 |
|
|
| This is a special place
|
|---|
| Change of job leads to east coast move |
|---|
 | | | A. Barron Bail is the Prineville District Manager for the Bureau of Land Management. He can be reached at either 416-6700 or by e-mail at: Alan_Barron_Bail@or.blm.gov |
|
For 16 of the last 18 years I have been living in and working on natural resource issues in the Pacific Northwest. From northern California to the San Juan Islands of Washington State I've experienced spectacular natural wonders and worked with people and communities in three states. I mention this not to brag, but to establish credibility when I say that central Oregon is truly special.
From the unique canyons of the John Day, Deschutes and Crooked Rivers to the beauty of the high desert, central Oregon landscapes rival any in the world. The opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, biking, riding, and more make this a recreation paradise.
Matching this landscape are people who care about the land and each other. People in central Oregon are passionate about the land and resources, with strong points of view and a willingness to express those views. That in itself isn't extraordinary; what makes central Oregon special is the willingness of folks to sit down with people of different views and work together. We don't always reach agreement, but we keep working to resolve our differences, and seeking to find a compromise.
Examples of these efforts include the Upper Deschutes Resource Management Plan, the Crook County Natural Resources Committee, the Managers Group for the Lower Deschutes River, The Central Oregon Partnership for Wildfire Risk Reduction (and the subsequent Coordinated Resource Offering Protocol) and the Central Oregon Fire Council.
The Bureau of Land Management led some of these efforts, and at other times we were participants, but all produced results. These cooperative efforts are leading to new trails (motorized and non-motorized) and recreational opportunities. Working with local communities, interest groups, industry and sovereign governments to reduce fire danger have led to agreements that may spur biomass energy production. Just this month we received an application for a lease of BLM land that should lead to a new park on Barnes Butte here in Prineville. Volunteers have donated thousands of hours of their time to remove litter and restore our public lands.
For the last six years I have had the privilege of working with great leaders in Federal agencies, local governments, at the State and Tribal governments, and with really wonderful individuals from all walks of life. I am probably prejudiced, but in the Prineville District I have a great staff of men and women who are committed to serving the resources and people of central Oregon. They have made these years a pleasure.
As you probably surmised by now, I am leaving Prineville and central Oregon for a new assignment in Washington D.C. The new job is exciting, but I will miss central Oregon. Thanks to Vance for the opportunity to talk to you every other month, and thanks to everyone who has taken the time to get involved in public land issues. I hope to get back for visits, at the least, and look forward to seeing where you have taken central Oregon in the years to come.
|
| Go to top. |
|
|
|
