CAMP SHERMAN, OR -- Oregon’s Department of Fish and Wildlife is looking for more public input on a proposal to turn an abandoned fish hatchery near Camp Sherman into a fishing pond for kids 17 and younger. The proposal includes a small pond and parking area on the 15-acre property on Spring Creek.

The agency holds its second public meeting on the idea, Monday evening. Jennifer Luke, with ODFW, says feedback so far has been mostly positive. "I think there’s some folks that are concerned it’s going to get very busy there – maybe a little too much visitation. I believe the community at large is in support; we heard a fair amount of support that it is a good idea and is something that’s needed in the area." She tells KBND News, "The Metolius is fly fishing only, it’s very difficult for kids to fish there. We do have so many tourists coming in and camping and visiting that area in the summer. And, to have a place to bring kids to fish where they can easily fish, or learn how to fish – either fly fish or use other gear – we think that will be popular and a valuable use."

It's not a unique idea. Luke says it's somewhat patterned after Shevlin Pond, west of Bend. "We get calls all the time about ‘where can I bring my kids or grandkids to fish, and we know they can be successful fishing and it’s easy to get to and easy to fish?’  In fact, I believe, the Shevlin Park [pond] - that used to be an old Fish and Game Commission hatchery back in the day. And, when the city bought it they put in that fishing pond."