Buck & Pole Project September 21, 2019 – Looking for Volunteers
For more information or to sign up contact Eric Brown, Bend OHA Project Coordinator at 541-647-0424 or email ebrown@bendcable.com
Where: Pothole Springs located on the 26,000 acre Embody Tract in the Fort Rock Basin SE of Lapine on Ecotrust Forest Management Lands. 31.3 miles from US 97 at 31 Junction. Short drive on a dirt road off Hwy 31.
When: September 21. Likely need a few to help move buck and poles around the project the day prior.
What: 3 rail Buck and Pole fence to keep cattle out of the springs but allow for deer and elk to utilize the area.
Who is signed up so far We would like to at least double the number:
Eric Brown
Troy Boyd
Joe Bentsen
Don Clark
Bill Littlefield
Matthew Hardman
Rex Parks
Stephanie Merrill
Greg Petsch
Fred Newton
Dick Masters
and 30 Oregon Youth Challenge Youngsters!
We are still looking for volunteers – come join us for a very worthwhile project and a thoroughly enjoyable day with great people and friends!
US Senate Committee Passes Highway Bill with Funding for more Wildlife Crossings – like the highly successful 5 mile stretch that our Chapter supported and now maintains south of Bend along the 97 near Sunriver
This is good news for states like ours looking to put in overpasses, underpasses, and culverts where busy roads intersect with fish and wildlife habitat.
In a 21-0 vote, the US Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed a bipartisan highway bill with a major priority for sportsmen’s groups and wildlife managers: The legislation would carve out $250 million in dedicated funds over the next five years for wildlife-friendly roadway crossing structures like overpasses, underpasses, and culverts that connect fragmented fish and wildlife habitat.
More than 40 sportsmen’s groups signed a letter to congressional leadership in April 2019 asking for a competitive grant program with at least $50 million annually be directed toward the planning, design, and construction of wildlife crossing projects. This includes a stretch of Hwy 97 near Gilchrist which OHA and our Chapter have also been supporting in several ways including matching grants, and offers to maintain the fencing after it’s constructed
These innovative enhancements to our roads and highway infrastructure should reduce vehicle collisions with wildlife and integrate habitat connectivity into highway planning, so fish and wildlife are not an afterthought. For more details go to http://www.trcp.org/2019/07/31/senate-committee-passes-highway-bill-funding-wildlife-crossings/
Ladies Hunting Camps
The two camps over the past 2 weeks went very well and OHA and Bend Chapter got a lot of praise and recognition. Candy and Randy are very appreciative for our support.
If I remember correctly we signed up 15 new members on the calendars (most for Bend), did one renewal, signed up six new youth members, turned the pistol and a little over $600 to Candy, sold a little swag and cooked a lot of bacon. This last camp the Bend chapter had a good showing of volunteers (approximately 10).
Shootin the Bull Pint Night
July 29 – Bend OHA hosted its first Shootin’ The Bull Pint Night at Bridge 99 Brewery. Corey Heath, ODFW Wildlife Biologist spoke to the group about proposed ODFW hunting changes. There were about 33 people in attendance with at least 8 new members. This was a great chance to engage the new members and tell them more about what we are doing in attempts to get them involved. The night was very enjoyable and we intend to do it again. Stay tuned!
Corey Heath ODFW Explaining Proposed Regulations
New Member Welcome
On another note Bob Dixon (Bend President) and 8 other volunteers assisted at the NW Ladies Hunting Camp off Hwy 31. Bend OHA Members put in 302 volunteer hours at this event. Bend OHA also provided funds for a catered meal and a raffle for a firearm.
Learn More
2019 Youth & Family Outdoor Day
