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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (April 27, 2016)
28 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon ODFW plans education site in Camp Sherman By Kathryn Godsiff Correspondent There’s a hidden gem in Camp Sherman that’s under consideration for develop- ment into an educational site. The proposal is causing some consternation among neigh- boring property owners. The site in question is the old Metolius Fish Hatchery, 15 acres near Spring Creek owned by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). A proposal to develop a youth fishing and salmon acclimation pond has been in the works for many months. A public meeting was held on April 18 at the Camp Sherman Community Hall to present the latest itera- tion of the proposal and allow for public comment. The hatchery was con- structed in 1947 by the Oregon Fish Commission and was used for 20 years before being decomissioned in 1967. The site is currently used by ODFW’s Salmon- Trout Enhancement Program (STEM) for youth educa- tion programs, and is part of the wider Kokanee Karnival program that introduces 4th- and 5th-grade students to many things aquatic, includ- ing fishing and awareness of Oregon’s water resources and environment. The proposed develop- ment is to enhance use of the area by building a half- acre pond for youth (17 and under) fishing in the summer and chinook salmon acclima- tion during the fall-spring. The area will be open to the general public during the summer months; other usage will be by school or other educational groups. Picnic tables, a walking path, inter- pretive signage and perimeter fencing are part of the facili- ties envisaged for summer use. A parking lot and vault toi- let and space for a site host/ caretaker is proposed in the northwest corner. This is the aspect that is causing concern for neighbors. The proxim- ity of the toilet to their prop- erty lines and the prospect of increased traffic caused sev- eral to speak against the proj- ect in its current state. ODFW staff agreed to consider moving the toilet and planting more buffer veg- etation in the area. Some neighbors also had concerns about the degree of noticing and outreach con- ducted by ODFW regarding the proposal. Chip Dale, an ODFW manager and Camp Sherman resident, and Brett Hodgson, Upper Deschutes district fish biologist for ODFW, reminded those present that ODFW has a mission as a state agency to put any prop- erty owned to its highest and best use. However, staff noted, a very real alternative for the property, if consen- sus can’t be reached about the proposal, is that the state would sell it. GOLFERS: 364 golfers participated in weekend event Continued from page 1 three weekend days. The tournament also includes one gross division, four net divi- sions and ladies net and gross payouts. Each round is played at a different course. This unique team format has helped turn the tourna- ment into a success, Malone said. Groups of teams, rep- resenting Oregon cities such Astoria, La Grande, and Portland, as well as Seattle, travel to Central Oregon each year to participate in the tournament. “It really is about the camaraderie,” Malone said. “We have a number of groups that come from different cit- ies and come with a lot of teams. For them, the tourna- ment is a chance for a group of buddies to come and enjoy the team format. It really is about the camaraderie and PHOTO BY JIM CORNELIUS Golfers braved blustery spring weather for Central Oregon Shootout. the fun that they have golfing together.” The Central Oregon Shootout has proven to be a boon for the economy of Sisters and the surround- ing area. About 85 per- cent of its participants travel from outside Central Oregon. According to an annual players survey, each partici- pant spends on average nearly $1,000 on lodging, entertain- ment, food and more. That figure does not include the tournament’s $300 entry fee. “It was designed to be a season-opening tournament that will bring in a number of players during what would typically be a slow time: the shoulder season between winter sports and summer sports,” Malone said. “And it has been a shot in the arm for the golf courses, the restaurants and the area hotels.”
