Strong Support for SB 30 - Robert Sims, Maupin

Representatives Dallum and Merkley and Members of the Oregon House of Representatives:


I strongly support Senate Bill 30 because the aquatic health of the Metolius River requires a high quality watershed that is incompatible with the development of nearby destination resorts. The Metolius River’s cold clean water and high quality spawning gravel support a world-class fishery that attracts fisherman from around the United States and the world.

The Metolius currently supports a threatened bull trout population, while the tributary waters, particularly Fly Creek, are exceptionally important because of the existence of isolated populations of native redband trout. These trout are uniquely adapted to the area and are a valuable genetic resource for the state of Oregon. According to the USGS, deep and shallow groundwater from the Colson parcel flows toward, and discharges into, Fly Creek and other Metolius tributaries. Development of destination resorts and associated golf courses is likely to discharge wastewater carrying contaminants such as nitrate into the tributaries of the Metolius. These discharges will damage the pristine water quality of the Metolius and threaten the survival of the trout populations, especially bull trout.

In addition, the water quality of Whychus Creek will be impaired by the development of destination resorts. Sediment from soil erosion during construction, roads and other results of development at the potential destination resorts poses a serious threat to spawning gravel and aquatic health. Since the creek is one of the primary destinations for recently reintroduced native Steelhead, development is incompatible with the reintroduction program. The program 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 product of the extensive Pelton–Round Butte relicensing negotiations.

The Metolius River and surrounding area is a pristine nature sanctuary that has been enjoyed by Oregonians since the late 1800’s. To allow the development of nearby destination resorts will irreparably damage one of Oregon’s and the nation’s great natural treasures. Once this treasure is lost, it can never be recreated and Oregon will be much poorer for the loss. The watersheds of the Metolius including Fly Creek, and Whychus Creek, are of such high quality that they deserve to be protected forever. Senate Bill 30 creates this much needed protection and I strongly support its passage.

The Oregonian’s Sunday editorial promotes process over protection, a questionable process that was set in motion by Measure 37. The Metolius is a state and national resource that deserves protection now, it cannot wait while our state-wide land-use planning process is reconstituted.

Thank you for supporting this important legislation.

Robert Sims
Maupin, OR

Metolius Deserves, Needs To Be Protected - Madeleine Landise, Camp Sherman

[Sen to Rep. John Dallum and House Leadership:]

I have lived full time in the Metolius Basin for 18 years & have actively worked to protect it from environmental and social damage since I moved here. It is a unique area in many, many ways and deserves statewide, if not national, recognition. Our Jefferson County officials do not seem to care if the pristine water quality, wildlife and flora, clean air, dark nights, quiet, views and more... will be compromised, just for their short term goals of quick cash from un-needed resorts . Traffic on our narrow roads, overpopulation on the Wild and Scenic Metolius River, safety, and increased fire risk in surrounding National Forest are a few things that unneeded development will certainly bring to this entire area.

The Metolius deserves, needs, to be protected for ALL people to enjoy for future generations, not just two developers and their clients who would benefit if ill conceived destination resorts were allowed to be built. No one stands to benefit from this bill except the special interests of the developers and a few county officials!

Please vote in support of SB 30 and create a lasting, living legacy of a permanently protected Metolius River and Basin for ALL citizens!

Thank you,

Madeleine Landis
Camp Sherman, OR

Addressing Rep. Dallum's Flip Flop - Katherine Livingston, Camp Sherman

[The following is a letter from Camp Sherman resident, Katherine Livingston. It is a response to a letter Rep. John Dallum sent to her (pasted below) in which he asserts his reasons for withdrawing his support for BS 30]

Dear Rep.Dallum,

Much has happened since I received your letter, but I am writing to address one comment you wrote, saying that "The Metolius Basin, I have learned is not as pristine and cared for as many think."

I have no idea what your source of information is, but it is wrong.

I have walked the riverside paths from the headwaters to below Wizard Falls since l928, camped on Barney Madsen's dairy on Spring Creek up from the store, as well as at various spots along the river. Many of my friends camp yearly at the Forst Service Camps. Neither they nor I have ever come upon trash and litter.

What many people do not understand is that those of us who have loved and appreciated the Metoliuus Basin over all these years, have kept an ever watchful eye on its welfare, teaching our children, our guests and the hundreds of vacationers who come here every year about their responsibility to keep the Metolius as pure and beautiful as the good Lord created it so many thousands of years ago.

Please come and visit, walk the paths and see for yourself.

Katherine S. Livingston
Camp Sherman

[From Rep. Dallum]
Mrs. Livingston,

My apologies for such a late reply to your email. The pace has stepped up dramatically around the Capitol.

I understand your disappointment. I withdrew my name from SB 30 when I learned that the local government process in place is doing what it is supposed to do. Currently the Warm Springs Tribes have filed an appeal with LUBA. For the state to step in and circumvent that process is to do damage to local governance. I am of the opinion that government happens best closest to home, rather than from a distance. I believe that the Jefferson County commissioners have taken everything into consideration, after hearing about the process they used to come to their decision.

As for the Metolius Basin, I have learned it is not as pristine and cared for as many think. Damage has been done by recreational ATV users and others who go into the area, damaging trails and leaving their waste behind, which the Forest Service, due to financial constraints cannot repair or monitor.

Dutch Pacific (Shane Lundgren and Jim Kean) seems to have great possibility for benefiting the area, not only as a means of commercial income. You will have opportunities to hear their concept of protecting the Metolius, as they have been holding informational meetings for the public in Camp Sherman and other locales. Both Lundgren and Kean have family history in the area.

I hope this explains my position so that you understand why I cannot support SB 30. Thank you for taking the time to write of your disappointment. I respect your opinions.

Sincerely,
Rep John Dallum
House District 59

Urging Dallum's Support - Kent Gill, Camp Sherman, OR

Dear Rep. Dallum:
[copied to the Senate Rules Committee]

Although you did not stay the course in sponsoring this important piece of legislation, I urge you to represent the broad cohort of folks who love the Metolius by voting for protecting the Metolius Basin from unwise, permanent despoilation. SB 30 in its full form deserves your favorable action.

An argument advanced by the Bend Bulletin editorials re SB 30 referred to the importance of supporting the local land use authority. That may be a significant abstract principle, but it hardly applies in this case. The Jefferson County Commission, made up of a shifting membership in the last dozen or so years , has consistently decided for development and against the significant array of natural values that mark the Metolius Basin. Folks long associated with the area have fought this series of measures espousing growth at any cost.

They have appeared at hearings, written letters, lobbied the officials, participated in mediation, all to no avail. So they have appealed decisions to LUBA and even to the Circuit Court. of Appeals. The county has been found to have erred in most every one of these unfortunate decisions. They have voted to turn the Basin into a cash cow of real estate values and property taxes while being most niggardly in meeting local needs. So in this case it would seem necessary for the legislature to overturn the county destination resort mapping andyo votie for the environmental values that have been noted and appreciated by generations of Oregonians.

Kent Gill
Camp Sherman, OR

Compelled To Write - Julia Clark, Eugene

[Sent to Rep. John Dallum, Senators Westlund, Walker, Kruse, Metsger, Morse, Kruse, Gov. Ted Kulongoski, and Mike Carrier:]

Hello,
My name is Julia Clark and I am writing in support of SB 30, which would prohibit destination resorts in the Metolius Basin. When I learned of this bill, I felt compelled to write and ask for your support in this matter.

My parents, Chapin and Dorothy Clark, owned a cabin on the Metolius River. What a beautiful, peaceful area it is! We spent so much time up at the cabin throughout the years and it would be an awful mark on the land to have resorts built on it.

Memories of hearing the wind blowing through ponderosa branches, listening to the rush of the river as I drifted off to sleep at night, savoring the multitude of wildflowers growing along the banks of the river and wading in the fresh cold water on a hot summer day are all fresh in my mind. I cannot picture resorts where we once enjoyed peaceful hikes; where often we saw few if any other hikers.

One of my father's passions was preserving and protecting rivers and waterways. He loved the Metolius Basin. Please, join me in supporting Senate Bill 30!

Respectfully yours,

Julia Clark
Eugene, OR

A Day On the Metolius - Pat Krause, Portland

[Sent To Senator Vicki Walker, Chair; Senator Jeff Kruse, Vice-Chair; Senator Rick Metsger; Senator Frank Morse; Senator Ben Westlund; Representative John Dallum:]

Dear Members of the Senate Education and General Government Committee and Sponsors of SB-30:

I request that this letter be submitted as written testimony for the SB-30 hearing scheduled for April 26, 2007.

I am writing to you all, again to thank you for your responses to my first letter. I especially want to thank you for the time and effort you are putting into gathering information and being knowledgeable about the Metolius River Basin before making a decision regarding SB 30.

I am also writing to express my love of the Metolius River. I attended the April [5], 2007 hearing and became aware that some of you may have not spent time in the Metolius River Basin and may not fully understand the impact the river has on those of us who hike, camp, fish, own summer cabins on leased forest service land, or are part of the small local population. For the record, I do not own property in Jefferson County.

I grew up in the Midwest with a mother and father who loved to fly fish more than eat or sleep. My father took a month off each summer and we would pack up the car and head for the mountain rivers and streams. My parents also believed these vacations were an opportunity for me to expand my knowledge and appreciation of our beautiful country. As a result, I have been in most of the states west of the Mississippi River and explored many of the rivers and streams in the Colorado Rockies, Yellowstone, the Tetons, and the Black Hills as well as many other beautiful places.

I moved from the Midwest to Portland in 1973. I knew the minute I saw Oregon I wanted to live here permanently. I arrived at the time Governor McCall was encouraging people to “visit Oregon, but don’t stay”. It was exciting to be part of state that was ahead of every other state in protecting its beaches, cleaning up its waterways, and protecting the Columbia Gorge for future generations to enjoy.

My first visit to the Metolius River and Camp Sherman was shortly after moving here. I immediately knew this was one of the very few unique and mystical places in our country. I knew I was finally “home”. Thirty-four years later I feel that even more strongly.

A DAY ON THE METOLIUS

A day at the Metolius is a day of simple pleasures. I wake up early to the birds chirping and the sound of the rippling water. It is a beautiful morning, cool, crisp air and wonderful sunshine!

A walk along the river awakens my senses. I can smell the clean air, the pine, incense cedar and Douglas fir trees. I watch the sun dance off the crystal clear waters. I nod to the fly-fishermen who wade right into the cold water, and catch and release year-round. Are they using the stone flies for bait that my daughter loves to catch and feed to the fish? I continue along the river path past the historic cabins, each one charming and unique. One cabin has crystal glassware sitting on a tree stump. Soon the sun will turn it a beautiful shade of lavender. Another cabins’ deck is ready for lunch. The table is covered with a vintage kitchen tablecloth and an ironstone pitcher holds wildflowers. Already, people are laughing and squealing as they float down the river, oblivious to the coldness of the water. I pass several water wheels that no longer function, wondering what stories they could tell. I pass wildflowers, squirrels, and deer along the way. People are walking their dogs and it is hard to tell who enjoys it the most. I arrive at the Camp Sherman store and decide to linger with a latte on the bench.

The Camp Sherman store along with the post office and “honor” library are in one long, wooden building located a few steps from the river, shaded by pine trees. The store is a deli, a grocery store, a hardware store, a wine store and a gift store all rolled into one. People come and go all day – a hub of activity. My daughters and their friends, as youngsters, loved to stop there for treats. Now it is for a latte and newspaper. The store is the place to be on Independence Day for the Camp Sherman Independence Day barbeque and music festivities. The library has books and magazines for the taking – “on your honor” you will return when read. The store pay phone comes in handy as cell phone service leaves much to be desired! I watch the children on the bridge in front of the store feed the fish below and the chipmunks nearby. I wonder if they will make boats from sticks and bark, as my daughters did, and race them down the river. Or if they will learn to fish on the Metolius as my younger daughter did. Do they know about the Osprey that dives into the river to catch fish?

I continue on toward the Head of the Metolius. I remember how my oldest daughter was fascinated with the water bubbling up from under the ground. I stop near the Johnson family property and quietly thank the family for their part in protecting this special spot. I think about a memorial service for a good friend that was on the Johnson property and remember his hard work through the years to save and preserve the Metolius for future generations.

I head back for lunch and think about the afternoon ahead. It is starting to get warm. Maybe I will just hang out at the rivers edge with my feet in the water, camera in hand and a good book. A nap is not out of the question! I could go for a bike ride, visit the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery, or just do nothing which is always allowed at the Metolius!

After dinner it’s time for good conversation, board games, or a good book – and maybe some popcorn or hot chocolate. It’s also a good time to watch for deer. No need for television, DVDs’, computers and computer games – they are not missed by young or old. Before bedtime, a quick walk to “the meadow” to see the brightest stars in the darkest sky I know. If we’re lucky we may see a few shooting stars.

The night is crisp and cold and the warm covers feel good. I am so thankful for this beautiful place that makes me complete and restored, where life is simple and we are reminded of what is truly important. This is the place where we reconnect with family, friends and nature. I fall asleep to the sound of the river remembering that we are the stewards of the Metolius River Basin. We must be the voice of the river and hear its’ cry to preserve this pristine, clean and unique habitat for fish and wildlife. This magical place belongs to nature – the river, the fish and the wildlife. We are the guests and we should be able to visit as long as we tread lightly and respect the land. This fragile Crown Jewel of Oregon needs to be managed carefully. It needs full protection from growth and development. There is a price to pay for beautiful places. We need to step up to the plate and preserve the Metolius River Basin before it is too late.

Thank you

Pat Krause
Portland, Oregon

Regarding Withdrawn Support - Mark Dohrmann, Portland

Senator Dallum:

I wrote you once before asking you to support SB 30 banning Destination Resorts in the Metolius Basin and within a 3 mile radius. You've mentioned you supported it then withdrew your support:

After discussion with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and discover that they had not yet taken a position on the bill
After giving careful thought to the 'Fairness' of interfering in Jefferson county matters
Regarding your second point I'd like to make sure you understand that Jefferson County holding meetings in the basin and allowing testimony from locals is not the same as giving them 'fair' voice in the matter of changes to the Metolius Basin. Jefferson County DID not consult the Camp Sherman Local advisory committee, but did consult local developer(s). Jefferson County has since re-formulated there interaction with an advisory committee in a manner that leaves little opportunity for dissenting opinion.

Additionally, Jefferson County swept aside elements of the old County comprehensive plan that gave special protections important to the Metolius Basin. Clearly, the County is driven by the need for new revenue sources. It would seem they are willing to trade away an Oregon Landmark to achieve this goal.

Regarding your first point you say you weren't sure of the importance of the Basin as sacred ground to the tribes; are you aware that Cabin owners spend thousands of dollars each time any ground disturbing activity is needed around their property to assure that cultural artifacts aren't upset or lost? Do you think the Tribes AREN'T concerned about hundreds and hundreds of semi-permanent new 'residents' in their historical hunting, fishing and ceremonial grounds?

Senator, if gov't didn't on rare occasion intercede to protect State and National Treasures places like the Rogue River, Oregon's Coast line and Crater Lake would not be preserved as they are today. I don't believe anyone wakes up and says "Jez, I'm really sorry we protected those places".

Please renew your support of SB 30.


Mark Dohrmann, President
Metolius River Homeowners Association
Jefferson County Tax Payer and visitor to the Metolius these past 35 years.

One of the Country's Most Beautiful Resources - John Wheeler, Eugene

[Sent to Senators Walker, Westlund, Kruse, Metsger, Morse and Representative Dallum:]

As a fly fisher, photographer and avid hiker, I wish to state my support for SB 30. The impact of the proposed resorts on the Metolius Valley would be devestating to one of the countries' most beautiful resources. Just the impact on the water flow from the aquifer alone could reduce the habitat of one of the last places in Oregon that supports naturally reproducing bull trout.

Sincerely,

John Wheeler
Eugene, Oregon

On Withdrawn Sponsorship - Joe Kuehn, Salem

Dear Representative Dallum,

I am retired military and a Republican. After attending the hearing and listening to all the testimony I am even more convinced of the necessity to pass SB 30 without compromise. This is my testimony which was not permitted because of time constraints.

• I've traveled on six continents to places as varied as a South America International Biosphere in Patagonia, New Zealand's Milford Track, and mountain wildernesses on remote Indian Ocean islands.
• These rare places are sanctuaries of nature protected from damaging human encroachment.
• The Metolius River Basin although more developed, is equally rare in ecological splendor.
• The location of the proposed destination resorts on the Basin's perimeter would in my opinion, do severe damage to the delicate Metolius environment.

I appreciate your position in withdrawing sponsorship of the bill. I admire your sensitive explanation and courage it took to reverse your position and realize how difficult it was for you. However, I sincerely regret your taking that step.

I hope you will continue to weigh both sides of this difficult issue and consider my comments as the vote approaches in the Legislature.

Sincerely,

Joseph W Kuehn Jr.
Salem, OR

Staying True To Our Values - Mara Stein, Bend

Senator Vicki Walker, Chair
900 Court St. NE S-210
Salem, OR 97301

Dear Senator Walker:

I want to take this opportunity to also express my strong support for Senate Bill 30 which would ban destination resorts from being located in or within three miles of the Metolius River Basin.

The Metolius River basin is one of our precious natural environments in Oregon. We are already experiencing serious repercussions to the density buildups..and the destination resort construction in our tri-county area in Central Oregon. This is an important time to stay true to our values of the quality of life we want to preserve here...before the area becomes another unfortunate statistic.

I am also sending this e-letter to your Senate colleagues : Sponsor Sen. Ben Westlund, Sen. Jeff Kruse, Sen. Rick Metsger, Sen. Frank Morse, & Rep. John Dallum.

Thank you for the good work you do on behalf of the citizens of Oregon!
Mara Stein
Bend, OR

Support SB 30 - Liz Rink, Bend

[Send to: Lewis Pitt w/ Warm Springs, Rep. John Dallum, Sen. Jeff Kruse, Sen. Frank Morse, Sen. Rick Metsger, Sen. Vicki Walker:]

Please support Sen. Westlund's SB to protect the Metolius River basin. We
have lived in Central Oregon for 30 years and have grave concerns about our
natural resources and wild areas.

Thank you,
Liz Rink
DE Rink Construction, Inc.
www.derinkconstruction.com

Urging Your Support - Marianne Fellner, Bend

[Sent to Senators Westlund, Morse, Metsger, Kruse, and Walker, and Reps. Whisnant, Burley, and Dallum, and Gov. Ted Kulongoski:]

I urge you to support SB30 and protect the Metolius River from the encroaching pressures of developments and destination resorts. As a unique, world-class resource, the Metolius River and it's drainage basin deserves the same protection granted to protect the Columbia River Gorge. The Metolius' natural beauty and unique ecology should not be commercialized into environmental degradation. Please support laws that protect our natural resources from rampant development and exploitation. We must maintain a buffer around our natural treasures.

Thank you,

Marianne Fellner
Bend, OR

Please Preserve This Beautiful Area - Annell Ferguson, Salem, OR

[Sent to Senators and Representatives Metsger, Avelgordly, Morse, Kruse, Walker, Dallum, (Rep) Dingenfelder and Westlund. Also Richardson:]

March 30, 2007

I am neither a land owner or a resident of the area in question. I HAVE BEEN a
visitor to the area. I have lived in Oregon for nearly 45 years and visited
much of our unique state. I have also been a member of the tourism community.
To even consider the kind of development proposed by Jefferson County is to me,
a travesty. We must work to maintain the beauty and serenity of the Metolius
River and the Metolius Basin. I have personally witnessed what can happen to
places of beauty when resorts and tourism are allowed to not enhance - but
destroy the very things that drew people to the area to begin with. PLEASE make
every effort to preserve the Metolius as it is.

Annell P. Ferguson

Ban Destination Resorts within at least 3 miles of the Metolius - Karen Lillebo, Bend

To Senators Westlund, Walker, Kruse, Metsger, Morse, Rep. Dallum, Gov. Kulongoski, and Mike Carrier - Natural Resource Policy Director:)

Dear Decision-makers,

I am writing in support of SB30 to ban destination resorts from being located in or within three miles of the Metolius River Basin. The spring-fed Metolius River is a world-class resource. Reading all the federal agency reports (such as ICBEMP; Dec. 2000) describing the precarious state of fisheries throughout the entire Columbia Basin area, brings home the critical significance of the healthy populations of threatened bull trout that still exist in the Metolius River. Destination Resorts consume vast quantities of water, and their golf courses, wastewater and pavement runoff can pollute surface and ground waters.

City-scale and urban development so close to the Metolius would overwhelm the natural resources of the area. Thousands of people could live at or use the Colson Destination Resort, resulting in hundreds of additional cars driving into the Camp Sherman area. The result will be traffic jams, air pollution, over-crowded recreation sites, and damage to the fragile and unique ecology of the Metolius. Consider increasing the buffer to 10 miles to reduce impacts from any destination resorts.

Sincerely,
Karen Lillebo
Bend, Oregon

Letter In Support of SB30 - Al Krause, Portland

[Sent To Sen. Rick Metsger, Sen. Ben Westlund, Rep. John Dallum, Sen. Vicki Walker, Sen. Frank Morse, Sen. Jeff Kruse, Rep. Jackie Dingfelder, Sen. Jason Atkinson, Sen. Brad Avakian, Sen. Alan Bates, Sen. Kate Brown, Sen. Ginny Burdick, Sen. Margaret Carter, Sen. Peter Courtney, Sen. Ryan Deckert, Sen. Richard Devlin, Sen. Ted Ferrioli, Sen. Gary George, Sen. Larry George, Sen. Avel Gordly, Sen. Jackie Winters, Sen. Joanne Everger, Sen. Bruce Starr, Sen. Kurt Schrader, Sen. Floyd Prozanski, Sen. David Nelson, Sen. Rod Monroe, Sen. Bill Morrissette, among others:]

I write this letter in support of SB30 and the efforts to help protect the fragile Metolius Basin from close proximity "destination resort" development that is now potentially possible with Jefferson County's recent zoning changes. The Metolius basin is unique, and not replaceable and should be protected for all just as was done years ago in the Columbia Gorge. The latter required Federal government involvement because it overlapped two states. The State of Oregon must take responsibility to protect it's own natural treasures and that is what the Metolius River is. I appreciate the complexity that measure 37 creates for legislative action, but I think the Metolius basin is as valuable to the state of Oregon as our beaches and our State with leadership many years ago found a way to protect them. I commend Ben Westlund and others that have joined him to try and accomplish the task of protecting the Metolius basin with SB30.

Albert H. Krause, MD
Portland, OR

Will This Area Remain Wild and Scenic? - Ellen Wood, Ronald Gregg, and Nickalaus Newport, Camp Sherman

Sent to Senators Westlund, Walker, Kruse, Metsger, Morse, and Rep. John Dallum:]

Re: SB 30 Metolius

I am writing to you because of the proposed destination resorts in the Camp Sherman basin. As a resident of Camp Sherman for 30 years and having visited the area many times in my youth, I urge you to protect this valuable and beautiful area. During the last 30 years, I have seen great impact on the environment due to increased foot traffic along the river, water quality deterioration, decreased wildlife, erosion caused by ATVs and much more. What will happen if these destination resorts are permitted, not to mention the added roads, schools and infra-structure that will be needed. The Metolius River has been designated Wild and Scenic. Will this area remain Wild and Scenic if this devastating growth is permitted. Last summer, at the Community Hall in Camp Sherman, summer and winter residents testified over and over again about the beauty of this area and how special it is.

In the Bend Bulletin, Jefferson County admitted that more growth would bring added money to the county. Should this be the determining factor in allowing growth? If Tom McCall were governor today, I do not believe he would support economic interests over quality of life. As a native 4th generation Oregonian and great-grandaughter of Charles Erskine Scott Wood, I urge you to support this Senate Bill without compromise.


Sincerely,
Ellen Wood, Ronald Gregg, and Nickalaus Newport

Don't Water Down SB 30 - Michael Graham, Portland

(To Senators Westlund and Dallum:)

I urge you STRONGLY to obtain passage of SB 30 unchanged and not watered down.

The absolutely unique and pristine state and national resource of the Metolius Basin will be virtually destroyed by the unthinking and irresponsible development being planned by Jefferson County.

I support you wholeheartedly and thank you for your efforts.

Michael H. Graham, MD
Portland

Earnest Support of SB 30 - Mark Dohrmann, Portland

I'd like to express my earnest support of SB. You hopefully are aware of the fragile nature of the Metolius Basin and the need to protect it from destination resorts that could destroy this Oregon natural gem. The Basin simply can not bear the weight of much of a drain on it's resources. Water sources, the very heart of the Metolius, are a huge concern. Destination resorts require tremendous amounts. It should be noted that the Metolius River has shown a decline in volume from its head waters every year for at least the last 5. Further draw downs of water that feeds the Metolius could be enough to strangle it.

Please, please fight long and hard to make those who might not otherwise understand that Oregon's special places need our protection. They can't be recreated later. We must preserve them for the good of all.

Mark Dohrmann
Portland, Oregon 97210

Jefferson County Tax Payer and visitor to the Metolius these past 35 years.