Most Reckless Plan To Date - Gary Kish, Sauvie Island

[Sent to Rep. Brad Witt and cc'd to Sen. Betsy Johnson;]

I am one of your Columbia County consituents. I realize that SB30 is still in the Senate, but did want to let you know that I am following this closely, as the proposed resorts that SB30 prohibits are a very real threat to the future of the Metolius, its fisheries and its setting.

The reason the Metolius is the gem it is, is the water quality and constant flows.

Large scale development in the basin has the potential to disrupt both.

Additionally, the Green Ridge 3,000 home development will seriously impact the deer herd as it would be located right on top of their vital wintering grounds.

Years ago Jefferson County tried to punch through and pave the primitive trail that goes most of the way - but not all - through the undesignated wilderness area that is the Lower Metolius. Conservationists with help from the Forest Service beat back that proposal.

More recently, Jefferson County tried to pave the road above Camp Sherman Store, where it runs right on the river's bank. Fisherman and home owners killed that bad idea.

So again Jefferson County's Commissioners come forth with another, and their most reckless plan to date for the Metolius.

As you likely know, most of the the Metolius basin is in public hands, through the US Forest Service. The public has demanded conservative management and protection of this resource.

Jefferson County and developers are now trying to cash in on the natural capital that the public has created in this special locale.

I urge you to help preserve the Metolius and support SB30 when it comes to the House.

Gary Kish
Sauvie Island, OR