Native Fish Society Supports Original Vision - Tom Davis, Sisters

Senator Ferrioli [Copies were sent to all Senators] -

The Native Fish Society enthusiastically supports the ORIGINAL VISION of Senate Bill 30 including a total prohibition on resorts in or within three miles of the Metolius River watershed because the aquatic health of the Metolius River depends on its watershed. Destination resorts in the watershed are incompatible with clean water, high quality spawning gravel and the world-class native fish of the Metolius.

In addition to the Metolius and it’s threatened bull trout, the tributary waters, particularly Fly Creek, are exceptionally important because of the existence of isolated populations of native Redbands, a valuable genetic resource. Based on USGS reports the deep and shallow groundwater from the Colson parcel would flow toward, and discharge into, Fly Creek and other Metolius tributaries, likely carrying contaminants such as nitrate from wastewater systems at the resorts. Such pollutants would pose a major threat to the valuable, genetic reserves of native fish.

Whychus Creek water quality will also be impacted. It is one of the primary destinations for native Steelhead that are currently being reintroduced at a cost of millions. This is a nationally significant opportunity for re-establishing native fish in habitat that has been blocked from anadromous fish access for decades, and is the result of the Pelton – Round Butte relicensing agreements.

The sediment from soil erosion during construction, roads and other results of development at the potential destination resorts also poses a serious threat to spawning gravel and aquatic health.

Throughout our history we have usually given the benefit of any uncertainty to potential profit at the expense of precarious, natural resources such as native fish. Our decision-making usually places the burden of proof on non-market values, such as native fish. The watersheds of the Metolius including Fly Creek, and Whychus Creek, are of such high quality and value that this process deserves to be reversed. Senate Bill 30 accomplishes that and the Native Fish Society urges its passage.

Thank you for your help on this important legislation.

Tom Davis, PE (inactive)
Upper Deschutes River Steward, Native Fish Society
Sisters, OR