Metolius river cabin for sale for approximately $700,000 - Kathy Reynolds, Camp Sherman

It’s true! These cabins are rarely offered for sale, since they stay in families for generations. Of course, the price doesn’t include the land, which is leased from the Forest Service.

This reminds me of a cabin which was traded for a (new) car, in the late 1950s. The cabin certainly has been a better investment than the car, and the car dealer’s grandchildren - and their children - will continue to enjoy it. Who got the better deal?

Well, Jefferson County wants to make a similar deal – they’ll trade over 10,000 acres of forest for increased tax revenue. These lands will be valuable destination resorts because of their beauty, location, wildlife, clean air, and clean water. But what if the resorts destroy the source of their value? What if future generations lose a wild and scenic river? Are we certain we can make this trade and come out ahead?

Please approve SB 30 with its original intent - to protect the Metolius Basin watershed. If the Bill is wrong, we can fix that. Jefferson County can find other revenue. But no one can fix polluted aquifers, or replenish them when they’re empty. Let’s make sure we keep something for our grandchildren’s children.

Kathy Reynolds
Camp Sherman, OR