The U.S. Forest Service has approved a major land transfer that will allow the City of Bend to expand its Outback water system west of town, opening the door to new water infrastructure and a realignment of a nearby forest road.

Project Details

The decision covers a 48-acre parcel next to Bend’s existing Outback site on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District, and the Forest Service says the land will be sold to the city at fair market value under the Townsite Act.

The project also includes moving about a quarter-mile of Forest Service Road 4606 to keep access in place while meeting federal security requirements. The Forest Service says the move is tied to Bend’s need for a more resilient drinking water system, especially as the city grows and wildfire risk continues to rise in the watershed.

According to the environmental assessment, the existing Outback site has reached its development limits, and the city says it needs more room for pretreatment facilities, reservoirs, wells and other water infrastructure.

Environmental Impact

The Forest Service says the project will have some effects, but that they are not expected to rise to the level of significant environmental harm. The assessment says impacts to wildlife, soils, transportation and scenery would be limited through project design criteria, seasonal restrictions and restoration measures.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.