Save Deschutes South Canyon
Green Space
A few reasons to protect the Deschutes South Canyon (aka: "COID") land:
This land is the largest undeveloped open space remaining in the City of Bend on the Deschutes River. It is currently owned by the Central Oregon Irrigation District (COID), but approximately 80 acres are slated for sale and development.
The entire community will benefit by keeping significant areas of this special corridor, with cliffs overlooking the river and beautiful trails meandering through trees and wildlife habitat, undeveloped and available for public recreational use and enjoyment. Bend is a great place to live because of easy access to beautiful natural areas in town - sadly these areas are quickly disappearing - we should save this one!
BACKGROUND:
Bend has a historic opportunity to protect a portion of the Deschutes South Canyon, the largest remaining open space on the Deschutes River in southwest Bend, by establishing protected parkland much like Shevlin Park or Riley Ranch.
This property is currently used as a natural recreation area by thousands of Bend residents and visitors. The Central Oregon Irrigation District (COID) owns approximately 150 acres of land where they operate a piped canal and power station.
In 2016, the COID’s Deschutes South Canyon property was designated an Opportunity Area for residential development as part of Bend’s Urban Growth Boundary expansion.
The property was up-zoned from Public Facility to RS paving the way to potential development. The same year, COID and a developer entered into a sales agreement for the purchase of approximately 80 acres. Unless COID and the developer agree to cancel this agreement, COID cannot sell the land to any other party such as Bend Park & Recreation District or a land trust.
HOWEVER, THE CLOSING OF THE SALE HAS BEEN DELAYED FOR ALMOST EIGHT YEARS FOR MULTIPLE REASONS INCLUDING:
- Confirmation that a major portion of the land cannot be developed until 2034 under a scenic view easement established with Mt Bachelor Village.
- Property Line Adjustments – approved by City of Bend in 2022 with a covenant that requires that the property be developed through a single Master Plan application, and that none of the lots may be developed individually.
- Amendment to COID’s license agreement* with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) – the sale cannot go through without this amendment and FERC’s approval of the sale; FERC’s decision is pending.
* FINAL HURDLE TO SALE
COID is required to maintain a recreational project trail as part of its operating license with FERC. The trail that was established for this purpose is known to many as the “Canopy Trail,” the much-used and beloved tree-lined path that starts at the trailhead on Brookswood Blvd and connects to the Deschutes River Trail. COID intends to sell the parcel of land that includes the Canopy Trail. SBGS alerted FERC of COID’s plans and the community’s desire to preserve the Canopy Trail.
Subsequently, FERC required COID to apply for an amendment to its original license. COID’s application proposed substituting a 20’ access easement for the present trail. The problem with this proposal is that the easement does not fulfill FERC’s requirement that the “scenic, recreational and environmental value” of the Canopy Trail be preserved. The easement offers no protection to the large Ponderosa Pines and the open water along the trail. The proposed easement can be relocated and even be eliminated when the property is platted by the future developer.
After consultation with one of the country’s leading law firms working with regulatory agencies, SGBS submitted a Motion to Intervene (MTI) with FERC in August 2023. We are optimistic that FERC will accept our MTI, which will make us an interested party able to participate in hearings on the matter. We have been advised that in cases like this, FERC does not like to play “parent” and requires the licensee to go back to the drawing board and work with interested parties to negotiate an acceptable solution. It is our hope that through negotiation an easement that protects the heavily wooded and habitat-rich portion of the Canopy Trail in perpetuity can be established. We are expecting FERC to make a decision on the application in early 2024.
FERC must approve the amendment to COID’s license before the property can be sold. COID has stated that it intends to close on the sale two weeks after it receives FERC approval.
THE THREAT:
Development of this area risks the loss of precious wildlife habitat adjoining the Deschutes River and an irreplaceable natural recreation area in the center of Bend’s increasingly urban landscape
Looking at other new developments we can expect wholesale tree cutting of hundreds of mature ponderosa pines, rock blasting, and bulldozing in the area.
THIS WOULD BE A LOSS FOR ALL BEND RESIDENTS.
THE POTENTIAL:
Since our founding, Save Bend Green Space has been working for the preservation of the trails, trees and wildlife habitat of the Deschutes South Canyon. We envision a future for the property that includes protected green space for the benefit of all Bend.
We will continue to pursue the establishment of public parkland within the Deschutes South Canyon if, and when the property is sold. We believe Bend can aspire higher….balancing smart growth with the preservation of the green spaces that make our city a great place to live.
JOIN US IN THIS EFFORT!
Keep informed: subscribe to our newsletter (include link to subscribe)
Volunteer: there are many ways you can help - from letter-writing and distributing yard signs to fundraising and assisting with social media
Donate: your contribution will enable us to keep working to preserve the Deschutes South Canyon
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
It is important to make our voices heard early while there is still a chance to protect this land
Reasons to Protect the Deschutes
South Canyon Green Space
Healthy Living
The Deschutes South Canyon property offers access to nature trails leading to the river providing opportunities for walking, biking, running, dog exercising, bird watching, fishing, shared family exploration, x-country skiing, snowshoeing, contemplative leisure, and more. During the pandemic, these trails saw increased use and provided safe open space for many people
Trails and Commuting Hub
The Deschutes River Trail-South Canyon Reach and Central Oregon Historic Canal Trail begin on this section of COID property. Trail users can connect to Larkspur Trail and Pilot Butte plus downtown and Old Mill. Many unnamed user trails wind through acres of trees, along the small canal, natural features, and river views which will be lost when development is allowed here.
Protection of wildlife habitat in Bend
River corridors provide immensely important wildlife habitat. This habitat type is especially critical along the wildland-urban interface. Many species, such as songbirds, small mammals like chipmunks, deer, pollinators, and amphibians, rely on intact habitat for foraging, nesting, and travel corridors, in an altered landscape. Conserving areas like the Deschutes South Canyon creates a network of linked habitats that ensure wildlife populations can thrive in a dynamic Bend landscape.
Deschutes South Canyon News
Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.