WHERE: Sutton Mountain and Pat's Cabin WSAs surround lower Bridge Creek in the John Day basin.  They are located north of Highway 26, approximately 50 miles east of Prineville.  Both WSA's are adjacent to the Painted Hills unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, and contain fascinating geologies and natural history.

PROJECT DETAILS:  We have two small projects planned - pulling fence and cleaning a campsite near Liberty Bottom on the John Day River, and removing an old telephone wire from Pat's Cabin WSA.  This is an excellent way to explore the Bridge Creek watershed and two beautiful wilderness study areas while contributing to restoration work. 

We'll meet Saturday morning to begin work, and camp nearby on Saturday night.  Depending on group preferences, we'll have opportunities to hike in the area or tour ONDA's stream restoration work on Bridge Creek on Sunday.  There is also an option to camp Friday night.  

BACKGROUND:  Sutton Mountain and Pat's Cabin were designated as Wilderness Study Areas in 1996.  Both have a history of heavy cattle grazing, but are showing signs of habitat improvement with reduced grazing pressure in recent years.  Both are bordered by the John Day River to the North.  They are also adjacent to Bridge Creek, an important stream for steelhead spawning and rearing, where ONDA is involved in a long term stream restoration project. 

Liberty Bottom near the John Day river is located in Sutton Mountain WSA, but has been impacted by motorized use and irresponsible camping practices.  The first step to restoring the area back to wilderness is removing fencing and signs of human use such as old fire rings. 

COST: Free to ONDA members, $45 for non-members.

Click HERE for registration.