Matters Generally Overlooked - Katherine Livingston, Camp Sherman

The Hon, Vicki Walker, Senator
State House
Salem, Oregon

RE: SB 30

Dear Senator Walker,

May I first of all express my appreciation of the fine way in which you conducted the hearing on April 5th concerning SB30, even though enough time was not reserved for hearing the supporters of that bill.

Before the hearing I submitted my written testimony. Had I had the opportunity to speak I would have added the following points which I believe are worthy of serious consideration.

In testimony and discussion two matters are generally overlooked:

1) The Metolius River Basin as a State as well as Federal responsibility in that it is not just local, but situated within The Deschtes National Forest.

2) Alternatives to destination resorts within or near the Basin as a source of tax revenues for Jefferson County.

There has been ample and moving testimony to preserve the integrity of the Metoliius River and environs from those who have known and loved it for generations, to say nothing of the testimony of more recent residents of the area who are equally concerned about the river and its future.

There is no denying that the Metolius River is unique among the rivers of our nation. It is not awesome in size and grandeur as are the Columbia, The Missouri, the Mississippi, the Madison, to say nothing of the Amazon and the Congo. The Metolius is a small river, a unique and multi-faceted gem set in a unique and multifaceted masterpiece of Nature. It is fragile and vulnerable, and it's life source is not renewable. To threaten both the source and the purity of its waters by destination resorts is unthinkable and irresponsible.

As to the adequate funding of Jefferson County's obligations to the residents of the state through a new tax source there is no question, but it is how and where. That, I believe, should be the debate.

The Metolius River Basin is a treasure for the entire state, and the entire state should share the burden of preserving it. Can we not put our minds together for working out creative ways to generate income for the County? Perhaps even for the whole state. A special tax dedicated to preserving all of its wonders, from coast to forest to desert.

In all of my 92 years of life I have seen much of the world-- rivers, mountains deserts and forests, and nothing can compare to what we are blessed to have in the state of Oregon. Sometimes we don't appreciate what is at our very door. Let's not go down that slippery slope and find nothing at the end.

I look forward to a second hearing. Thank you again for your fair minded approach to this very sensitive issue.

Sincerely,
Katherine S. Livingston
(Camp Sherman, OR)