Protect Metolius and Whychus - Tom Davis, Sisters

Metolius protection bill will preserve other water bodies
(Full article printed in the 4/25 Bend Bulletin here. (subscription required)

By Tom Davis

The aquatic health of Central Oregon's Metolius River depends on its watershed. The destination resorts Jefferson County would like to allow are incompatible with clean water, high-quality spawning gravel and the world-class native fish of the Metolius. Passage of Senate Bill 30 is critical to ensure this area remains relatively pristine.

Based on U.S. Geological Survey reports and topography, surface water and the deep and shallow groundwater below the proposed destination resorts flow toward and discharge into the Metolius, Fly Creek and other Metolius tributaries.

In addition to the Metolius and its healthy population of bull trout, a native species on the threatened list, Fly Creek is exceptionally important because of isolated populations of native redbands, a valuable genetic resource. Contaminants such as nitrate and household chemicals from wastewater systems at the resorts and the landscaping chemicals used would pose a major threat to those genetic reserves.

Sediment from soil erosion during construction, roads and other results of development at the proposed sites also pose a serious threat to spawning gravel and aquatic health.

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The Metolius isn't the only stream system at risk. Water quality and sediment loading problems also are likely to occur in the adjacent Whychus watershed because of development at the 10,000-acre Colson parcel. Yes, Whychus is now pretty degraded, but flow and habitat structure are being restored through cooperative conservation efforts.

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The crown jewel qualities of the Metolius are well-known throughout the nation and can be easily experienced and appreciated. Many of the Whychus' qualities can't be as easily appreciated, particularly the qualities that have been lost but are to be re-established or reintroduced. But with the exceptional quality and diversity of landscapes, vegetation and Western culture a compelling argument can be made that Whychus will be, and can remain, a treasure that rivals the Metolius.

SB 30, proposed by Sen. Ben Westlund and others, protects the Metolius and provides some protection for Whychus Creek. It's a compromise, but one that deserves passage. If negotiations are called for, Whychus Creek should also be protected.

Throughout our history, we have mistakenly given the benefit of any uncertainty to profit at the expense of precarious natural resources such as native fish. Our decision-making usually places the burden of proof on non-market values, such as native fish. The watersheds of Whychus Creek and the Metolius River, including Fly Creek, are of such high quality and value that these priorities should be reversed. A spokesman for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs described Jefferson County's opening of the door for the two parcels to become destination resorts as a "not-very-well-thought-out decision." My longtime fishing buddy, a very conservative businessman, wrote the following about SB 30 to the senator from his district: "There is plenty of area in Central Oregon that will support resort development without encroachment upon such a pristine area."

Tom Davis is a member of the Native Fish Society.