The Fate Of This Special Place Rests With Your Decision - Ervin Siverson, Portland

Dear Rep. Diane Rosenbaum, Chair, Election, Ethics, and Rules Committee:

I am writing to express my full support for Senate Bill 30 that would limit destination resort development in the Metolius River Basin. I speak for the river and its flora and fauna only, I do not own property there and believe that any further development will severely impact and possibly destroy a fragile eco system that should remain in its nearly pristine state. I just returned from a trip to California which included a visit to the Merced River just outside of Yosemite National Park. The Merced is designated as a federal Wild and Scenic River, just as the Metolius is, yet it is neither. California has allowed development of hotels and homes on the river just outside Yosemite's boundary and the results have created a river that is surrounded by concrete without any trees to support river health. I was struck by the difference in water quality, water temperatures and the lack of aquatic life as compared to the Metolius. The Metolius is a state treasure that offers Oregonians a chance to escape from the stressors of everyday life and to camp and visit for very little money. To allow for resort development in the Metolius River Basin such as what is proposed (and once you let any development in, you can bet more will follow) for the benefit of a very few, is short-sighted at best. Let's be honest with each other, these homes that are proposed are not for the typical Oregonian, they will be purchased by the wealthy few turning the Metolius into the playground for the rich and famous; and destroying a pristine watershed that all Oregonians and their future generations should be able to enjoy. The fate of this special place rests with your decision, please support Senate Bill 30 and protect the Metolius River Basin.

Ervin Siverson
Portland, OR