Newsletter for Spring 2014

Spring 2014:

the friends of the Tumalo Wildlife Corridor

In early 2013 a group of local residents and users of the area formed the friends of the Tumalo Wildlife Corridor (fTWC), a grass roots organization, with the intent of maintaining the TNA for present and future generations to enjoy.

The Tumalo Natural Area is a part of the Bureau of Land Management’s Upper Deschutes holding. In 2005 the BLM developed its Upper Deschutes Resource Management Plan (UDRMP) and following extensive public consultation determined that the Tumalo Block (as it was then known) should be maintained in its relatively pristine condition with a focus on wildlife and should be off limits to motor vehicles and also to the discharge of firearms other than for the purposes of permitted hunting.

The regulations for the Tumalo Natural Area under the UDRMP have never been formally implemented by the BLM, primarily due to resource constraints.  Consequently activities not consistent with the regulations are taking place. Of primary concern is the discharge of firearms (target shooting) causing significant stress to wildlife and also a danger and concern to human visitors and local residents. Additionally and often in conjunction with the use of firearms, motorized vehicles including road vehicles, OHVs and dirt bikes are driven across many of the trails in the area. These activities seriously disturb the environment and pose risks to humans.

In October 2013 the fTWC signed a Cooperative Management Agreement with the BLM to help implement the UDRMP in the Tumalo Natural Area. The fTWC is installing BLM signs and information boards, blocking motor vehicle access to trails in accordance with BLM regulations and supports the BLM in managing the Tumalo Natural Area. Information about permitted activities and features of the TNA such as the ecology and wildlife species present, historical information (for example to old Tumalo Dam) and educational programs is included on information kiosks located near the three road entrances to the TNA which are:

  1. Immediately past the Tumalo Reservoir heading north on Sisemore Road
  2. On Couch Market Road about 1 mile after the start of the unpaved section heading west
  3. Near the intersection of Plainview and Sisemore Road heading south on Sisemore Road

The primary goals of the FTWC  within the Tumalo Natural Area are:

  • Encourage responsible use of this fragile ecosystem
  • Support the maintenance of the winter deer range within the Tumalo Natural Area
  • Benefit the local community through educational outreach
  • Work with the BLM and other agencies including the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODF&W), the Oregon Department of Agriculture, (ODA), the Forest Service and others to provide additional information and guidance to visitors to the Tumalo Natural Area.

For the longer term work with local landowners and other agencies to extend the wildlife corridor on a sustainable basis so that it can be passed on intact to future generations.

In early 2014 the fTWC formed an alliance withe the Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA): ONDA’s expertise and experience in managing environmental projects is helping guide the fTWC’s work. As ONDA is an IRS registered not for profit organization, the alliance allows the fTWC to offer supporters the opportunity to make tax exempt donations.

If you would like more information about the fTWC’s work or would like to join our working groups please email me at friendsofthetwc25@gmail.com

If you would like to make a donation please make your check payable to ONDA and write for FTWC on the memo line and mail it to:

(Donations details are up to date on the fTWC Website (PF))

Thank you for your interest in the Tumalo Natural Area and the work of the friends of the Tumalo Wildlife Corridor.

Veronica

Veronica Newton Hudson

 

fTWC President