The Empty Corner of Oregon

[xboxmas]

They could make that big lake next to Burns into some kind of a resort. That would boost the economy.

[tablemtn]

Problem is, those two lakes are actually kind of a swamp, and parts of them dry up every year, depending on the climate conditions. These are not the kind of lakes that people would like to use for swimming - they are way too brackish and marshy.

[PNW-type-gal]

You mean Malheur? Put a resort on the National Wildlife refuge? I don't think so.

Nor do I think a lot of the people who live in Burns would appreciate "wet siders" trying to come up with ways to increase population or tourism. I did field work out in the Alvord and the Steens and most people out that way like things just the way they are. It's beautiful in a wild and lonely way.

I'm pretty sure that something like 60-70% of the land in Harney and Malheur County is owned by the Feds (BLM) anyway.