So Our Children Can Enjoy It - Ervin Siverson, Portland

(Sent to the Oregonian:)

In response to Senate Bill 30 that would eliminate destination resorts in the Metolius River basin, Jefferson County Commissioner Bill Bellamy is quoted as saying (Oregonian, 3/25/07) "Whether you like what destination resorts have done, it's phenomenally significant what they do to property tax revenues." In other words, if the building of trophy homes and golf courses next to the Metolius River, a federally designated Wild and Scenic River, can be tolerated, we can make tax revenue off the destruction of pristine forestland and have another playground for the rich and famous. I urge my fellow Oregonians to write their legislators to support Senate Bill 30, so our children may have the ability to experience the unique beauty of a place like the Metolius Basin, because once it is gone, it's gone.

Ervin Siverson
Portland, OR