Sunriver’s Daniel ‘Doc’ Skotte traveled to the jungles of New Guinea to make house calls and help natives with a variety of ailments
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Nature Center ............... 8 Calendar ..................... 13 SROA Board................ 26
Public Safety ............... 34 Commentary ............... 46 Classified .................... 47
Rat Hole Brewing to open pub, brewery in the Sunriver Business Park while Sunriver Brewing completes its phase one expansion
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S U N R I V E R
S C E N E A COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE SUNRIVER OWNERS ASSOCIATION
SEPTEMBER • 2015
VOLUME XLI • NUMBER 9
Drones are now prohibited in Sunriver without prior clearance By Sunriver Scene Staff Sunriver has a message to people who would fly drones (unmanned aerial aircraft) in the community: Don’t! Not only does the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) not allow the flying of drones within five miles of an airport, the Sunriver Owners Association recently added a new regulation prohibiting drone flights in Sunriver. On Aug. 15, the SROA Board of Directors adopted Section 5.05 to the Sunriver Rules & Regulations that states, “Except as permitted by the SROA General Manager, the flight of unmanned aircraft, including but not limited to drones, is prohibited in Sunriver.” Violation of the rule constitutes a Class A Offense, which includes a $2,500 fine. In the past few years, the prices of aerial drones designed for recreational and hobby purposes have decreased significantly and their use is increasing. Many aerial drones have built-in cameras and they are becoming increasingly popular for taking photographs and videos from a distance and from otherwise-inaccessible locations. Drone operators have used aerial drones to take photographs throughout Sunriver, both for commercial and personal purposes. This proposed rule change was prompted by concerns about noise, invasion of privacy and safety that aerial drones may pose in Sunriver. There have been reports elsewhere of complaints that some aerial drones are noisy, which could interfere with the peaceful and tranquil nature of Sunriver and could disturb wildlife. There are also concerns that aerial drones could be used to invade privacy, if drones are flown over private property or used to take photographs without permission. Of particular concern is the safety risk that aerial drones pose. There have been numerous reports in news media of SUNRIVER SCENE SUNRIVER OWNERS ASSN. VOLUME XLI • NUMBER 9 P.O. BOX 3278 SUNRIVER, OR 97707
Uncorked wine event to feature Oregon vintners, comedy
from major airports. In addition, there have been news reports of aerial drones impeding efforts to fight wildfires in southern California. Air tankers used to fight wildfires are flown at low altitudes. In some instances, the air tankers have been forced to land because of the proximity of aerial drones, thus interrupting firefighting efforts. These incidents raise concern that aerial drones flown in Sunriver could endanger those who fly planes in and out of Sunriver’s airport.
Uncorked Sunriver Style, a two-day showcase of wines, food, live music and comedy will take place Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18-19 at the Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic & Recreation Center (SHARC), 57250 Overlook Road. More than a dozen Oregon wineries will be on hand serving samples and selling wine by the glass, bottle and case. Comedienne Laurie Forster will present her “Something to Wine About” comedy show, and Weird Science class on “Food & Wine Reactions.” Admission is $18 per person, which includes an event stemless wine glass and one tasting token, or $23 for a two-day pass. Non-drinking entry is available for $5 per day; ages three and under free. There is a $20 admission fee to Forster’s comedy show at 12:30 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 19. Tickets are available at www.bendticket.com and at the door. Sommelier and comedienne, Forster is one of the country’s leading wine
Turn to Drones, page 15
Turn to Uncorked, page 3
Changes to Sunriver’s Rules & Regulations now prohibit drones in Sunriver.
aerial drone operators flying drones over parades, sporting events, theme parks and other heavily populated venues. Earlier this year, there was an incident of a drone being flown over the outdoor pool at SHARC during spring break when many children were using the pool. In some instances, drone operators have lost control of the drone and the drone crashed into people and animals, causing injuries and deaths. Recently, there have been reports of drones flying as close as 100 feet to commercial airliners landing or taking off
All campfires banned as fire restrictions increase in Central Oregon With dry conditions expected to continue in Central Oregon and fire suppression resources limited due to numerous wildfires in Oregon and Washington, the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management, the Deschutes National Forest and the Ochoco National Forest, including the Crooked River National Grassland, implemented a total campfire restriction. Called into effect on Aug. 18, all open fires, including charcoal fires, are prohibited on all lands administered by the Deschutes National Forest, the Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland, and the Prineville District, BLM. There are no exceptions for developed or hosted
campgrounds. In addition to campfire restrictions, smoking remains restricted to an enclosed vehicle or building, in a designated campground, in boats on lakes and rivers, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable material. Portable cooking stoves or lanterns using liquefied or bottled fuel may still be used in all areas. Officials also remind the public that using explosive target material, such as Tannerite, explosives and fireworks continue to be prohibited on federal lands. At this time there are no restrictions
on motorized travel on BLM or Forest Service roads in Central Oregon; however, fire officials want to remind visitors about the dangers of driving through or parking on vegetation. The hot undercarriage of a vehicle can easily ignite, not only burning the vehicle but also spreading to nearby vegetation. At this time, visitors are asked to avoid driving on two-track roads with vegetation down the center, and to park in areas clear of vegetation. Make sure vehicles carry a container of water or a fire extinguisher. Fires caused through carelessness or negligence only increase the threat to life and livelihood, and place an even greater burden on already busy firefighters. Source: Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest and Bureau of Land Management. PRSRT STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID BEND, OR PERMIT NO. 213