Central Oregon Bitterbrush Broads • Entered by Mary Fleischmann on March 7, 2025
Bend Park and Recreation Board meeting
February 18, 2025
Participants and Hours
| Pre Planning hours | 1.25 |
| Post Admin hours | 1.25 |
| Activity Hours | 2.25 |
| Participants | 1 |
| Total Hours | 4.75 |
Key Issue: Water-related Conservation
Activity Type: Advocacy (rallies, lobbying, meeting decision makers, letters/calls/emails)
Key Partners: Oregon Wild, Trout Unlimited
Short Description of Activity
On going meeting with Bend Park and Recreation regarding the building a bridge across a designated section of the Deschutes River that is Wild and Scenic.
Reflection/Evaluation
This issue continues to be brought up by a community group called “Connect Bend”. They keep pushing for this every couple of years but have increased their media presence at this time. Forest Service doesn’t approve, it’s not a priority for them but the Connect Bend folks keep pushing it. There are also private land owners who do not want this, and their approval/buy in is also needed. Connect Bend seems to have deep pockets to keep pushing this. At this meeting it was time for BPRD to make some kind of decision of no action, let this go, or find another crossing. Myself and several others gave testimony opposed to this project specifically due to the location, but also it’s costly and BPRD could use those funds for other worthy projects. THe Board will look at other locations for this bridge if it is feasible due to costs. The Connect Bend felt like they got a win and appear to think they are getting what they want, where they want it. We will continue to participate and monitor this, as again, Connect Bend is not being forthcoming with their members of the concerns and the outcomes.