Greater Value In Its Natural State - Karen Allen, Bend

[Sent to the members of the Senate Rules Committee and Reps. Merkley, Hunt, and Roblan:]

I am writing in support of the original vision behind Senate Bill 30 and a total prohibition on resorts in or within three miles of the Metolius River watershed. The Metolius River watershed is a rare gem in Central Oregon, home to a greater diversity of songbird, wildlife and plant species than any other place in Central Oregon. With a large percentage of land publicly owned or protected as the Metolius Preserve, this area has a much greater value to current and future generations in a protected, natural state than as destination resorts that would serve few individuals in the short term.

Thank you for your support,

Karen Allen
Environmental Science, Restoration, and Education
Bend, OR