Kathleen Ellyn/Chieftain Dolores and David Bridges and one of several fawns resting near the Wallowa Lake Lodge, enjoy the view. The Bridges are two of the early investors in the bid to gain control of the lodge and preserve it's natural resources from development.

Two fawns rest along the porch railing at the back entrance of Wallowa Lake Lodge. Further out on the grounds the rest of the small herd grazes peacefully. Standing at the foot of the porch steps, Lodge investors Dolores and David Bridges of Joseph silently enjoy the view. This closeness with nature is one of the reasons they love this place.

But the Bridges are ready to share this hidden jewel. They are looking forward to meeting new investors and seeing more people enjoying what they hope will be “their” lodge in the coming months.

“It’s important that the lodge be saved,” David Bridges said. “We come here because we love the area and what it has to offer, including the history it represents. This lodge has been an important piece of contact (with history and nature) for over a hundred years and it has a vital future in front of it.”

The future of the lodge was in danger earlier this year when it went up for bid in a national auction. But a local investment group, Lake Wallowa Lodge LLC, of which the Bridges are members, came up with a down-payment that took the historic lodge off the auction block for a brief window of time. They got off to a good start, raising the $250,000 downpayment in 10 days.

The balance, however, is a bigger number. In the next two months the newly formed LLC must come up with $2.25 million to purchase the lodge from the current owners and prevent it from falling into the hands of developers. The zoning on the land allows for significant development – something the LLC intends to prevent.

“Were working on raising our first million,” said James Monteith, managing member of the LLC. “We’ll announce where we are at the end of the month and we’ll have prospectus available the end of this week.”

In just over two months time the LLC has assembled a steering committee, an events committee, hired a professional campaign director (Heather Longhorst of Effect Your Cause.com), hired a caterer for events (Judy Goodman of Joseph), and is establishing a finance committee.

This is not an investment for knee-jerk reactionaries from any group. These are “two birds with one stone” thinkers; individuals comfortable with a holistic view. What makes this group unique is investors are both serious about their personal goals and open about the combination of ecological preservation and economic development. They expect to preserve, and to see their investment to give them a return on their dollar, and do a number of other things for the benefit of the area.

“I’m interested in preserving special places in Oregon – and this is the top of the list,” said investor Jay Graves of Baxton, Oregon. “But I wouldn’t get into this if I thought I was losing money. I also believe that by providing the right context for the area it allows other businesses to grow.”

The LLC is hosting numerous meetings and social occasions to familiarize area residents with the plans and prospectus. A well-attended Wild Harvest Dinner has held Oct. 17 and a Halloween Party, “Bats About the Lodge” is scheduled for Oct. 30. Two more events, an Almost Thanksgiving Dinner, Nov. 14 and a Winter Traditions Solstice Dinner, Dec. 19 will allow interested parties to socialize, dine on locally harvested foods, and learn more about the chance to own part of a legend.

For more information or to order tickets to any event visit lakewallowalodge.com. To inquire about investing or volunteer to assist in fundraising, call James Monteith at 541-432-3044.