Metolius is Unique - John Hogan, Laguna Hills, CA

Honorable Representatives:

I strongly urge you to support the passage of SB 30 to prevent the development of destination resorts in the Metolius Basin.

I own 10 acres of unimproved property in the lower reach of the river that I purchased four years ago. I have also been a summertime visitor to the Metolius for nearly every one of my 55 years.

I find the Metolius to be unique in many ways. One of these is how little it changes from one year to the next and from one generation to the next. It is one of the very few constants in life. The Metolius does not have second home mansions like are found in so many other parts of Central Oregon. The homes are simple, many historic. Social stratification is nonexistent at the Metolius. Residents and visitors alike share a strong common bond: their love for the River. We consider ourselves stewards of the Metolius who seek to preserve this special place for the benefit of future generations. There is no doubt that the introduction of destination resorts in that area would forever alter the character of the area and destroy the unique qualities that are held so dear.

Jefferson County clearly erred when they recently changed the land use designation to allow such resorts to be developed in the basin. It is an injustice to the taxpayers and citizens of Oregon that a unique asset of statewide, even national significance will be compromised so that one County can raise a few tax dollars while several Johnny-come-lately developers get rich. I respect the rights of Jefferson County to make land use decisions, but when those decisions promote the special interests of a few to the detriment of the entire state, then I would expect our state representatives to intercede, as SB 30 would rightfully do.

I also respect the rights of property owners to develop their property. However, these properties had never been developable until the land use designation abruptly changed a few months ago. What a windfall for the fortuitous developers who recently acquired these properties! Prohibiting the development of these properties into destination resorts will not make victims out of these property owners. They will end up with exactly what they bought to start with…forest management land.

Introducing developments of these magnitudes into the midst of forests is the antithesis of sustainable development…no matter how “green” the proposals claim to be. Such developments also gravely threaten the ecology of the forests by fragmenting and bifurcating habitats. These developments further strain the resources of the Forest Service, the agency who must now be on alert to suppress wildfires near such developments (at taxpayers’ expense).

It is simply wrong that a special area like the Metolius Basin should be irreparably degraded and exploited so that Jefferson County can try to solve it’s economic health issues. Please help create your own legacy by voting to support an unaltered SB 30. Future generations of Oregonians will be forever grateful.

Sincerely,
John C. Hogan
Laguna Hills, CA