([ Portland], [Or], [07/30/04])—On Friday, July 23, 2004 the Executive Committee of the Cascade Pacific Council unanimously decided not to file an appeal of the July 13 th ruling of the State Fire Marshal to close Chief Obie Lodge. The lodge is located in Happy Valley, OR at Scouters’ Mountain (11300 SE 147 th).
“This was a unanimous decision of all Executive Committee members present at the July 23 meeting,” said Ron Garland, Scout Executive. “ Our utmost concern is for the safety of all youth and adult members of the Scouting program as well as all others who use council facilities for non-Scouting purposes,” he added.
Council leadership intends to fully comply with State Fire Marshal requirements and suggestions, Garland said.
“We have always placed our highest priority on safety in our programs and have been working cooperatively with the Fire Marshal to meet his concerns. We have every intention of complying with his requirements regarding our future use of this facility,” said Garland.
The Fire Marshall’s ruling stems from the fact that the lodge is in need of a sprinkler system. When Chief Obie Lodge was constructed in the mid-1950’s, fire sprinklers were not required. In the intervening years, discussions with fire officials concerning adequate fire protection have been on going and many steps have been taken to improve fire safety at the facility. After reviewing the State Fire Marshal’s correspondence of April 2004, the Executive Committee of the Council initiated a partial closure and eliminated all overnight occupancy at Chief Obie Lodge. Other safety improvements include:
- Installing a fire suppression system in the kitchen.
- Improving egress through additional lighting and signage.
- Installing a dry fire system near the lodge for fire truck usage.
- Increasing the number of fire extinguishers throughout the building.
- Instituting fire watches during overnight occupancy.
During this entire period council leadership has understood that the Fire officials found the use of the facility acceptable, even though there has been a continuing desire to adopt a long term plan for the installation of a sprinkler system.
A long-term strategic review of Scouting programs in the council is currently underway. Included in this review is an in-depth evaluation of the role of Chief Obie Lodge. While the Lodge has been utilized for many years as a training facility by the council, it is in need of upkeep and other repairs in addition to a fire sprinkler system if it is to have continued use for Scouting programs. Other capital needs include a new roof, window upgrades and heating system improvements. Council leadership estimates that more than $1 million is needed for these repairs.
The final actions to be taken in regard to Chief Obie Lodge, as well as broader questions relating to the long term use of Scouters’ Mountain will be decided as part of the strategic planning process. Many volunteers including board members, Scoutmasters and professionals are participating and providing input in this strategic plan process, which is scheduled for completion this fall.
In this as well as all other matters, Council leadership continues to place the highest priority on safety.
About the Cascade Pacific Council, Boy Scouts of America
The Cascade Pacific Council ranks among the nation’s largest Scout councils (out of 319) in terms of membership. The Cascade Pacific Council serves more than 47,889 youth in 18 counties in northwest Oregon and southwest Washington, and is supported by more than 15,902 adult volunteer mentors.
Local Boy Scouts of America Accomplishments
This last year (2003) Scouts of the Cascade Pacific Council reached out to the community and achieved the following outstanding accomplishments:
Goodwill/Good Turn – Scouts collected 362,895 pounds of usable clothing and household goods for Goodwill Industries in 2004. Over the past ten years, 4.2 million pounds have been collected.
Camping Program – The Cascade Pacific Council has one of the strongest outdoor camping programs in the country, camping 11,000 boys at seven summer resident camps and ten day camps last year.
Scouting for Food – Scouts collected 519,766 pounds of food for local hunger relief agencies through the Scouting for Food drive in December 2003.
Guy Miller Tree Plant – Over 2,500 youth and family members planted nearly 37,500 tree seedlings in our forests and neighborhoods in support of the Guy Miller Tree Plant program. Since 1977, this program has accounted for the planting of more than 2 million trees.
Violence Free Spring Break – In partnership with the Portland Police Bureau, the Police Activities League, Multnomah County, Boys and Girls Club, and other organizations, the Cascade Pacific Council has planned, coordinated and staffed special events like “Violence Free Spring Break.” Over 375 youth were served for this event alone. These events use Scouting facilities and curriculums to deliver positive, values-based programs.
Outreach – Over $29,930 in scholarships was awarded to over 536 youth members for summer camp.
Boy Scouts of America - Connecting youth with communities and families.
This page last modified
August 17, 2004
