A proposal turning 400 acres of public landS on Cline Buttes, west of Redmond, has several people voicing strong opposition.
The Oregon Department of State Lands, which owns the area, held a public comment hearing about potential sale Thursday.
The 160-acre tract, known as tax lot 5,300 is one of several tracts the agency has listed for possible sale.
Thornburgh Development, Central Land and Cattle Company LLC, is looking to buy it.
The proposed site bumps up against Eagle Crest Resort’s borders.
▶️ Cline Buttes proposed purchase for development brings public comment
During the comment section, 49 people were able to speak, all were opposed to the idea.
“We live in a desert and they want to have three golf courses, how is this right?” asked Central Oregon Resident Jessica Jern.
“Selling these lands to the Thornburgh resort will betray the cultural and ecological values that so many of us in the state and community hold dear,” said Bend field Biologist Benjamin Ward.
“All life requires water and ODFW has recently expressed deep concerns with a 1200-acre resort meeting its mediation requirements, especially with the ever-worsening drought conditions,” said Judy McClurg, with the Oregon Hunters Association, Bend chapter.
“For the sake of thousands of people who enjoy recreating here, don’t sell this land to Thornburgh,” said Kim McCarrel, with Oregon Equestrian Trails.
Potential land sale on Cline Buttes has Eagle Crest residents concerned
The proposed resort would include three golf courses, six man-made lakes and 1,000 homes.
People can still write in comments on the Department of State Lands website through the online public comment form, by March 17.
