Gift From The Past - Russ Eaton, Portland

(The following letter was sent to all Senators and House Representatives:)

SUPPORT SENATE BILL 30 - Metolius

The Metolius River in Central Oregon now faces its greatest challenge. The development of Destination Resorts in the Metolius Basin is moving forward at a rapid pace and threatens to irrevocably alter this pristine river. Plans are afoot and indeed, in some cases, the land has been purchased and zoned for the development of Destination Resorts of a massive scale.

10,000 acres on top of Green Ridge, on lands draining primarily into the lower Metolius, are slated for development. A conservative estimate of 3 golf courses and 1500 homes can use 6.4 million gallons of water a day.

Fertilizer run off and septic waste seepage into the water table are inevitable. This fragile ecosystem is ill equipped to handle this type of pollution.

Thousands of visitors a year come to walk the banks and marvel at a river that springs full blown from the side of a hill. This is a river whose water flow is constant and clear, providing habitat for one of the strongest populations of native trout in Oregon. Osprey, Eagles, Ducks and Geese call this river home, as does the tiny community of Camp Sherman, all of whom would suffer the impact of development.

At the turn of the century the majority of the Metolius River Basin was privately owned by lumberman intent on clear cutting the area. They waited for a rail line to go through the Santiam Pass to move their timber to market. This railroad never came. The land has remained, the trees have remained, and this magical river runs through it all.

The Metolius River Basin is a gift to us from the past. A twist of fate has left it to the citizens of Oregon intact. It is our job to protect and preserve it, now, more than ever!

Senate Bill 30 hopes to protect this jewel of Central Oregon so that future generations can marvel and appreciate that we had the foresight to keep this pristine river protected.

I urge you to support this bill!

Sincerely,

Russ Eaton
Portland, OR