Thanks For Passing Senate Bill 30 - Kathy Krause, Portland

[Sent to Oregon's State Senators:]

My deepest respect and thanks goes to all of you for your vote to pass Senate Bill 30 today! Faith in our "system" was restored when I learned all of you had listened to the concerns and requests of every day Oregonians and used your position to have our voices heard! I know all of you have extremely tough, demanding and usually, thankless jobs. With great respect, I thank you for taking the time to educate yourselves about the issue and speak on behalf of so many Oregonians who believe this State can be a wonderful combination of growth, success and protected natural treasures! You will be forever remembered as leaders for our State and for having had the forethought to help protect an Oregon jewel! You will be known for having the wisdom to research an issue and execute the right decision so that someday, we will never have to ask why no one cared. Your vote showed you did due diligence and that great thought was made ahead of time about the ramifications of a Jefferson County decision to allow resort properties within three miles of the Metolius Basin. I don't believe Jefferson County gave any thought on long term effects their decision would have on this protected and valuable Oregon wonder. Thank you thinking this one through!

Again, thank you for keeping Oregon the type of place that has keeps me here! I listened to the Senate vote via "streamline" today and will always remember each of your names and voices as you cast your vote.

With great respect and appreciation,

Kathy Krause
Portland, Oregon
Multnomah County

Heavan Isn't So Far Away - Frances Hogan, Palo Alto, CA

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

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

Thank You - Rebecca Biddle Wood Hardesty, Boise, ID

Dear Members of the Oregon Legislature:

I want to thank all of you for your brilliant and successful efforts to protect the Metolius River from resort development. Your hard work, creativity and commitment will create a legacy for all Oregonians to appreciate forever. In particular, thank you Senator Westlund and Senator Walker for all of the research and findings you made to support the bill passing through the committee in its pure form. Oregonians from all over your state applaud all of you as their representatives for standing up and defending the priceless value of nature's beauty.

Rebecca Biddle Wood Hardesty
Boise, ID

Transformed Vision - Marie Sheahan Brown, Camp Sheman

[Sent to all State Senators:]

Some years ago, Becky Johnson ~ stateswoman of Oregon, beloved elder of the Metolius Basin ~ told me a story. Early this year, at 93, Becky passed on to a New Metolius. She cannot tell you the story now; I’ll try to do it justice. I call it a story of transformed vision.

Her father-in-law, S. O. Johnson’s, first view of the Metolius River headwaters took his breath away. In his mind’s eye, he saw a mill pond, a saw mill, and a cash crop of giant ponderosa timber all around. Mr. Johnson was seeing through lenses of the era. He bought 160 acres around the Metolius River headwaters for $16,000 in 1924.

Before that, in the late 1800s, T. Egenton Hogg had a green glint in his eye ~ the glint of cash. He envisioned railroad tracks and trains running from the Oregon coast into Central Oregon over the Santiam Pass. With transcontinental vision, he could see trainload after trainload hauling giant Oregon lumber to the East. Mr. Hogg’s railroad scheme crumbled, tainted with suspected misuse of investors’ funds. Perhaps, too, potential investors were rightly skeptical to sink money into a railroad built on the crumbly volcanic rock of Santiam Pass. Even today, great chunks of highway are prone to tumble down the hillside. The possibility of a railroad died out only after 1930, when the Portland and Southeastern Railroad filed for a right of way across “Hogg Pass,” which evidently was never granted.

Meanwhile, S. O. Johnson was experiencing transformed vision. Instead of an industry with raw materials all around, he began to see a sacred mystery of exquisite and delicate beauty, to be protected yet shared. He transmitted this vision to his son, Sam, to whom he sold the property for $1 in 1934. S. O. Johnson chose to serve as statesman for the common good instead of henchman to the Almighty Dollar.

Sam and Becky Johnson, and now their daughters, kept the tradition of statesmanship, generosity, and preservation of a Creation not their own. As just one example, thousands of people each year can view majestic Mt. Jefferson from the Headwaters of the Metolius, without much harm, thanks to the scenic easement the Johnsons donated to the Forest Service in 1971.

In recent years, Becky worried because she saw the springs at the headwaters diminishing. I am distressed to see similar dwindling of the spring I know best, a few miles downstream. I don’t know all the reasons why. I do know IT JUST CAN’T BE RIGHT to allow destination resorts in the Metolius Basin, with thousands of homes and possibly golf courses sucking up unprecedented and inconceivable quantities of this diminishing groundwater.

I don’t need to spell out the lesson in this story for Oregon Senators who choose to serve as stateswomen and statesmen protecting the common good.

I urge you to support SB 30 in its present restored form, with a vision to Save the Metolius and its irreplaceable values for all of the people.

Sincerely,
Marie Sheahan Brown
Camp Sherman, OR

We wish to Thank Every One Of You - Sandy and Erskine Wood, Vancouver, WA

Dear Members of the Oregon Legislature:
[Sent to all State Senators and Reps. Merkley, Roblan, and Hunt]

We wish to thank each and every one of you for your efforts to pass the bill with amendments restoring the original SB30 to protect the Metolius River from development.
We hope that you understand how much we appreciate your work in preserving the natural beauty of this Oregon treasure and hope that you will continue to support the bill as it passes through the legislature. Permanent protection of the Metolius is very important to all of us and to our future generations.

Sandy and Erskine Wood
Vancouver, Washington

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

Oregon Is A Place Of People's Dreams - Kathleen Leppert, Bend

Senators and State Leaders,

Oregon. The name evokes images of towering pines, rushing rivers and bubbling springs, peaceful meadows and powerful mountains. The natural wonders of the Oregon outdoors is what brings thousands of tourists to our beautiful state year-round and what also has made Deschutes County one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. As a local Realtor, one of the first questions I ask people is “what do you like to do?” You see one thing that I know is that people who move to Oregon come here to live close to what they like to do . . . in the outdoors. That may be mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing, caving, hiking, skiing, rollerblading, hunting, camping, fly-fishing, or just strolling through the woods taking in the peaceful sounds of nature.

Oregon is a place of people’s dreams. I grew up hearing that “Oregon is God’s country”. My family dreamed of Oregon and hoped to move here one day. My husband and I did just that in 1990 and my family soon followed.

Since arriving in Oregon we’ve seen both the natural wonders of the environment and the ugly nature of people. Greed has stripped Oregonians of so much of its heritage due to rampant over-development. My foray into the development arena is due to my strong beliefs in smart growth principles, which are, among other things, to utilize current infrastructure and redevelopment practices to preserve and protect our open spaces and wilderness areas. In the words of Aldo Leopold “A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community.”

What is deeply disturbing is that it appears that if you have enough money and influence, you can rewrite Oregon’s laws and steal one of our crown jewels turning it from a Wild and Scenic protected habitat into a Disneyesque version of “Wet and Wild.”

What I’d like to ask is that each and every leader in Oregon protect the Metolius River Basin and preserve our heritage. This is what makes Oregon special and unique. Without it, people will stop dreaming of Oregon and we will no longer live in God’s country.

Kathleen Leppert, PC
Principal Broker/Owner, CSP, GRI
Leppert & Associates Realty
Website: www.kathleenleppert.com

Concerned About Fire - Thomas H. Anderson, McMinnville

[Sent to Senator Gary George and All State Senators]

Dear Senator George:

You may recall the devastating “B&B” fire that blackened much of the Santiam Pass area in 2003 and threatened to devastate Camp Sherman which was evacuated. I just read in the news that there is a 167 square mile wild fire burning in Georgia along with 220 active fires in Florida which have so far charred 125 square miles. There are is a wildfire burning in Los Angeles, California, and a fire burning out of control in Minnesota that so far has destroyed 45 buildings, including multimillion dollar homes.

All citizens of Oregon should be concerned that if protective legislation, such as SB 30 in its original form, is not enacted, the entire Metolius Basin will be vulnerable to an increased risk of wildfire and potentially billions of dollars in economic loss. You can’t bring thousands of homes and tens of thousands of people into a fire sensitive area without dramatically increasing the risk of loss.
This is another cost that should be considered before voting to allow development of destination resorts in the Metolius Basin. I hope to hear from you soon that you are supporting SB 30 in its original form.

Sincerely,
Thomas H. Anderson
Law Offices of Thomas H. Anderson, P.C.
McMinnville, Oregon

Energetic Support For Metolius Basin Protection Bill - Thomas H. Anderson, McMinnville

[Sent to Sen. Gary, and to All State Senators]

Dear Senator George:

I am writing to ask that you give energetic support to a Metolius Basin protection bill.

If protective legislation, such as SB 30 in its original form, is not enacted, the special character of the Metolius Basin will be degraded forever. And there will be specific economic costs generated by the proposed destination resort that will end up being paid and assumed by parties other than the developer. Here is one example: The Jefferson County Planning department uses the Institute of Transportation Trip Generation Manual to assign 9.6 trips per day to each house. If 3500 houses are built in the resort, that will generate 33,600 vehicle trips per day on the Camp Sherman road. What will that cost in road maintenance and expansion, traffic, pollution, and carbon emissions? Are we not at a critical time when our public officials are directed to enact legislation reducing carbon emissions to address threatening global warming trends (rather than approving plans which will dramatically increase emissions)?

Before voting to allow development of destination resorts in the Metolius Basin, I think you need to assess the actual short and long term costs to your constituents and their descendants. Informed decision making, by legislators and by voters, requires such cost analysis.
I look forward to receiving your response.

Sincerely,
Thomas H. Anderson
Law Offices of Thomas H. Anderson, P.C.
McMinnville, Oregon

Please Don't Allow The Destruction Of The Metolius River Basin - Michael Funke, Bend

[Sent to all State Senators:]

I am incredibly discouraged that the amended SB 30 opens the door wide for destination resorts in the Metolius River basin. I've visited Camp Sherman many times and fished the river from the Blue Hole on downstream. It troubles me to think what the future holds for that part of Central Oregon if these destination resorts are allowed to be built. There is a world of difference between destination resorts and the leased cabins that are presently along part of the Metolius River. Anyone who has visited the Metolius can't help but recognize that the permanent footprint of these destination resorts will squash the beauty out of this part of Central Oregon forever. We have already sen the proliferation of destination resorts permanently alter the landscape of Powell Butte and so many other parts of Central Oregon.

Please don't allow the destruction of the Metolius River Basin.

Michael Funke
Member, Trout Unlimited
Bend, OR

Don't Turn Oregon Into Colorado - Trina Van Patton, Louisville, CO

To: Oregon Senators

Dear Senator __________,

I live in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Most days I drive from my suburban tract home to my job in another suburb of Denver. I am surrounded by multitudes of people, on the road, at the malls, at work. It is a crowded, noisy existence with frequent smoggy days, aggressive drivers and roadways dirty with litter and grime.

BUT, twice a year for a week or two, my family and I are among the fortunate to visit Camp Sherman. Why do we drive or fly 2,200 miles round-trip to come to Camp Sherman instead of just heading up into the mountains of Colorado? Because, up to now, Camp Sherman and the Metolius offer an experience, a feeling and a restoration of spirit that we cannot match in our crowded Colorado Mountains with their mega-resorts, casinos and thousands of people. A weekend visit to our front-range Colorado mountains goes like this: 1. bumper to bumper traffic on the roadways and highways; 2. often impossible to find a place to park at the trailheads, scenic areas and ski areas; 3. once in the National Forests, the trails, lakes and picnic areas are so crowded with people and 4-wheelers that you might as well have a picnic in your own suburban backyard for a little more privacy.

It scares me to think that you might allow this same scenario to happen to the Oregon treasure that is the Metolius Basin. You would allow an exquisite area to be ruined for some extra dollars in the county’s coffers? As I expressed in an earlier letter to you, the forests and waters of the Metolius Basin are magical and special beyond words. I know this. I have been coming to Camp Sherman every chance I can for over 40 years now. It would be all too easy to destroy the delicate balance of the Metolius basin with the proposed (and possibly future additional) destination resort development and necessary infrastructure -- and it would be completely impossible to restore the Metolius area to the way it is now, the way it has been and the the way it should always remain. If Central Oregon needs more destination resorts (questionable in itself) locate them far outside of the Metolius Basin. Maybe a land swap should be considered for the current large parcel land owners/developers?

I may not be a water expert, a forest expert, a wildlife and fish expert, a sewage expert, a fire expert, a traffic expert or a city planner, BUT I can see, hear and even smell the severe impact of large development in my current home state of Colorado. Please, you MUST NOT allow the county and the developers to sway you in this decision. Listen to the experts who have written, listen to the majority of the people. We, not only Oregonians but people from all over the world, are depending on you to make the right decision, the informed decision, the ONLY decision, and support the ORIGINAL SB 30. NOT the compromised current version of SB 30.

I have always been impressed with the way Oregon has been a guardian of its land and waters. Please keep this tradition and stewardship of your beautiful state for my children, your children, people everywhere and all generations to come.

Sincerely,
an Oregon fan forever (I hope),
Trina Van Patten

P.S. A funny story: When I was a child and we would be packing the car to make the yearly summer trip to Camp Sherman, our family dog was so determined not to be left behind that she would escape from the backyard and plant herself in the family station wagon and just wait for us to finish packing and go. She would not budge from her spot in the car. The closer we got to Camp Sherman the more excited she became. Even a dog can recognize how wonderful Camp Sherman is! So please recognize the privilege you have of living within a few hours drive of the Metolius and remember those of us that cross half a continent or more to spend a little of our time in the pristine and unspoiled woods of the Metolius Basin. Please protect it for us!

Few Phenomena Are More Magical - Dan Stevens, Eugene, OR

Dear Representative Vicki Walker:
[Sent to all State Senators:]

Few phenomena are more magical than the fountain from which the Metolious springs -- a beautiful, raging river. The clear, pure waters are exceptional so close to human development. However, this human development must be kept at a distance. A destination resort set on this land would forever alter this national treasure. Let’s not allow it so close to the source.

Sincerely,

Dan Stevens
Eugene, OR

Support The ORIGINAL SB 30 - Marie Sheahan Brown, Camp Sherman

[Sent to all State Senators:]

I urge you to support the ORIGINAL version of SB 30 to Save the Metolius. This bill was submitted because, last December, Jefferson County officials decided in favor of changing forestland into giant destination resorts. In doing so, they failed to consider adequately the significant harm to one of Oregon’s and America’s ecological treasures. The bill as currently amended would put the same official body right back in the bulldozer’s seat.

The Senate Education and General Government Committee’s April 26 amendment prohibits the resorts “UNLESS the county first finds that siting destination resorts in or within three miles of the basin will not have a significant adverse impact.…”

Why didn’t Jefferson County officials investigate the ample warnings of “significant adverse impact” in the first place? Clearly, in this matter of destination resorts, the officials see increased tax revenue as the overriding value. They have already shown, by their actions, disregard for the higher values of the Metolius Basin, of which many people have written eloquently and expertly. What incentive would these same officials have to honor the intent of the amendment? I suspect the easy tax money still dangling before their eyes would blind them to the ecological facts and allure them to work the amendment’s loopholes.

Money cannot buy the 10 Outstandingly Remarkable Values of the Metolius Basin recognized in its Wild and Scenic River status. Countless numbers of American citizens hold these values dear. Two giant destination resorts would surely harm the delicately balanced ecology, draining the Basin of the very values the resorts would exploit. No one has the right to do that. Money cannot buy what has been given to ALL the people by One greater.

Some of us working to Save the Metolius happen to own the relatively few parcels of private property in the Metolius Basin (the vast majority of acres being Forest Service land). We are not laboring to Save the Metolius only for ourselves. Most owners, alert to forces of harmful exploitation over the decades, have acted as caretakers of the treasure so that many people, generation after generation, from every country in the world, can visit the Metolius, rest lightly for a while, restore their spirits ~ and, we hope, do no harm.

Citizens now and future will thank you, Senator, for your principled support for the ORIGINAL version of SB 30.

Sincerely,
Marie Sheahan Brown
Camp Sherman OR

RESTORE The Original SB 30 - Joe Fox, Eugene

Dear Senator Walker: As one of your constituents in Eugene, I write
to express my complete disappointment with the SB 30 amendments. The
Committee's failure to protect the Metolius, after all of the process
that preceded the hearing, is hard to swallow. I need not repeat all
of the reasons the Metolius should be protected. You have heard them
all already. The committee, with the exception of Sen. Westlund,
seems to have no sense of passing a natural treasure down to the
children of Oregon. You might as well pass a bill opening up all
college accounts in Oregon to be free for the taking by anyone who
would like a little money. If our own Senators don't have a sense of
protecting natural heritage areas for our children, who will? We
vote people into office on the belief that they will look beyond
immediate profit seeking ventures and consider the interests of the
future generations who will inherit this state and all of its
priceless natural resources.

Please RESTORE original SB 30, however you can do it, and do not
allow this horrible compromise to go forward!

Joseph William Fox
Eugene, Oregon

Let's Talk Money - Becky Wood Hardesty

Dear Senator Walker,
[sent to all State Senators:]

I too am writing to express my shock and dismay at your dilution of SB30. Frankly, your constituents expect more fortitude and strength from their elected representatives. It is no secret of course that the amended version of SB30 under cuts the entire essence of the amendment and really does no good. Excuse my boldness and frankness but it is very much like cutting off someone's two legs and one arm and parading the last arm left as some great compromise of which one can be proud. This is no accomplishment whatsoever. Going from high density resort to very slightly less high density resort is laughable at best. While I am a huge supporter and proponent of conservation easements and have spoken on the subject at seminars and classes and have even granted a few of my own, they frankly are inconsequential in this case when we are talking about such a pristine wilderness area.

Now, Senator Walker, since a sincere motivation to protect the priceless value of nature seems to be lacking in this amended version of SB30 why let's talk about what you do seem concerned about and that is money $$$$$. Yes, let's talk money. Obviously the only reason to put a resort in this area is money. No one is pretending to promote any other value of course. Commissioners want money. Developers want money. I'm not sure why you support their quest for money but apparently you have some reason to promote this. So let's take a hard look at money. Do you know how much MONEY it costs to fight forest fires, wildfires, in that area? Have you considered the dramatically increased risk of forest fire that would accompany the construction and use of 3,500 (or 2,500) homes? Have you personally researched this as a responsible Senator who cares about taxpayer dollars? From my initial research, one source indicated that that the B and B fire in 2003 which blasted that whole area cost a staggering multi multi million dollar figure to control. The same source indicated an even more staggering cost to fight the 500,000 acre Biscuit Fire in Southern Oregon - well over 3 times the cost of the B and B fire. Please note I am refraining from citing specific numbers because I want to provide solid facts and intend to do so in the near future but have only skimmed the surface on my research. And, frankly it is your job not mine to undertake an economic analysis of the very certain risk of fire occurring in the area and its impact on taxpayer dollars and government spending to control such fires. I urge you to do this immediately.

And, by the way, have you researched where the money to fight the B and B fire came from? Where do those funds come from? I as a taxpayer do not want to subsidize commissioners and developers profits. Who pays for the cost of controlling these wildfires? Not the developers. Not the commissioners. The taxpayers do! Of course, it's an easy out isn't it for these developers and commissioners to not have to concern themselves with the high cost of fighting wildfires which their development very well could ignite. These profit driven parties walk away from economic devastation without bearing the cost of wildfires. Your taxpayer constituents end up shouldering the bill of wildfire destruction thereby subsidizing private development enterprises.

So let's talk tax dollars. Is it your position that if the tax dollars that are used to fight wildfires don't come from Oregon's state budget then you don't care? Well, guess what, your taxpayer constituents care because WE pay federal AND state taxes.

In sum, I shouldn't have to restate the obvious reason for protecting this scenic area - nature is priceless. It really is. And anyone who is compromising this pristine nature for the sake of money should frankly be ashamed. It is flat out shameful. Try explaining it to your grandchildren some day and see how much respect they have for your decision if you allow a resort to be built in this area.

That being said, if you are only willing to look at money as the one and only value which should be driving this thing, then look at money. Look at the hard core facts.

Rebecca Biddle Wood Hardesty

Keeping Oregon Oregon - James Olmstead, Eugene

[Sent to all State Senators:]

It has come to my attention that a mega-resort is planned to be built near the Metolius River. As you either know, or should know, the entire Metolius River and environs are among the crown jewels of Oregon's pristine resources. They are what make Oregon Oregon. To allow local and state government to pimp away this beautiful area by selling out to big developers is absolutely outrageous, morally and politically derelict and the mother of all bad judgments.

Please do your job. Represent the people. Protect the natural environments that have been placed in your trust. STOP DEVELOPMENT ON OR NEAR THE METOLIUS.

Best Regards,

Jim Olmsted

James L. Olmsted, Esq.*
Conservation & Preservation Counsel, L.L.C.
Eugene, OR

Don't Sell Away Priceless Heritage - Mary (and Sage) Wood, Eugene

Dear Senator Walker:
[Sent to all Senators]

I am writing to express my profound disappointment at your committee's action in amending SB 30 to allow the destination resorts to be sited in the Metolius Basin. My 9 year old son and I made the long trip from Eugene believing that the committee would listen to citizen testimony and stand firm to protect one of this state's greatest natural treasures. The room was packed with citizens who appealed to you and the other committee members to carry out your duty to save this natural heritage for future generations. We are sorely disappointed that you and the other Senators, apart from Senator Westlund, allowed this amended version of SB 30 to go forward. It offers only illusory procedural steps. We stand firm in our belief that a COMPLETE BAN on destination resorts in the Metolius Basin is the only way to protect this area. I request that you take all action possible to protect the Metolius. It would be a travesty to allow this kind of development to ruin a place that Oregonians across the entire state hold dear. Legislators who fail to protect the Metolius Basin will be long remembered as the public officers who sold away our state's priceless heritage.

Mary (and Sage) Fox
Eugene, OR

Support the Original SB 30 - Liz Rink, Bend

Hello Senator Westlund:
[Sent to all State Senators]

Thank you for your dedication on SB30. I want to encourage the entire Senate to support the ORIGINAL SB30 not the new version. Now is the critical moment to preserve an exquisite unspoiled area of our state. The Metolius River is in danger of pollution, over use, and restriction. After living in Central Oregon for 30 years we have seen some very special places built up, trees torn down, restrictions=ruined. Please ask that the resorts be BANNED in and within a three mile radius of the Metolius River Basin. The amendments have weakened the bill that needs to be strong and clear.

Liz Rink
Bend, OR

Do Not Fail The Metolius - Paul Mitchell, Portland

dear oregon state senators,

i am writing you all today because i do not want developers who care more about money than the environment to build driveways, sidewalks, homes and lights in the metolius basin.

i am a fourth generation oregonian on both sides of my family. though i have only been to the headwaters of the metolius four times in my entire life, i plan on returning with my grandkids for what i hope will be for them what it was for me, nothing short of an amazing three-day camping trip with my own parents and grand parents.

there are plenty of places to build in central oregon. but there is only one metolius, a river as unique as it is wild and pure.

don't destroy it with rich peoples' homes, rich people who otherwise would never get off their fat butts and walk to the headwaters, rich people who want it for themselves all year round, who never camped a day in their lives.

only a moral coward who is on the take would allow this to happen. tell them to go soemwhere else.

i hold each and everyone of you responisbile for the state of the state. if this development happens, i will personally go door to door and work many hours to vote you out of the office you are apparently using for your own gain.

love over gold my senators, love over gold.

i wish you well in your fight for our land and her wild beauty. do not fail the metolius, do not fail this basin. do not do what bush would do.

i care about the environment. do you? or do you just say you do?

thank you very much for your time.

sincerely,

paul mitchell
multnomah county
registered republican
portland oregon