Wetlands and riparian areas have a variety of native plant species that are adapted to growing in locations where the soils are wet during all or part of the year. Well established wetlands and riparian areas provide a complex ecosystem that support a diverse combination of plants and animals.

It is important to conserve and improve the wetlands and riparian areas along the Deschutes River and Tumalo Creek in Bend. These areas serve several functions that protect and enhance the quality of both animal and human life within the urban area in many ways. Wetlands and riparian areas:

Wetlands within Bend were inventoried and evaluated in the summer of 2000 as part of the preparation of a Local Wetland Inventory, a required Periodic Review update of the Comprehensive Plan. The photo below is an example of the significant and non-significant wetlands mapped during this Local Wetland Inventory process. Table 2-2 lists the significant wetlands. All of the significant wetland sites are along the Deschutes River.

Bend’s Local Wetland Inventory replaces the older National Wetlands Inventory map for the urban area.

In 2000, the riparian areas within Bend were also inventoried and evaluated. The riparian area along the Deschutes River and Tumalo Creek are considered significant resources under Statewide Planning Goal 5. Conflicting uses within the riparian corridor are primarily existing and future residential development, new park development, commercial development and other uses such as roads, trails, and docks.

Any development within the bed of the Deschutes River or Tumalo Creek, or within the riparian corridor, including the removal or enhancement of riparian vegetation, must meet standards in the city’s land division and zoning codes. In addition to local code requirements, the Oregon Division of State Lands and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife have responsibility to review and approve developments within wetlands and the Deschutes River.