Metolius: Not A Landing Pad For Resorts - Kathy Krause, Portland

(To Senators Westlund, Johnson, Walker, Kruse, Morse, and Metsger)

Subject: SB 30 - Metolius

I am writing again to express and URGE support of SB 30 - Metolius. I support growth, enjoy golf and resorts. HOWEVER, great thought needs to made in where these types of resorts land. The Metolius River Basin is not an appropriate landing pad for large resorts! The current Senate Bill 30 is only requesting a "three mile buffer" from the River Basin. Not much to ask. I appreciate the process that goes into Land Use decisions, but the Metolius River and surrounding area is a gift to all Oregonians, not just Jefferson County residents and elected officials. There are plenty of appropriate places for resorts. Development next to one of our States most unique examples of a wild and scenic river is not one of them!

The Metolius River exemplifies Oregon treasures - beautiful, natural, untouched environments that provide a safe refuge and haven to visitors (humans) and occupants (nature and wildlife). It is imperative we step in and protect this area as legislature in the past has done for places like our beaches and the Columbia River Gorge! If we do not act now to protect this unique and pristine treasure, we will some day ask why no one cared!

As a resident of Oregon for 33 of my 38 years, I depend on the Legislature of Oregon to be my voice. 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. Please be my voice and support restriction on growth in this treasured and unique piece of Oregon. If you aren't familiar with Camp Sherman and the Metolius River, please take a 2.5 hour drive from Portland and see for yourself what the magical area offers. After one visit, you will understand, as I do, why more than ever, this little piece of Oregon needs to be watched, cared for and protected!

My work has allowed me to travel all over the world, and I have never seen or experienced anything else that compares to this unique river and surrounding area! I have brought visitors from around the world for day trips and hikes to share in the beauty of this river. The comments are always the same - "What a magical and spiritual area!" Everyone I have ever shared this area with is in awe over the pristine and serene environment and struck by the peaceful and uninterrupted magic of nature. Again, we (humans) are just visitors and it is home to nature and wildlife, and it needs to be kept that way!

The proposed resorts are interested in this area for the above reasons, and will only destroy what drew them there to begin with! Again, I support growth, enjoy resorts and golf. However, I do not support sacrificing an area which needs to be protected and can currently be enjoyed by everyone to the hands of a few who have the funds to change its existing scenic and wild habitat forever. This river belongs to all Oregonians. It is home to the fish and wildlife and is one of the finest examples of a wild and scenic area in the world. Oregonians are proud to have scenic areas like the Metolius in our State! It is the very reason most of us have chosen to live here. This area can never be recreated or "fixed" if it is harmed. The Metolius River Basin is not able to support humans as residents, nor should it be! The Metolius River Basin is not just another piece of dirt with a river running through it! It is a National treasure and one that Oregon is darned lucky to have! This area has been protected by the Federal Government and private parties for years, and there is a reason for that.

Thank you for you time and consideration!

Kathy Krause
Portland, Oregon