To: Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Prineville District Office

We, the undersigned, call on the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to reconsider the current development plans for Priest Hole Recreation Site along the John Day River. We believe that the BLM has not adequately incorporated public feedback, both historically and recently, regarding the proposed upgrades and changes to this valued natural area.

Background: Priest Hole Recreation Site is a beloved natural resource, renowned for its scenic beauty, wildlife, and recreational opportunities. Over the years, many individuals and groups have expressed their desire to keep Priest Hole in its natural state, free from extensive development.

Concerns About Public Feedback Collection:

1. Initial Public Scoping (2011): In May 2011, the BLM mailed scoping letters to 257 individuals and groups, receiving twenty-one comment letters. These comments primarily advocated for minimal intervention to preserve the site's natural beauty. Despite this, the BLM's proposed plans have largely ignored these preferences, moving forward with extensive development plans.
2. Environmental Assessment Review (2012): In July 2012, the BLM published the Environmental Assessment (EA) and solicited feedback. During this period, they received 126 comment letters, again highlighting the community's desire to maintain the natural character of Priest Hole. Yet, the BLM's actions have not adequately reflected these concerns, choosing instead to prioritize development over preservation.
3. Recent DNA Review (2023): In April 2023, the BLM released the Draft Determination of NEPA Adequacy (DNA) for public review, receiving only eight comment letters. This limited engagement highlights a significant decline in public consultation, suggesting insufficient efforts by the BLM to actively seek comprehensive public input.

Failure to Address Concerns:

• Environmental Impact: The BLM's proposed upgrades, including additional campsites, vault toilets, and parking lots, risk exacerbating environmental degradation. Increased visitor traffic can lead to more pollution, greater strain on natural resources, and further disruption of the fragile ecosystem, negatively affecting water quality, wildlife habitats, and the overall natural landscape.
• Inadequate Consideration of Alternatives: Despite clear public preference for minimal development, the BLM has pushed forward with plans that include significant infrastructure additions, demonstrating a disregard for the community's voice.
• Economic and Cultural Impact: The proposed changes threaten to alter the character of Priest Hole, diminishing its value as a cultural and economic resource for local communities who rely on its natural state for tourism and recreation.

Neglect of Local Input: In 2013, the Wheeler County Planning Department explicitly expressed their surprise and disappointment at not being included in planning discussions or notified of public meetings regarding the Priest Hole project. As stated by the Wheeler County Planning Director, "I was quite surprised to read in the local paper about a meeting that had taken place recently in Mitchell about the Priest Hole area; specifically that some 250+ mailing had been sent out but my office was not one of those. Please add the Wheeler County Planning Department to your mailings list for projects within our county"​​.

Our Requests:

• Pause Current Development Plans: Immediately halt all development activities at Priest Hole until a thorough, transparent, and inclusive public consultation process is conducted.
• Conduct Comprehensive Public Consultation: Ensure that all community members, stakeholders, and interested parties have ample opportunity to provide input on any future plans for Priest Hole.
• Prioritize Preservation: Respect the overwhelming public feedback advocating for the preservation of Priest Hole's natural state, and develop plans that prioritize environmental protection and minimal intervention.
• Transparency and Accountability: Provide clear, transparent documentation of how public feedback has been considered and incorporated into any decision-making processes regarding Priest Hole.

The BLM has a responsibility to manage public lands in a way that reflects the values and wishes of the communities they serve. The current approach to the development of Priest Hole is a clear deviation from this responsibility. We urge the BLM to listen to the voices of the people, respect our wishes, and protect Priest Hole for future generations.

Negative Impacts

We believe that the BLM's proposed upgrades to Priest Hole Recreation Site are likely to have the opposite effect of their intended goals. Instead of preserving the natural beauty and tranquility of the area, these changes are expected to lead to increased traffic and congestion. By improving access and providing more structured facilities, the upgrades will likely attract more visitors, including those who may not have the same level of respect and appreciation for the site's natural and rugged character.

The introduction of designated campsites, vault toilets, and extensive parking areas could transform Priest Hole from a serene, untouched landscape into a crowded, overused recreation site. This influx of visitors could strain the site's natural resources, leading to increased pollution, litter, and environmental degradation. Furthermore, the formalization of the site's layout with new roads and barriers will diminish the spontaneous and adventurous spirit that draws many visitors to Priest Hole.

While the intention behind these upgrades may be to enhance visitor experience and manage increased usage, we believe they will ultimately compromise the very qualities that make Priest Hole a cherished and unique destination. We urge the BLM to reconsider these plans and prioritize the preservation of the site's natural state.

Sign this petition to demand that the BLM listens to public feedback and prioritizes the preservation of Priest Hole Recreation Site!

DETAILS:

Below is a screenshot of the current state of Priest Hole from the BLM Brochure which can be compared to the upgrade map found further below.

 

 

Below is the map of the approved site upgrades at Priest Hole which can be found on the BLM planning website. Notice that vehicle campsites are no longer near the river and are now designated.

 

 

Here's a summary of the upgrades, which will significantly alter the experience at Priest Hole. These changes will negatively impact the site's natural and rugged character, introducing structured facilities and increased visitor traffic that detract from its untouched beauty.

Upgrade Summary

1. Campsites and Day-Use Facilities:
   1. Installation of 15 designated campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and gravel pads.
   2. Two group use sites accommodating multiple vehicles and/or tents.
   3. Walk-in tent camping areas.
2. Sanitation and Amenities:
   1. Installation of a vault toilet.
   2. Establishment of a day-use area with a parking lot and an ADA-accessible trail.
3. Road and Traffic Management:
   1. Conversion of approximately 1 mile of existing routes to non-motorized trails.
   2. Installation of vehicle barriers such as signs, boulders, trees, gates, and/or low split-rail fencing.
   3. Addition of base rock and gravel to open roads, parking areas, and camp sites.
   4. Implementation of a one-way traffic route for the northern portion of the loop road.
4. Vegetation and Environmental Restoration:
   1. Planting and irrigating 45 acres of vegetation in the Priest Hole field, including cottonwood trees and native species to restore riparian areas.
   2. Establishment of 20 acres of cottonwood and riparian shrubs along the river and gravel bars.
   3. Irrigation system adjustments to improve efficiency and accommodate campsites.
   4. Closure and rehabilitation of approximately 1 mile of existing routes to prevent erosion and restore natural habitats.
5. Wildlife and Habitat Protection:
   1. Implementation of seasonal restrictions on ground-disturbing activities to protect mule deer winter range and migratory bird habitats.
   2. Measures to avoid disturbing monarch butterflies and protect milkweed plants.

Sign this petition to demand that the BLM listens to public feedback and prioritizes the preservation of Priest Hole Recreation Site!

All publicly available documents related to the project can be found at the following link: BLM Development Project Planning Site