Hydro-powered Recreation Sites Open for Community Exploration
EWEB, the USDA Forest Service, and local construction partners celebrated the reopening of Carmen-Smith Recreation Projects on Friday, cheering on the partnerships that made possible the renovation of these treasured outdoors community spaces.
“We have control over this space. This is part of our community. We set it up so we can enjoy it, and our kids can enjoy it,” EWEB Commissioner Sonya Carlson said. “I love thinking about the work that we’ve done for decades to make sure that we have this wonderful resource in the community that will support us in the future.”
McKenzie River District Ranger Darren Cross welcomed project partners to the Trail Bridge Day Use Area to kick off the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Attendees included EWEB Generation staff, USDA Forest Service recreation and wildlife managers, Wildish and Brinks Land Improvement construction teams, and architects from the design firm Mackay Sposito who all worked on renewing the facilities.
The recreation sites had been closed since 2017 as the road to the campground passes close to the Carmen Powerhouse and EWEB needed it closed to restore the facility.
“EWEB couldn’t have done any of this work without the tremendous partnerships that we have with the Forest Service and other state and federal agencies who work together to ensure that our hydropower projects provide benefits for the whole community,” said Chief Electric Operations Officer Lisa Krentz. “Working together, we have renewed these facilities so that the community can enjoy our beautiful McKenzie River.”
The Trial Bridge Campground and Day Use Area on the Trail Bridge Reservoir, Lakes End Campground and Smith Reservoir Day Use Area on the Smith Reservoir, and Beaver Marsh Trail and Carmen Day Use Area on the Carmen Reservoir officially reopened on May 1.
As a community-owned public utility, EWEB values the opportunity to provide recreational opportunities as one of the contributions of local hydropower. Restoring these facilities is also a requirement of the project’s Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license.
“I come from Bonneville power – I spent 35 years there, so I know a little bit about hydro. When I come up here and I see Carmen-Smith, it makes me think of all the values it brings to the community. Projects like Carmen will allow us to move from using carbon-emitting resources to carbon-free resources and it’s part of improving the environment,” said EWEB General Manager John Hairston in his third week on the job. “It’s pretty exciting for me to be out here and be a part of this team.”
After Commissioner Carlson cut the ribbon, attendees explored the campsites, toured the Carmen Powerhouse, and hiked the Blue Pool Trail to see how EWEB fish biologists and hydro engineers have improved Chinook salmon and Bull Trout spawning and rearing habitat.
Despite the rainy weather, dozens of people were out enjoying the facilities.
Anyone interested in camping at the Trail Bridge Campground (close to the popular Blue Pool/Tamolitch Falls Trailhead) or Ice Cap Campground (close to Koosah Falls) can reserve a campsite on recreation.gov.
EWEB has made a recreation guide for ideas to enjoy hiking, biking, paddling or wildlife observation at these community-owned, carbon-free hydropowered recreation sites! Download and print your Adventure Guide
