Mike Hernandez, project manager for the United States Forest Service, Sisters
Ranger District, said residents who have contacted him are concerned about the
social aspects of the plan.
"People don't want the portal in the triangle because of traffic congestion and
concerns about a restroom," he said.
"The facility will be the same no matter where you put it. There are a lot of
benefits for the community as well as for visitors," Hernandez added.
This week, Hernandez and his team are completing an internal review of the
draft Environmental Impact Statement for the project. A public comment period
will begin when that review is completed, as early as March 15.
The draft EIS suggests three tentative locations for the facility: the "Y"
intersection at highways 20 and 242, an area on the west side of Highway 20
adjacent to RELCO and an area next to the Ranger District office on Highway 20
and Pine Streets.
Regardless of the location, the project will include a parking lot for 15
passenger vehicles, and five recreational vehicles, an interpretative kiosk
display, and a two-restroom facility, Hernandez said. The area will be lighted
but will not be staffed.
"We will discourage long-term use of the facility," he said.
Key concerns include highway access, traffic safety and congestion, facility
maintenance and the restrooms.
"If we go with the triangle area, the entrance and exit will be off Highway 20
only," Hernandez said. Originally the project team discussed building a road
connecting with Sentry Drive, on the west edge of the triangle. This idea was
dropped because the Forest Service did not want to get involved with possible
future traffic plans which could include a one-way couplet, Hernandez said.
Hernandez will meet with the Sisters Chamber of Commerce Tuesday, March 19 to
discuss the project. He and his team have met with concerned residents since he
became project leader in September. The Forest Service has worked on the
project for almost two years.
