When was Wy'East organized?
In January 1993, work began on creating the Deschutes Basin RC&D Area. On February 8, 1993, a meeting was held in The Dalles to assess the community interest. Representatives from the Confederated Tribes, Crook and Wasco County Courts, Hood River and Wasco County Conservation Districts as well as NRCS personnel attended. They agreed to pursue the establishment of a RC&D Area. On February 18, 1994, a Steering Committee was established, by-laws approved, and the name Wy’East was adopted. The Wy’East RC&D Area Council was formally organized as a non-profit Corporation under Oregon State law and Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code on April 28, 1994. The Council is made up of representatives from the Confederated Tribes, County Courts/Commissions, and Soil and Water Conservation Districts. September 22, 1994 saw completion of the formal request to the Secretary of Agriculture for official recognition. Official sanction by the Secretary of Agriculture was received in October 1996.
What does Wy'East mean?
The name Wy’East is a Native American name for Mount Hood. It is the highest mountain in Oregon and is visible from each of the six counties in the RC&D Area. There are several legends that vividly recount the fiery origin of Wy’East. One legend tells of a mighty chief who dreamed one night that to save his people he must subdue Sal-leks De-Aubs; the demon who dwelled within the mountain. The chief climbed to the summit and began throwing boulders into the crater. Enraged, De-Aubs replied by hurling out hot rocks and lava. The battle continued until the chief looked upon the land that he had was covered with lava. Another legend concerns the two brothers, Wy’East and Pa-toe (Mount Adams). Both loved the same beautiful maiden. As the brothers fought, they covered the land with smoke, ash, heated rock, and lava. Eventually, Wy’East admitted defeat and the beautiful maiden went to the base of Pa-toe, where she is now known as Sleeping Beauty.