Dear Senator:
Senate Bill 30 is a remarkable bill that was proposed by some of the Senators. I urge you to support SB30 in its present restored form, giving protection to the Metolius River Basin. My family has leased a lot from the Forest Service on the River for seventy years. Each year when we return to vacation, we are amazed at how the area doesn't change! It is a unique place that has been preserved in its natural beauty----the river's cold, clear water comes from a place that we cannot see, but it isn't unlimited, the fish and the animals abound in their native habitat. Everything depends on a proper balance of all the elements. That is why the Federal Government recognized this and created the Wild and Scenic River designation for the Metolius River.
The Metolius River Basin is part of the Naked Planet! Let's not see it covered with pavement, houses, lodges, landscaping, golf courses, and wells, where the water will be sucked out -- all the use of humans!!
It is my strong conviction that we have an obligation to protect the treasures of the Metolius River Basin. Construction of Resorts would change all that forever and the environment would be irreparably harmed.
I hope that you will be a Senator who listened and cared for the future of this special place! I think that when I die and, hopefully, go to Heaven, it will look exactly like the Metolius River Basin!!!!
Sincerely,
Frances B. Hogan
Palo Alto, CA
Friday, May 18, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Magical In Its Mood - Steve and Kathy Bachelder, Portland
Dear Distinguished House Leadership and Members of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee,
The Metolius River Basin is recognized as one of the most special places in the country, if not world. A river of unmatched beauty, magical in its mood and pristine character. If you have any doubts about this, please drive over there and take a stroll along its banks- it will be impossible for you to not want to protect it!
Allowing destination resorts nearby will tarnish it with overuse, fertilizer run-off, litter, noise and general degradation of what is Oregon's crown jewel of quiet beauty. We cannot allow such a precious resource to be swallowed up just for the sake of Jefferson County tax revenues and developers' profits!
And speaking of that, are you aware that the sudden change in Jefferson County development rules last year could increas the value of the two developers' holdings overnight by perhaps as much as a hundredfold? For example, Dutch Pacific purchased its square mile just a year and a half ago for $1.1 million. Shortly thereafter, the development rules change made it worth at least $100 million once it sells individual lots. (250 lots times $400,000) The Green Ridge development is ten times larger (worth $1 billion?).
The legions of lobbyists and lawyers money like that can field are hard to fight, and hard for a county with its own economic problems to resist. But it's a big county with lots of private developable land that does not threaten a national treasure. Please support SB 30 and encourage development where it is less harmful.
Thank you,
Steve and Kathy Bachelder
Portland, OR
The Metolius River Basin is recognized as one of the most special places in the country, if not world. A river of unmatched beauty, magical in its mood and pristine character. If you have any doubts about this, please drive over there and take a stroll along its banks- it will be impossible for you to not want to protect it!
Allowing destination resorts nearby will tarnish it with overuse, fertilizer run-off, litter, noise and general degradation of what is Oregon's crown jewel of quiet beauty. We cannot allow such a precious resource to be swallowed up just for the sake of Jefferson County tax revenues and developers' profits!
And speaking of that, are you aware that the sudden change in Jefferson County development rules last year could increas the value of the two developers' holdings overnight by perhaps as much as a hundredfold? For example, Dutch Pacific purchased its square mile just a year and a half ago for $1.1 million. Shortly thereafter, the development rules change made it worth at least $100 million once it sells individual lots. (250 lots times $400,000) The Green Ridge development is ten times larger (worth $1 billion?).
The legions of lobbyists and lawyers money like that can field are hard to fight, and hard for a county with its own economic problems to resist. But it's a big county with lots of private developable land that does not threaten a national treasure. Please support SB 30 and encourage development where it is less harmful.
Thank you,
Steve and Kathy Bachelder
Portland, OR
Don't Let Developers Rob Us - Mirza Dickel
Salutations.
I don't know why our Oregonians condone the antics of the developers to succeed in destroying the very things that make us all want to live here. Our wild and beautiful empty spaces are why we don't live in New York or Chicago, and yet we passively ignore legislation such as Senate Bill 30, which prohibited resorts within 3 miles of the Metolius River Watershed, and now I understand that regulation has been withdrawn. It is perfectly obvious that some developer / a greedy real estate person who has his eye on making money / has managed to eliminate the restriction. It always seems to end up as simple as GREED. It never has to do with how we live, what we care about, how we feel about our every-day lives. If you live in Oregon, you can climb our mountains, you can swim in our rivers and lakes, you can hike on our trails, and it doesn’t cost a nickel. That’s why we live here. Don’t let developers rob us of what is ours to enjoy. Please revert to the original bill and keep the restriction.
Sincerely,
Mirza Dickel
I don't know why our Oregonians condone the antics of the developers to succeed in destroying the very things that make us all want to live here. Our wild and beautiful empty spaces are why we don't live in New York or Chicago, and yet we passively ignore legislation such as Senate Bill 30, which prohibited resorts within 3 miles of the Metolius River Watershed, and now I understand that regulation has been withdrawn. It is perfectly obvious that some developer / a greedy real estate person who has his eye on making money / has managed to eliminate the restriction. It always seems to end up as simple as GREED. It never has to do with how we live, what we care about, how we feel about our every-day lives. If you live in Oregon, you can climb our mountains, you can swim in our rivers and lakes, you can hike on our trails, and it doesn’t cost a nickel. That’s why we live here. Don’t let developers rob us of what is ours to enjoy. Please revert to the original bill and keep the restriction.
Sincerely,
Mirza Dickel
Protect The Metolius - Mary Wood, Eugene
Dear Representatives:
I urge you to support a bill to protect the Metolius Basin from destination resorts. The Senate has passed bill SB 30, and now the matter rests with the House.
If there is one way of describing the Metolius River, it is a quiet, peaceful, timeless river that runs like a thread through generations of Oregonians, and back to time immemorial for native people of the Basin. When a river provides the kind of quiet solitude that the Metolius has for eons, it becomes sacred. The Metolius River is unmatched in quietude and beauty.
Families across Oregon take comfort in knowing that the Metolius today is still much like it was when their parents or grandparents first experienced it. You can’t say that about many places any more. Destination resorts epitomize callous disregard of the quietude held by these last few remaining places. Allowing destination resorts in or near the basin essentially converts a priceless natural treasure to cheap cash. Resorts of the sort proposed are a dime a dozen. With thousands of resort homes, the Metolius would be fairly indistinguishable from any other place.
The legislature has a duty to protect the public property of this state for future generations of citizens. This means a duty to resist handing away the state's resources to private developers knocking loudly at the door. The people of Oregon own the river, the air, the wildlife and the forests that are threatened with these resort proposals. As the Supreme Court said in 1907, and again just four weeks ago, “[T]he state has an interest independent of and behind the titles of its citizens, in all the earth and air within its domain. It has the last word as to whether its mountains shall be stripped of their forests and its inhabitants shall breathe pure air.”[1]
Aside from this, it is remarkable that destination resorts would even be proposed at a time when this state, and indeed the world, is trying to CUT carbon emissions in an urgent effort to stave off climate crisis. Destination resorts encourage runaway greenhouse gas emissions. The developers must think they are living in a different era, or else they think that everyone else should sacrifice so that they can reap profits. Either is untenable. The legislature has a duty to address climate crisis on behalf of the citizens of Oregon.
I close this email with a poem that my great-grandfather, Charles Erskine Scott Wood, wrote in 1921 as he was sitting on the banks of the Metolius River at our Camp. He was a lawyer, and an author, and about 70 years old when he wrote this poem. He loved the river and bequeathed it poetically to future generations. I hope this poem moves you to consider the legacy you will leave for future generations through the work of your office.
I Charles Erskine Scott Wood,
Make now my last sure will and testament
For those grandchildren who share with me this solitude
And whom I must too shortly leave.
To my grandchildren,
I give all trout in the Metolius. . .
I give them mornings on the river-bank,
Song of the river when the new sun shines. . .
And the solemn discourse of the pines
At evening when the melting shadows fall
And Peace sits on the bank with folded wings’
The birds all [offering] a good-night call,
And deep in dusk a yellow warbler sings,
The river is for your delight.
[1] Georgia v. Tennessee Copper Company, 206 U.S. 230, 238 (1907); Massachusetts v. EPA, 2007 U.S. LEXIS 3785 (U.S. 2007).
I urge you to support a bill to protect the Metolius Basin from destination resorts. The Senate has passed bill SB 30, and now the matter rests with the House.
If there is one way of describing the Metolius River, it is a quiet, peaceful, timeless river that runs like a thread through generations of Oregonians, and back to time immemorial for native people of the Basin. When a river provides the kind of quiet solitude that the Metolius has for eons, it becomes sacred. The Metolius River is unmatched in quietude and beauty.
Families across Oregon take comfort in knowing that the Metolius today is still much like it was when their parents or grandparents first experienced it. You can’t say that about many places any more. Destination resorts epitomize callous disregard of the quietude held by these last few remaining places. Allowing destination resorts in or near the basin essentially converts a priceless natural treasure to cheap cash. Resorts of the sort proposed are a dime a dozen. With thousands of resort homes, the Metolius would be fairly indistinguishable from any other place.
The legislature has a duty to protect the public property of this state for future generations of citizens. This means a duty to resist handing away the state's resources to private developers knocking loudly at the door. The people of Oregon own the river, the air, the wildlife and the forests that are threatened with these resort proposals. As the Supreme Court said in 1907, and again just four weeks ago, “[T]he state has an interest independent of and behind the titles of its citizens, in all the earth and air within its domain. It has the last word as to whether its mountains shall be stripped of their forests and its inhabitants shall breathe pure air.”[1]
Aside from this, it is remarkable that destination resorts would even be proposed at a time when this state, and indeed the world, is trying to CUT carbon emissions in an urgent effort to stave off climate crisis. Destination resorts encourage runaway greenhouse gas emissions. The developers must think they are living in a different era, or else they think that everyone else should sacrifice so that they can reap profits. Either is untenable. The legislature has a duty to address climate crisis on behalf of the citizens of Oregon.
I close this email with a poem that my great-grandfather, Charles Erskine Scott Wood, wrote in 1921 as he was sitting on the banks of the Metolius River at our Camp. He was a lawyer, and an author, and about 70 years old when he wrote this poem. He loved the river and bequeathed it poetically to future generations. I hope this poem moves you to consider the legacy you will leave for future generations through the work of your office.
I Charles Erskine Scott Wood,
Make now my last sure will and testament
For those grandchildren who share with me this solitude
And whom I must too shortly leave.
To my grandchildren,
I give all trout in the Metolius. . .
I give them mornings on the river-bank,
Song of the river when the new sun shines. . .
And the solemn discourse of the pines
At evening when the melting shadows fall
And Peace sits on the bank with folded wings’
The birds all [offering] a good-night call,
And deep in dusk a yellow warbler sings,
The river is for your delight.
[1] Georgia v. Tennessee Copper Company, 206 U.S. 230, 238 (1907); Massachusetts v. EPA, 2007 U.S. LEXIS 3785 (U.S. 2007).
Places Like the Metolius Make Oregon Special - Sam Morley, Washington DC
[Sent to the members of the Senate Rules Committee:]
I am writing in support of Senate Bill 30, a bill that would prohibit destination resorts within 3 miles of the Metolius River Basin. I was raised in Oregon and even though I now live in the East, I have been returning to the Metolius each summer for the last 25 years at least.
For me the Metolius is a unique and precious area with unrivalled wildlife, fishing, hiking and camping. A fragile balance between environmental needs and human use has been maintained by the untiring efforts of generations of people who want to preserve this environment for the enjoyment of future generations. Places like the Metolius are what make Oregon a special place. Large destination resorts of the sort that are being proposed for the area will change the unique Metolius environment forever. They are irreversible. Please don’t let that happen.
Sincerely yours,
Samuel A. Morley
Washington DC
I am writing in support of Senate Bill 30, a bill that would prohibit destination resorts within 3 miles of the Metolius River Basin. I was raised in Oregon and even though I now live in the East, I have been returning to the Metolius each summer for the last 25 years at least.
For me the Metolius is a unique and precious area with unrivalled wildlife, fishing, hiking and camping. A fragile balance between environmental needs and human use has been maintained by the untiring efforts of generations of people who want to preserve this environment for the enjoyment of future generations. Places like the Metolius are what make Oregon a special place. Large destination resorts of the sort that are being proposed for the area will change the unique Metolius environment forever. They are irreversible. Please don’t let that happen.
Sincerely yours,
Samuel A. Morley
Washington DC
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Don't Let The Developers Win This One - Susie Leone, Elk Grove, CA
[Sent to all members of the House of Representatives:]
I am writing regarding SB 30 (Metolius). I want to express my overwhelming support for your senate bill.
I am a Californian who has visited Oregon many times and have been to the Metolious River several times…it is a wonderful and serene spot within the United States! I support the original vision behind Senate Bill 30 and a total prohibition on resorts in or within three miles of the Metolius River watershed. PLEASE DO NOT COMPROMISE THIS BILL!
We need this area to be kept as natural as possible…..a place that feels good and feels like "home." This area is rehabilitative to most of us. Quite simply, if we don’t take care of the precious landscape we have, it won’t be able to take care of us. PLEASE DON’T LET THE DEVELOPERS WIN THIS ONE! Don’t let Oregon become uncaring!
Clearly, the Metolious River watershed is at risk:
- Destination resorts consume vast quantities of water (shouldn’t Oregon be saving?)
- Their golf courses, wastewater and pavement runoff can pollute surface and ground waters (Does Oregon NEED more than 35 golf courses in an area this size? Youhave SO many ways tourists can enjoy your area)
- Thousands of more visitors will crowd the unique Metolious Wild and Scenic River
- Damage to the sensitive riparian areas and healthy fish habitat, not to mention wildlife like river otters will be at risk
Please, Please, Please CONTINUE to be a leader on this.
THANK YOU
Susie Leone, an Elk Grove, California resident who loves Oregon and the Metolious River
I am writing regarding SB 30 (Metolius). I want to express my overwhelming support for your senate bill.
I am a Californian who has visited Oregon many times and have been to the Metolious River several times…it is a wonderful and serene spot within the United States! I support the original vision behind Senate Bill 30 and a total prohibition on resorts in or within three miles of the Metolius River watershed. PLEASE DO NOT COMPROMISE THIS BILL!
We need this area to be kept as natural as possible…..a place that feels good and feels like "home." This area is rehabilitative to most of us. Quite simply, if we don’t take care of the precious landscape we have, it won’t be able to take care of us. PLEASE DON’T LET THE DEVELOPERS WIN THIS ONE! Don’t let Oregon become uncaring!
Clearly, the Metolious River watershed is at risk:
- Destination resorts consume vast quantities of water (shouldn’t Oregon be saving?)
- Their golf courses, wastewater and pavement runoff can pollute surface and ground waters (Does Oregon NEED more than 35 golf courses in an area this size? Youhave SO many ways tourists can enjoy your area)
- Thousands of more visitors will crowd the unique Metolious Wild and Scenic River
- Damage to the sensitive riparian areas and healthy fish habitat, not to mention wildlife like river otters will be at risk
Please, Please, Please CONTINUE to be a leader on this.
THANK YOU
Susie Leone, an Elk Grove, California resident who loves Oregon and the Metolious River
100% Oregon - Mike McAvoy, Portland
[Sent to all members of the House:]
I am writing you to strongly encourage you to support Senate Bill 30 and keep a 3 mile exclusion zone for destination resorts along the Metolius River basin. This bill is heading for your committee very soon and I strongly encourage you to work to maintain the protections provided in this bill.
There is a proposal for two major destination resorts along the banks of the Metolius River. I’m not sure if you’ve ever been to the Metolius, it is a place where my family has camped, hiked, bird-watched, fished, star-gazed, and recreated my entire life. I remember numerous summers spent along the river. My father taught me to fish, my sisters and I rode bikes. Whether it was camping or renting a cabin, we always came to the Metolius each summer. I remember watching the most amazing meteor shower I’ve ever seen while laying on the hood of our family car – the family in complete silence while the sky put on a great show. I’m now starting a family of my own and am planning on taking my two young sons to the Metolius to teach them to fish and camp and to enjoy the outdoors.
The problem with destination resorts in this area, is that the Metolius is a tremendously fragile ecosystem. The Metolius River is a spring-fed river which means its extremely sensitive to any changes in the groundwater in the river basin. This river is one of the very few areas in the lower 48 states where the Federally endangered Bull Trout thrive. This is a testament to the clean cool water which flows through this river basin. A great deal of public and private money has been spent in the last several years on returning this rivershed to a natural state and the result has been fantastic. My fishing club has spent a great deal of time returning tributaries of the Metolius River to a natural state in anticipation of the return of Salmon and Steelhead scheduled for 2009. In fact, 15,000 Steelhead were planted in the Metolius River basin this week. We’ve spent a great deal of time, energy and sweat working with local landowners to plant trees in the riparian zone and provide cover for fish and wildlife. All of this is done complete as volunteers because of the love we have for this very special river.
Wild trout thrive in this river, the local area (Camp Sherman) is reaping the benefits from increased tourism, fishing, camping and recreation. Salmon and steelhead are being returned to the tributaries of the Metolius River. Right now this river is a success story. It is our heritage and a gem of Oregon. This river is one of the best free flowing spring fed trout streams in America. We should be embracing this river and doing all we can to protect it. This river is 100% what Oregon should be about. By protecting this river from instant development, we will not only be respecting our heritage, but we will build upon the growing economic model which is based around recreation in pristine areas. Destroying the pristine areas destroys this economic model.
Should mega-destination resorts be allowed to be built on the river, the Metolius will become a shell of its former self. Destination resorts are planned with at least three golf courses and over 4,000 homes. This is an instant city, larger than Madras, Redmond or Sisters. The water requirements of such an instant city right on the edge of the Metolius would severely impact the groundwater and effectively decimate the water quality of the river. Pesticides, weed killers, run-off, etc from the 4,000 homes and golf courses would seep into the groundwater and thus into the river itself. All the work done to restore this river would be wasted. We will have ruined yet another river system, all to give the wealthy another place for a summer home that’s closer to Portland than Sunriver.
Please support the original intent of Senate Bill 30. Please provide a 3 mile buffer within the Metolius River Basin where no large scale destination resorts can be built. There are plenty of other areas in this state more suited for destination resorts where the impact will not completely destroy a fragile yet successful watershed.
There was a time in Oregon’s history where our elected officials stood up to developers with very deep pockets who attempted to change our way of life. I remember as a kid when our elected officials in Salem protected the public lands and protected our special areas of exceptional beauty from development. I remember when state senators and representatives and governors said no when special interest groups tried to take our heritage and natural resources. Its been a while since we had this kind of leadership in our elected officials. I very much hope we can get this back.
I ask for your support in returning Senate Bill 30 to its original intent and keeping destination resorts away from the Metolius River.
Sincerely,
Michael McAvoy
Portland, OR
I am writing you to strongly encourage you to support Senate Bill 30 and keep a 3 mile exclusion zone for destination resorts along the Metolius River basin. This bill is heading for your committee very soon and I strongly encourage you to work to maintain the protections provided in this bill.
There is a proposal for two major destination resorts along the banks of the Metolius River. I’m not sure if you’ve ever been to the Metolius, it is a place where my family has camped, hiked, bird-watched, fished, star-gazed, and recreated my entire life. I remember numerous summers spent along the river. My father taught me to fish, my sisters and I rode bikes. Whether it was camping or renting a cabin, we always came to the Metolius each summer. I remember watching the most amazing meteor shower I’ve ever seen while laying on the hood of our family car – the family in complete silence while the sky put on a great show. I’m now starting a family of my own and am planning on taking my two young sons to the Metolius to teach them to fish and camp and to enjoy the outdoors.
The problem with destination resorts in this area, is that the Metolius is a tremendously fragile ecosystem. The Metolius River is a spring-fed river which means its extremely sensitive to any changes in the groundwater in the river basin. This river is one of the very few areas in the lower 48 states where the Federally endangered Bull Trout thrive. This is a testament to the clean cool water which flows through this river basin. A great deal of public and private money has been spent in the last several years on returning this rivershed to a natural state and the result has been fantastic. My fishing club has spent a great deal of time returning tributaries of the Metolius River to a natural state in anticipation of the return of Salmon and Steelhead scheduled for 2009. In fact, 15,000 Steelhead were planted in the Metolius River basin this week. We’ve spent a great deal of time, energy and sweat working with local landowners to plant trees in the riparian zone and provide cover for fish and wildlife. All of this is done complete as volunteers because of the love we have for this very special river.
Wild trout thrive in this river, the local area (Camp Sherman) is reaping the benefits from increased tourism, fishing, camping and recreation. Salmon and steelhead are being returned to the tributaries of the Metolius River. Right now this river is a success story. It is our heritage and a gem of Oregon. This river is one of the best free flowing spring fed trout streams in America. We should be embracing this river and doing all we can to protect it. This river is 100% what Oregon should be about. By protecting this river from instant development, we will not only be respecting our heritage, but we will build upon the growing economic model which is based around recreation in pristine areas. Destroying the pristine areas destroys this economic model.
Should mega-destination resorts be allowed to be built on the river, the Metolius will become a shell of its former self. Destination resorts are planned with at least three golf courses and over 4,000 homes. This is an instant city, larger than Madras, Redmond or Sisters. The water requirements of such an instant city right on the edge of the Metolius would severely impact the groundwater and effectively decimate the water quality of the river. Pesticides, weed killers, run-off, etc from the 4,000 homes and golf courses would seep into the groundwater and thus into the river itself. All the work done to restore this river would be wasted. We will have ruined yet another river system, all to give the wealthy another place for a summer home that’s closer to Portland than Sunriver.
Please support the original intent of Senate Bill 30. Please provide a 3 mile buffer within the Metolius River Basin where no large scale destination resorts can be built. There are plenty of other areas in this state more suited for destination resorts where the impact will not completely destroy a fragile yet successful watershed.
There was a time in Oregon’s history where our elected officials stood up to developers with very deep pockets who attempted to change our way of life. I remember as a kid when our elected officials in Salem protected the public lands and protected our special areas of exceptional beauty from development. I remember when state senators and representatives and governors said no when special interest groups tried to take our heritage and natural resources. Its been a while since we had this kind of leadership in our elected officials. I very much hope we can get this back.
I ask for your support in returning Senate Bill 30 to its original intent and keeping destination resorts away from the Metolius River.
Sincerely,
Michael McAvoy
Portland, OR
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Protect Our Watersheds - Elsa Ruth Douglass, Bend
Dear Senator Johnson,
I am writing to support prohibition of resorts within three miles of the Metolius River watershed. I attended many meetings in Sutherlin on watersheds in Douglas County, and I am greatly concerned about clean watersheds, the gold of the 21st century. Please do all that you can in all areas of Oregon to protect our watersheds, even if it means fewer developments and fewer tax collections. This is precious and vital land for our well-being. I am not a person of wealth and do not live in the Metolius area.
Thank you for your kind concern for this issue.
Sincerely,
Elsa Ruth Douglass
Bend, OR
I am writing to support prohibition of resorts within three miles of the Metolius River watershed. I attended many meetings in Sutherlin on watersheds in Douglas County, and I am greatly concerned about clean watersheds, the gold of the 21st century. Please do all that you can in all areas of Oregon to protect our watersheds, even if it means fewer developments and fewer tax collections. This is precious and vital land for our well-being. I am not a person of wealth and do not live in the Metolius area.
Thank you for your kind concern for this issue.
Sincerely,
Elsa Ruth Douglass
Bend, OR
Monday, May 14, 2007
Thank You - Frances Hogan, Palo Alto, CA
[Sent to the members of the Senate Rules Committee:]
My husband, my family and I wish to express our appreciation to you for your foresight in restoring the original Senate Bill 30 to Save the Metolius. Your vision will be instrumental in preserving this unique environment.
Sincerely,
Frances B. Hogan
Palo Alto, CA
My husband, my family and I wish to express our appreciation to you for your foresight in restoring the original Senate Bill 30 to Save the Metolius. Your vision will be instrumental in preserving this unique environment.
Sincerely,
Frances B. Hogan
Palo Alto, CA
Please Continue To Be A Leader - Susie Leone, Elk Grove, CA
[Sent to the members of the Senate Rules Committee:]
I am writing regarding SB 30 (Metolius). I want to express my overwhelming support for your senate bill.
I am a Californian who has visited Oregon many times and have been to the Metolious River several times. It is a wonderful and serene spot within the United States! I support the original vision behind Senate Bill 30 and a total prohibition on resorts in or within three miles of the Metolius River watershed. PLEASE DO NOT COMPROMISE THIS BILL!
We need this area to be kept as natural as possible... a place that feels good and feels like "home." This area is rehabilitative to most of us. Quite simply, if we don't take care of the precious landscape we have, it won't be able to take care of us. PLEASE DON'T LET THE DEVELOPERS WIN THIS ONE! Don't let Oregon become uncaring! Clearly, the Metolious River watershed is at risk:- Destination resorts consume vast quantities of water (shouldn't Oregon be saving?)- Their golf courses, wastewater and pavement runoff can pollute surface and ground waters (Does Oregon NEED more than 35 golf courses in an area this size? You have SO many ways tourists can enjoy your area)- Thousands of more visitors will crowd the unique Metolious Wild and Scenic River.
- Damage to the sensitive riparian areas and healthy fish habitat, not to mention wildlife like river otters will be at risk. Please, Please, Please CONTINUE to be a leader on this.
THANK YOU
Susie Leone, an Elk Grove, California resident who loves Oregon and the Metolious River
I am writing regarding SB 30 (Metolius). I want to express my overwhelming support for your senate bill.
I am a Californian who has visited Oregon many times and have been to the Metolious River several times. It is a wonderful and serene spot within the United States! I support the original vision behind Senate Bill 30 and a total prohibition on resorts in or within three miles of the Metolius River watershed. PLEASE DO NOT COMPROMISE THIS BILL!
We need this area to be kept as natural as possible... a place that feels good and feels like "home." This area is rehabilitative to most of us. Quite simply, if we don't take care of the precious landscape we have, it won't be able to take care of us. PLEASE DON'T LET THE DEVELOPERS WIN THIS ONE! Don't let Oregon become uncaring! Clearly, the Metolious River watershed is at risk:- Destination resorts consume vast quantities of water (shouldn't Oregon be saving?)- Their golf courses, wastewater and pavement runoff can pollute surface and ground waters (Does Oregon NEED more than 35 golf courses in an area this size? You have SO many ways tourists can enjoy your area)- Thousands of more visitors will crowd the unique Metolious Wild and Scenic River.
- Damage to the sensitive riparian areas and healthy fish habitat, not to mention wildlife like river otters will be at risk. Please, Please, Please CONTINUE to be a leader on this.
THANK YOU
Susie Leone, an Elk Grove, California resident who loves Oregon and the Metolious River
Thank You, Again, Senator Johnson - Pat Krause, Portland
Dear Senator Johnson,
Thank you, again, to you and your family for your love and dedication to protecting the Metolius River through the years. Thank you for all your hard work, devotion and commitment to seeing SB30 restored to its original intent. How wonderful it is to know we have leaders who listen to the citizens of Oregon and protect the natural resources that make this state so beautiful and unique.
Sincerely,
Pat Krause
Portland
Thank you, again, to you and your family for your love and dedication to protecting the Metolius River through the years. Thank you for all your hard work, devotion and commitment to seeing SB30 restored to its original intent. How wonderful it is to know we have leaders who listen to the citizens of Oregon and protect the natural resources that make this state so beautiful and unique.
Sincerely,
Pat Krause
Portland
Thanks To Senate Rules Committee - Pat Krause, Portland
Senate Rules Committee
Dear Senators:
To say thank you to all of you for your efforts to restore SB30 to its original intent does not seem adequate. I know SB30 is just one of many issues on your busy schedule and each one takes time, hard work, and commitment on your part. Your job certainly is not an easy one. Thank you for your part in defending and protecting a very special and magical place, the Metolius River Basin. You will be remembered by all Oregonians, present and future, as the Senators who listened and cared about the future of our state. You make me very proud to be an Oregonian.
Sincerely,
Pat Krause
Portland, Oregon
Washington County
Dear Senators:
To say thank you to all of you for your efforts to restore SB30 to its original intent does not seem adequate. I know SB30 is just one of many issues on your busy schedule and each one takes time, hard work, and commitment on your part. Your job certainly is not an easy one. Thank you for your part in defending and protecting a very special and magical place, the Metolius River Basin. You will be remembered by all Oregonians, present and future, as the Senators who listened and cared about the future of our state. You make me very proud to be an Oregonian.
Sincerely,
Pat Krause
Portland, Oregon
Washington County
Fighting For The Metolius - Pat Krause, Portland
Dear Senator Westlund,
Thank you, for your determination and persistence in saving the Metolius River Basin. As you know, there are so many people who feel as you do and are so very grateful for your continuing efforts to see this bill passed as you invisioned it. Let us know how we can support the bill, and you, through the process of getting this most important bill passed. Of course, we will continue to write letters and "spread the word". Thank you for fighting for the Metolius so it can be treasured, enjoyed and protected for all of us.
Sincerely,
Pat Krause
Portland, OR
Thank you, for your determination and persistence in saving the Metolius River Basin. As you know, there are so many people who feel as you do and are so very grateful for your continuing efforts to see this bill passed as you invisioned it. Let us know how we can support the bill, and you, through the process of getting this most important bill passed. Of course, we will continue to write letters and "spread the word". Thank you for fighting for the Metolius so it can be treasured, enjoyed and protected for all of us.
Sincerely,
Pat Krause
Portland, OR
Forethought - Kathy Krause, Portland
[Sent to all State Senators with a similar copy going to all State Reps:]
I have written to you recently URGING you to support Senate Bill 30. Now that Senate Bill 30 has reached the Senate Floor, I IMPLORE you to use your position to speak for tax paying Oregonians and vote in favor of protection for the Metolius River Basin. The State of Oregon has plenty of wonderful and appropriate landing pads for upscale resorts and golf courses. Central Oregon has seen its fair share of them land already. However, three miles within Metolius River Basin and the rivers headwaters is not a spot which can handle this type of development. I have lived in Oregon for the last thirty-three years. I pay taxes, I vote and I live my life responsibly and accountably. I have chosen to live in Oregon because the legislators of the past have protected and preserved countless sacred and beautiful scenic areas this State possesses for all Oregonians to enjoy. I have always admired the fact our elected officials took great pride in a delicate balance of a protected and watched environment with successful managed growth and expansion. Legislators in the past were in a position similar to yours today when they decided the Columbia River Gorge deserved protection. The same forethought was used when deciding to protect our beaches and Crater Lake. Northwest treasures such as these have been protected and cared for because our legislators know this State is unique and unlike any other in our country. Our legislators of the past also knew that Oregonians are Oregonians because issues such as the protection of natural treasures, sacred waterways, fish and wildlife are vital concerns the taxpayers want executed and they trust in their legislators to do just that. Oregon has always been a leader in this area. Let's please keep our wonderful and valuable reputation. I don't believe anyone has ever said to past legislators, "I sure wish there was more traffic and congestion in the Columbia River Gorge." "Too bad no one has destroyed these wild flowers". "I wish there was more pollution in this stream, it's really too clear", or, "I wish there were 10,000 more people with massive homes and golf courses around this watershed, its pretty desolate around here". No, I don't think anyone regrets the choices made by our earlier decision makers in regard to protection of natural treasures. Instead, we look at those decision makers are our strongest leaders. These leaders are forever remembered as having the forethought and ability to know that one must research and understand the ramifications of a decision before making it. This same forethought needs to be used in regard to protecting the Metolius River Basin. Please use your valued and trusted position to make the right decision in executing the desires of the tax paying and voting Oregonians who know that allowing destination resorts within three miles of the Metolius River Basin will be a serious step in the wrong direction.
Thank you for taking time to execute due diligence in regard to this vital concern.
Sincerely,
Kathy Krause
Multnomah County
Portland, Oregon
I have written to you recently URGING you to support Senate Bill 30. Now that Senate Bill 30 has reached the Senate Floor, I IMPLORE you to use your position to speak for tax paying Oregonians and vote in favor of protection for the Metolius River Basin. The State of Oregon has plenty of wonderful and appropriate landing pads for upscale resorts and golf courses. Central Oregon has seen its fair share of them land already. However, three miles within Metolius River Basin and the rivers headwaters is not a spot which can handle this type of development. I have lived in Oregon for the last thirty-three years. I pay taxes, I vote and I live my life responsibly and accountably. I have chosen to live in Oregon because the legislators of the past have protected and preserved countless sacred and beautiful scenic areas this State possesses for all Oregonians to enjoy. I have always admired the fact our elected officials took great pride in a delicate balance of a protected and watched environment with successful managed growth and expansion. Legislators in the past were in a position similar to yours today when they decided the Columbia River Gorge deserved protection. The same forethought was used when deciding to protect our beaches and Crater Lake. Northwest treasures such as these have been protected and cared for because our legislators know this State is unique and unlike any other in our country. Our legislators of the past also knew that Oregonians are Oregonians because issues such as the protection of natural treasures, sacred waterways, fish and wildlife are vital concerns the taxpayers want executed and they trust in their legislators to do just that. Oregon has always been a leader in this area. Let's please keep our wonderful and valuable reputation. I don't believe anyone has ever said to past legislators, "I sure wish there was more traffic and congestion in the Columbia River Gorge." "Too bad no one has destroyed these wild flowers". "I wish there was more pollution in this stream, it's really too clear", or, "I wish there were 10,000 more people with massive homes and golf courses around this watershed, its pretty desolate around here". No, I don't think anyone regrets the choices made by our earlier decision makers in regard to protection of natural treasures. Instead, we look at those decision makers are our strongest leaders. These leaders are forever remembered as having the forethought and ability to know that one must research and understand the ramifications of a decision before making it. This same forethought needs to be used in regard to protecting the Metolius River Basin. Please use your valued and trusted position to make the right decision in executing the desires of the tax paying and voting Oregonians who know that allowing destination resorts within three miles of the Metolius River Basin will be a serious step in the wrong direction.
Thank you for taking time to execute due diligence in regard to this vital concern.
Sincerely,
Kathy Krause
Multnomah County
Portland, Oregon
Sunday, May 13, 2007
An Afternoon Trip To The Metolius - Heather McNeill, Bend
Sent to Reps Roblan, Bruun, and Burley, and Senators Verger, Devlin, and Westlund
