Wild and Scenic River
January 16, 2024 – January 31, 2024
Participants and Hours
| Pre Planning hours | 2 |
| Post Admin hours | 2.5 |
| Activity Hours | 2 |
| Participants | 1 |
| Total Hours | 6.5 |
Key Issue: Multiple apply
Activity Type: Other Administration (reporting, emails, calls, planning)
Key Partners: Oregon Wild, Trout Unlimited
Short Description of Activity
Attended meeting with Bend Park and Recreation when they allowed public comment regarding the development of a bridge over the Deschutes River in a segment of the Wild and Scenic Corridor. This push from a group called “Connect Bend” has been brought up several times through the years, it dies and then returns. I gave comment and also wrote letter to the editor of local paper.
Reflection/Evaluation
Have been involved with this issue for several years. The BPRD did a very unscientific survey for neighbors in a particular neighborhood regarding yes or no for a bridge…it did not advised of impacts to wildlife or inform participants of the Wild and Scenic Act and the protections in place with that. Also not mentioned is that there needs to be approval from Forest Service and Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife which would require a amendment to the management plan – not an easy thing. Along with this is that both the group pushing this and BPRD have not been honest regarding easements, etc. This will be ongoing or at best keep raising it’s ugly head from time to time. It would be better to look at a different location.