'It validates why we do this': Hundreds gather at Drake Park to support local bid to buy Mt Bachelor

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Earlier this year, POWDR announced its intention to sell Mt. Bachelor Ski Area. Now a local duo is lobbying for the community to own and manage the resort.

Hundreds of people came to Drake Park Saturday to hear from Mt. Bachelor Community Inc., a values-based organization that plans to purchase and operate the resort for the community.

Co-founder Dan Cochrane said: “The structure will be one that allows people at different levels to invest. We are simply the founders, so we help structure it with our group of volunteers, pro bono attorneys and others at Miller Nash Lawyers.”

The organization has raised more than $40,000 to support legal and compliance services.

Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler was among those who spoke at the meeting and expressed support for maintaining the future of the resort.

“I grew up skiing on Mt Bachelor,” she said. “It's a really, really important part of our community to our economy and just to the spirit of Bend and our environment. And these are all values ​​that the city council supports.”

The next steps for the group are to complete the offering and build a partnership between local businesses and community leaders.

Co-founder Chris Porter said: “We are overwhelmed. The support today and the turnout are simply overwhelming. It's so exciting to see. It validates why we do this.”

The organization's goal is to promote positive, meaningful outdoor experiences with a personal connection to nature.