Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Stop the Resort Sprawl - Susan Watkins, Salem

Dear Senator Westland:

I am writing to urge you to pass SB 30 to stop the resort sprawl that threatens the Metolius Basin.

I have been an ardent user of the wilderness area of the Metolius for 35 years. During that time I have witnessed the effect of ever greater development in our wild areas. Many of us who have been active participants in outdoor activities were well aware of a global warming process long before it became a public concern. It seems to me that we should be doing everything possible to slow down the global warming process rather than allowing the creation of a destination resort which would amplify this phenomenon. Such large structures change weather patterns and conditions as well as have a tremendous impact on the water resources of the affected area.

In addition, destination resorts increase traffic in the wilderness areas bringing with it a large increase in carbon emissions from automobiles, traffic congestion, and accidents. The traffic going over the highway through the Metolius is already very heavy. It will also encourage over use of the surrounding areas many of which are already over used. When development like this occurs, we soon lose the beauty and pristine nature of the area that attracted us there in the first place.

Sincerely,

Susan Watkins

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