Ideally, the development of any growing urban area, like the City of Prineville, should happen easily and naturally. Many people think that something must be built on open land to entice people to live and recreate there. But in Central Oregon, undeveloped does not necessarily mean unused. With input and effort by city planners and concerned groups, a harmonious union between development and undisturbed open space can be achieved.

In 2016, the City of Prineville purchased 460 acres of land near Barnes Butte, with an additional 160 acres of contiguous BLM property. In 2017, the city officially opened Barnes Butte Recreation Complex (BBRC).

So what is happening on those 620 acres? There’s not much visible to the eye of the casual observer. If you’re looking for buildings, pavement, lighting, or other kinds of permanent facilities, you might be disappointed. But the lack of development is fine for most people, who love the area just as it is for hiking, biking, bird-watching, and horseback riding. Regular users of BBRC enjoy the quiet solitude and the beautiful flora and fauna.

Wildlife and Geology

Wildlife abounds around the butte. Nesting and feeding grounds are in abundant supply around the rocky butte and ample grassland. It’s not uncommon to spot raptors and other birds of prey in the area. Red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, and prairie falcons are among the species who call Barnes Butte home. Other possible sightings may include osprey, turkey vultures, and northern harriers. On a warm day, it may be easy to spot a soaring bird catching a thermal updraft. So-called sage rats are also in great supply, judging by the burrows everywhere. Local deer and a coyote or three also inhabit the general locale.

As for the geology of the area, look for beige, red, and green volcanic tuff, cinnabar, quartz, and opal. Thirty million years ago, the landscape was created by a cataclysmic event. The butte is a 500-foot-high rhyolite dome of volcanic welded tuff and a part of the 25-mile-wide Crooked River caldera, which is among the 10 largest in the world, rivaling Yellowstone.

Public Perspective

I posted a call for comments on several local Facebook pages, and on a recent Sunday afternoon visited Barnes Butte and spoke directly with a few users.

Carolyn and Ty Dunaway have both lived in Prineville for 40-some years. They told me that they use BBRC often to exercise. This day they were walking their Irish setter Scully. Ty also mentioned that during his visits he will pick up trash in the area and is doing his best to reduce (by pulling) the dreaded goathead puncturevine growing along the trails.

Another couple with their dogs revealed they moved to Prineville a year ago. They told me they’re happy to have such a beautiful open space close to their new home. At other times of year they often take their dogs into the Ochocos for some hiking. But during hunting season they opt to use Barnes Butte because of safety concerns.

Via Facebook, Tom Hall commented, “I used to run on the canal road 10+ years ago and climbed the butte alone or with friends. I’ve used the Iron Horse trail system [contiguous with BBRC trails] for lunchtime walks. I often ride my bike too.”

Rhea Wortman Cardwell shared, “My family goes out there often to get away without having to drive a great distance. We like it as is. We’d be disappointed if it were developed. Having a bit of green space within city boundaries is a great thing for the community!”

Carol Kracht, an avid horsewoman, writes, “My extended family have all hiked out there this year. We bird-watch and walk our dogs. I ride my horses there too. We’re thrilled we have this area so close to enjoy. I’ve also attended many of the planning meetings and will continue to do so when they start up again.”

Nearby resident Kate Wheeler remarked, “There’s a path leading to the butte from our home. The city put in a gate access with a trail map of BBRC. We love this hike. The canal water provides many bird-watching opportunities. Bring your binoculars. Dog walking from our neighborhood is frequent—for the dogs taking their humans for a walk!”

A few people mentioned the need for ADA access. A path with an ADA-accepted surface leading from the main parking lot to the existing half-mile track would be an excellent addition for physically challenged visitors.

Sharon Johnson-Peterson echoed this sentiment. “Would love to see some area with (paved) walking trails, similar to Dry Canyon in Redmond. Also for families with young kids who are not ready for mountain biking. Many of us were hikers in the past and would like to continue to be out in nature, to bird-watch and get healthy exercise.”

Christina Marie LaFon mentioned, “Kiddos from Barnes Butte Elementary School often go on hikes to the BBRC. My fifth-grader is always so excited when they get to go!”

Future Generations

Having the conveniently located open space available for school field trips is a real community plus. One person said the local cross-country and track teams use BBRC for training runs. The area’s current man-made features should be refined and utilized. For instance, there’s an existing track that was used for horses by the previous property owners. Given the significant horse community in Prineville and Crook County, having horse-related community events at BBRC would be fantastic.

Overall, with this unique area available for all to use, area residents will benefit and learn firsthand the value of dwindling natural resources. Most agree that the Barnes Butte Recreation Complex is a great resource that should be designated for scenic preservation in perpetuity. •