Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Focus On Central Oregon - Kathy Krause, Portland

(To the Governor's Office, All State Senators, All State Reps, and Oregon's Senators:)

I am writing to express and URGE support of SB 30 - Metolius. I have visited and spent many hard earned days off in the Camp Sherman/Metolius River area. This area is one of the most unique and sacred areas in Oregon. If one reads the history on this area, it is almost an "accident" or a "gift" that this scenic river exists as it is today. If the Santiam logging Railroad had come to be, we would not have the shores and habitat this river brings as it is today. To show appreciation for this "gift" many families have donated and protected private land and financially supported the well being of this scenic area for years, allowing it to be appreciated and experienced in its natural form by all. As a result, this area and river is one of the most precious examples of a unique ecology our State has to offer. It is a very rare and special example of what "Oregon" is and has been.

I enjoy golf and resorts. I also support growth. HOWEVER, the Metolius River Basin is not an appropriate "landing pad" for Destination Resorts, more recreational or private homes. This fragile environment cannot withstand the impact. There is a place for this type of growth and expansion - but careful consideration needs to be made on where this is allowed. The very reason these potential resorts are interested in this scenic area is because of what it is, SCENIC, natural, protected, pristine and beautiful! The proposed area (Green Ridge) is just that - a green ridge ABOVE the river. If the proposed Resort of possibly up to 7500 homes (or up to a population increase of 10,000 visitors/residents at times) sitting on a ridge above this river, everything is down hill into the lower waters of the river and ultimately into Lake Billy Chinook and the Deschutes. I shutter to even imagine what these areas will face with possible pollutants inevitable with this kind of growth. The increased risk of wildfire due to construction and population increase is another concern, which could be an economic stress and hardship on all of Oregon, not just Jefferson County. There is a price to pay for this type of beauty and that price is managed and restricted use and full protection. The Metolius River Recreation Area has and always will be available to visit - but it is home to our fish and wildlife and we (humans) are visitors. To allow "humans" to call this area home will destroy exactly what has drawn us to this special area to begin with.

As a resident of Oregon for 33 of my 38 years, I depend on the Legislature of Oregon to be my voice. I commend Senator Ben Westlund and others that have joined him to seek protection of our fragile, natural treasures. I rely on careful decisions to be made protecting our State, our environment and what has kept me in Oregon most of my life - a scenic, pristine, livable place that is home to fish and wildlife, beautiful and untouched landscapes and a place for nature to be what it is - a natural environment. Our legislature of the past has found protection for our beaches and the Columbia River Gorge. Now is the time to focus on Central Oregon before it is too late.

Sincerely,

Kathy Krause

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