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We thank these organizations for their support
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Planned Activities
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Our successes in 2007 are laying the groundwork for many projects in 2008. After three years of hard work we are making the transition from developing the concept of a paddle trail to implementating it. Not only are we on our way to making the Deschutes Paddle Trail a reality, with the likely opening between summer 2008 and summer 2009, but a second engineering study has just been initiated which will develop preliminary engineering options for the Colorado dam and provide initial cost estimates.
In 2007 the Paddle Trail Committee completed their detailed survey work and now have all the specific data required to develop and design the lake map and river guide. In 2008 their focus will shift to developing the content for informational and access signs, designing the layout for the fold out lake map and the 53 page river guide, acquiring quality photographs for both publications, gaining final approval for the location of each sign, getting alignment between the various government agencies so we can develop common signage regardless of the location, and developing a logo for the trail. So if you have not gotten involved, this would be a good time to drop Steve Day a note and volunteer to help with this momentous task.
A lot of work went into fund raising these last two years. The initial cost of the first phase of development (signage, maps, hazard and directional signs) for the Paddle Trail is estimated to be $131,000. We are proud to say that we have already obtained grants and donations that cover over 90% of the total cost. However we still need to raise about $20,000 before next April to complete the project. So if you have been waiting to see if BPTA can make this happen, it is now time to take our your check book and send in a donation. The Fund Raising Committee will also be working on obtaining additional funding from businesses and agencies but they need to show that the community is behind this development. Individual contributions are the best way to demonstrate such support.
Bend Metro Parks and Recreation Department has done an outstanding job of investigating the potential of altering dams within the UGB to provide safe passage for all types of water crafts while enhancing fish habitat and adding whitewate play features. In Sepember 2007 BMP&R signed a contract with REP out of Boulder Colorado to provide a preliminary design and cost estimate for removing the hazards associated with the Colorado dam while improving fish habitat and adding much needed whitewater play features. This preliminary study will be completed in the spring of 2008. The Design Advisory Committee will be working closely with them to refine the design elements and determine the feasibility of moving the project forward. The BPTA Board will also be discussing ways to help them pay for the improvements should they decide to move the dam improvements to “Project Status”. So 2008 will be a pivital year for determing the potential of developing whitewater play features at the dam near Colorado Street.
In 2008 we also plan to continue our work of involving various environmental organzations in our development process so they can provide input and guidance during the design phase. The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council and the Deschutes River Conservancy have been very supportive of the overall paddle trail and are providing valuable recommendations on how to best proceed with the various projects. BMP&R is also hiring an outside consultant to work with REP to ensure that fish habitat is taken into account during the design phase.
In 2007 the Public Relations Committee developed a road show to educate the community about the Deschutes Paddle Trail and our future efforts. To date the presentation has been well received and they plan to give many more such presentations in 2008. If your organization is interested in learning more, please contact Justin Rae. This year the committee will also update and improve our web site. And of course they will be continuing to look for ways to educate the community and seek their input as we go into the design and implementation phase.
So 2008 will be another demanding year for BPTA. Please consider volunteering your time and energy to help make the Deschutes Paddle Trail a reality.
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