Deschutes Mule Deer Inventory UPDATE: May 2023

The Oregon Chapter of BHA wants to thank our supporters for your dedication, especially to those who were able to take the time to participate in last Thursday’s Planning Commission hearing - either through oral testimony (in-person or virtually), attending the hearing, or submitting written testimony.
 
We had a strong turnout overall, and your presence made all the difference. We showed a unified and diverse coalition of voices in support and it did not go unnoticed by the Planning Commission.
 
For those who were not able to attend or stay until the end of the meeting, here’s an update on what the Planning Commission agreed to do next:
 
First, the final day to submit written testimony was Monday, May 1st.
 
Next, at their meeting on May 11th @ 5:30 pm, the Planning Commission will review all of the information presented during the hearing, including written testimony. They will then deliberate and make a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) regarding the adoption of the overlay.
 
While we can’t predict the outcome, we hope that the Planning Commission will recommend strong protections for mule deer in the overlay.  While no public testimony will be allowed, Oregon BHA will be at the hearing, and we are encouraging others to be as well, to show our continued support for the region's struggling mule deer.
 
Finally, at some point in the upcoming months, there will be another public hearings process before the Board of County Commissioners. The BOCC will make the final decision on the proposal– whether to adopt or not adopt the 2023 Mule Deer Winter Range Combining Zone. We hope we can count on your support, and we’ll be in touch with tools and next steps when the time comes.
 
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. Once again, we are deeply grateful for your commitment to Deschutes County’s wildlife, now and for the future.

Reach us at oregon@backcountryhunters.org