Project Update

Skyline Forest part of larger conservation deal
September 2008

The Deschutes Land Trust is currently working with partners to conserve Skyline Forest and other vast timberlands once owned by Crown Pacific in Central Oregon.

The Land Trust has always been interested in the full 270,000 acres and has encouraged the owner of these forests to explore a variety of conservation opportunities. Our approach is based upon the belief that each of these forests is unique, as are the adjacent communities. Consequently, any conservation solution needs to meet the needs of those communities.

The 92,000 acre Mazama Tree Farm was once a part of the Klamath Indian Reservation before the termination of the reservation and the Klamath Tribes have long sought to re-acquire it. The 145,000 acre Gilchrist Tree Farm has long been critically important to the communities of Gilchrist and Crescent, historically providing a stable, well managed source of timber for the mill in Gilchrist. The 33,000 Skyline Forest, which historically produced timber for mills in Bend and Sisters, today provides critical habitat for mule deer, recreation for residents, and the backdrop for two rapidly growing communities that are highly dependent upon scenic views and recreation.

The Oregon Department of Forestry is actively exploring opportunities to protect the Gilchrist Tree Farm and has worked to support the Deschutes Land Trust's efforts on Skyline Forest.  Not surprisingly, the landowner is interested in figuring our what to do with all of their properties, rather than acting on a piecemeal basis. Whether a deal will be reached and what that deal will look like, remains to be seen. However, the Deschutes Land Trust continues to urge the parties to sit down with neighbors and neighboring communities to answer questions and work out solutions. With your help, we'll continue this urgent work.

Conservation Alliance Grants

• In 2006: $25,000
• Grand Total: $25,000

NEXTers Endorsing Deschutes Land Trust

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