Deschutes footbridge debate returns to Legislature

A proposed pedestrian bridge over the Deschutes River just south of Bend is back in the headlines.

The Bend Parks and Recreation District’s goal for some time has been to build a bridge that would connect people in southwest Bend and ultimately to forest trails that would take them to Sunriver.

Don Horton, executive director of Bend Parks and Rec, told NewsChannel 21 on Tuesday the footbridge is needed, and he’s only following the park district’s master plan.

Horton said he hopes the situation can be solved by local and county officials with a plan that works for everyone.

“What we’re proposing is that we get the recreation communities and conservation communities together and have a broader discussion on how to connect the Deschutes River Trail,” he said. “We realize it may or may not include a bridge. Right now, our preferred site is a bridge, but after those discussions, we may find there’s a better way to do this.”

But now, like the last session, state lawmakers are discussing a bill that could scrap the plan altogether.

House Bill 4029 is before the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

The proposal would prohibit any person, public body or local service district from building a bridge on the Deschutes River, within certain areas of the designated Wild and Scenic Waterway.

The bill would direct the State Parks and Recreation Department to study and make recommendations when it comes to recreational trails connecting Bend to Sunriver.

Some Central Oregon lawmakers are not in favor of a pedestrian bridge on the river.

“It is not about ‘not in my backyard,’ it’s not about special rich people that are trying to force this not to be built. It’s people that are concerned about the scenic waterway,” said Rep. Gene Whisnant, R-Sunriver,

Rep. Knute Buehler, R-Bend, said there are other options for connecting Central Oregon trails.

“I think it’s too much disruption to an important wildlife corridor right there,” Buehler said. “Every government entity and consultant who’s looked at this issue has said ‘no bridge should go there’ because it is a long-time known animal crossing, wildlife crossing across the Deschutes.”

The environmental group said a bridge would impact several wildlife habitats.

“We have a lot of places that makes sense for trails here in Central Oregon — a lot of amazing trails.Theare are great alternatives to connect to different trails and avoid the sensitive wildlife areas,” Wilderness Program Manager Erik Fernandez said.

Fernandez said the issue has been discussed recently, and Oregon State Parks and Recreation had struck down this proposal in the past.

Deschutes County Commissioner Tony DeBone said the board hasn’t taken a stance on this issue, but it could be discussed at Wednesday’s board meeting.

The House committee will holding a public hearing in Salem on Thursday.