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Sisters, Oregon
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Hearing set on Squaw Creek exchange

The Sisters City Council will hear comments from the public about the proposed land exchange involving 690 acres of National Forest lands along Squaw Creek south of Sisters.

Possible legislation in the United States Congress could transfer that land into private ownership in exchange for 1,240 acres of now privately-owned lands in the Steens Mountain Wilderness Area in Southeast Oregon.

A special meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Sisters High School will provide an opportunity for all interests to share their views.

"This is an important part of the council's fact finding" said Sisters Mayor Steve Wilson. Wilson will moderate the meeting.

Both proponents and opponents of this exchange have said they will be at the meeting and make presentations.

Each side will have 15 minutes to make a statement, followed by statements or questions from the public, limited to three minutes for each person. There will be closing comments by the two sides of five minutes each.

Written statements are encouraged. Representative Greg Walden, Senator Ron Wyden, and Senator Gordon Smith's offices will have staff present.

"The meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to get facts about the issue and develop an informed opinion about it," said Paul Dewey, an attorney representing landowner George Stroemple. "We believe the proposed Steens Mountain legislation and associated land exchanges and conservation easements are very much in the public interest."

"I am pleased that this matter will be discussed in a public forum, rather than through the media or private conversations," said Jim Fisher, a Sisters area resident opposing the exchange.

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