Dear fellow Public Land Supporters,

I am reaching out to let you know that we have already managed to gather over 2100 signatures! But this isn't the end (not even close)!

Apparently the opposing petition creator has has set up a meeting with the National Forestry Service of Deschutes National Forest.  I will also be setting meeting with them soon.

The opposition has began to personally attack me, and has started to try to spread lies about our community and me as a person.  This is fine, this just goes to show that we have a fight in this game.  I will not stoop to that level.  My goal is for everyone including myself to remain professional, positive, and keep pushing forward while helping represent our community in the best way possible.  We can win this with signatures and papers.  And show of support and follow through.

We need to keep sharing or stories, reaching out to friends and family, and continue to help steward our public lands. Talk to your grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Education and word of mouth is all it takes.

Remember to please "leave no trace" when staying on public land. Or even better, pickup trash that was possibly left behind before you even arrived. I like to try to leave the land in better condition than how I found it :)

Our community is full of great influencers and go getters.  I know that with continued support, we can do this!

Many local businesses have reached out to ask in which ways they can help support the cause.  I am working on what that will look like in the near future and for the long run.  Sponsorships are a must and are coming in day by day.  Please stay tuned. 

We will start to have some dates set for clean up gatherings this summer.  But in the meanwhile, stay positive and continue to be the good influence I know you all are.

Also in the meanwhile, if anybody in our community needs help/funds for any cleanup events of public lands, please reach out to me. I will personally Venmo you to make it happen. Even if it's just for a box of gloves and a box of bags.

Brandon Bachtel   @bivvybus