After more than two years of consideration, on January 22 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved the Central Oregon Irrigation District’s (COID) request to amend the FERC license for the Deschutes South Canyon hydroelectric project. This amendment called for changes to the public recreational access easements on segments of the COID property governed by the permit and which are currently expected to be sold to Pahlisch Homes and developed for residential use. These easements include the trailhead that begins at Brookswood Boulevard commonly known as the Canopy Trail.

In approving the requested amendments, FERC considered the Environmental Assessment performed by FERC staff, which considered all of the factors that warranted review, including the objections and comments offered by Save Bend Green Space (SBGS) and the hundreds of emails sent by many of you. In short, FERC determined that the license amendments should be granted based on sound factual and legal grounds.

What’s Next for the Canopy Trail

SBGS has pledged to continue to work to protect and preserve the Canopy Trail and other significant natural areas of the Deschutes South Canyon when ownership of the property transfers to Pahlisch. Accordingly, SBGS has already initiated conversations with Pahlisch to work toward collaborative solutions that serve the interests of Bend residents.

SBGS confirmed that Pahlisch has committed to maintaining the Canopy Trail as-is until the Master Plan process, which it does not expect to begin until around 2030. However, when Pahlisch closes on the sale of the property (anticipated in the next month or so) they will begin coordinating with Bend Park & Recreation Department (BPRD) in assessing the existing easements and trails in terms of connectivity and recreational value. See the SBGS announcement for more information on the FERC decision and SBGS efforts on behalf of the property.