[Sent to those Senators supporting SB 30:]
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your vote to pass Senate Bill 30! Thank you for listening to the citizens of Oregon, for doing your homework and educating yourselves on the issue, and for recognizing that "development" is not always "progress" or "quality" to Oregonians. Thank you for having the wisdom and forethought to vote to save one of our greatest national treasures. You proved that you do care. You have showed the citizens of Oregon that you have the courage and conviction to protect and preserve the quality of life Oregonians want and deserve. A life that does include growth and success for the state, but not at the expense of our unique and pristine natural resources which can never be replaced. You make me proud to be an Oregonian!!
Sincerely,
Pat Krause
Portland, Oregon
Showing posts with label Walker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Walker. Show all posts
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Friday, May 4, 2007
Thinking Over The Compromise - Katherine Livingston, Camp Sherman
Dear Senator Walker,
Like all of us concerned about the Metolius River Basin, I have been thinking over the compromise your committee reached re SB30. It still leaves unanswered questions as to the environmental impact that a destination resort on Green Ridge would have, as well as to the cost to county tax payers for all the services huge destination resort would require, including the overwhelming costs of fire fighting in that very vulnerable area.
Would it not be possible and prudent to do a thorough environmental and economic impact study for the long term, before proceeding with what would be a short-term and disastrous solution?
I was very disappointed by what seemed your sudden swing from serious consideration of the fate of the Metolius River to a too-quick acceptance of the demands of powerful and vastly rich developers.
Please, come and make a few days visit to that unique work of Nature, or, of God, if you will, and you may be moved to change your course of action.
Very truly yours,
Katherine Livingston
Camp Sherman, OR
Like all of us concerned about the Metolius River Basin, I have been thinking over the compromise your committee reached re SB30. It still leaves unanswered questions as to the environmental impact that a destination resort on Green Ridge would have, as well as to the cost to county tax payers for all the services huge destination resort would require, including the overwhelming costs of fire fighting in that very vulnerable area.
Would it not be possible and prudent to do a thorough environmental and economic impact study for the long term, before proceeding with what would be a short-term and disastrous solution?
I was very disappointed by what seemed your sudden swing from serious consideration of the fate of the Metolius River to a too-quick acceptance of the demands of powerful and vastly rich developers.
Please, come and make a few days visit to that unique work of Nature, or, of God, if you will, and you may be moved to change your course of action.
Very truly yours,
Katherine Livingston
Camp Sherman, OR
Thursday, May 3, 2007
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
[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
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
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
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
Grandpa's Bamboo Flyrod - Patrick Buresh, Bend
Hello Senator Walker,
I am disappointed in the current form of SB30. The people of Oregon and the United States deserve better.
I am partially responsible for the growth in Central Oregon. My wife and I moved here with our son almost 5 years ago. We have since added a daughter and will be picking up our adopted son at the Portland airport on Saturday, May 5. So, I understand the need for development. However, the Metolius Basin is not the appropriate place for this development. It was once considered for National Park status! I would rather see Camp Sherman relocated and the land donated to the Deschutes Basin Land Trust then see more building near the basin. It is more appropriate to quadruple the number of people in the city of Sisters than put those people in a couple new cities near the Metolius River.
Last spring I visited my Grandpa Vetz – my last living grandparent. He was a WWII vet who trained in Camp Abbot (near Sunriver) and loved to fish. His time at Camp Abbot was one of the few things he was able to talk about during that visit. At times he couldn’t remember who I was or how many times we had walked around his apartment. But, he could remember playing in the snow in Central Oregon. I was able to convince my Uncle Rod that Grandpa’s old bamboo fly rod should come home with me. The only place I considered for that rod’s first outing in more than 20 years was the Metolius River. I have attached a picture (MetBowSmall.jpg) of the first fish I caught with the rod – a beautiful wild Metolius rainbow.
Grandpa died in early February. I headed to the Metolius with his old bamboo fly rod the next day. I was not able to make it to the services but a picture (GrandpaTroutSmall.jpg) of me with the only fish I was able to fool on that cold afternoon did.
The rod is now being restored. I hope I get it back in time for the green drake hatch on the Metolius!
Please help focus the development in this beautiful part of the world. We all know it will come but let’s use some common sense.
Sincerely yours,
Patrick Buresh
Bend, OR
I am disappointed in the current form of SB30. The people of Oregon and the United States deserve better.
I am partially responsible for the growth in Central Oregon. My wife and I moved here with our son almost 5 years ago. We have since added a daughter and will be picking up our adopted son at the Portland airport on Saturday, May 5. So, I understand the need for development. However, the Metolius Basin is not the appropriate place for this development. It was once considered for National Park status! I would rather see Camp Sherman relocated and the land donated to the Deschutes Basin Land Trust then see more building near the basin. It is more appropriate to quadruple the number of people in the city of Sisters than put those people in a couple new cities near the Metolius River.
Last spring I visited my Grandpa Vetz – my last living grandparent. He was a WWII vet who trained in Camp Abbot (near Sunriver) and loved to fish. His time at Camp Abbot was one of the few things he was able to talk about during that visit. At times he couldn’t remember who I was or how many times we had walked around his apartment. But, he could remember playing in the snow in Central Oregon. I was able to convince my Uncle Rod that Grandpa’s old bamboo fly rod should come home with me. The only place I considered for that rod’s first outing in more than 20 years was the Metolius River. I have attached a picture (MetBowSmall.jpg) of the first fish I caught with the rod – a beautiful wild Metolius rainbow.
Grandpa died in early February. I headed to the Metolius with his old bamboo fly rod the next day. I was not able to make it to the services but a picture (GrandpaTroutSmall.jpg) of me with the only fish I was able to fool on that cold afternoon did.
The rod is now being restored. I hope I get it back in time for the green drake hatch on the Metolius!
Please help focus the development in this beautiful part of the world. We all know it will come but let’s use some common sense.
Sincerely yours,
Patrick Buresh
Bend, OR
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
[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
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
[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
Monday, April 30, 2007
In Your Hearts You Know What Is Right - Bill Failing, Portland
[Sent to Senators Kate Brown, Ginny Burdick, Rick Metsger, Vicki Walker, Rod Monroe, Peter Courtney, Betsy Johnson:]
Dear Senators (Chosen for this mail because you would be among the last to sell this down the river, so to speak)---
It is hard to believe that this plea even needs to be sent. Have we, Oregonians all, lost it completely? To allow development into one of Oregon’s most uniqually natural landscapes, at the top of everybody’s list of Oregon’s most scenic spots, part of Beautiful Oregon lore past and present, fall to developers?
The developers are winning this one…but you can still stop them. Please support a complete ban on SB 30, not the vaguely-worded “compromise” that offers nothing.
The amendments that weakened SB 30 can and must be removed.
My wife Michele Bowler has worked with some of you---suggesting that you be contacted directly. Others of you may know John Russell who is a developer (and Camp Sherman summer resident) who does great projects---and where they are appropriate---without scorching the earth. Follow his lead---because in your hearts you know what is right and wrong with this irreversible desecration. This wilderness does not need a golf course!
My family has been coming to this area since the 1920’s. I have photographs taken by them of this area that are instantly recognizable today. Let’s make this area recognizable 100 years from now. Please use your considerable influence to stop this notion that development will somehow improve this area, and be the elixir to fix Jefferson County’s impoverished treasury. There are no trade-offs if the Metolius is compromised!
Thanks in advance for doing what is right.
Godspeed!
Bill Failing
Portland, OR
Dear Senators (Chosen for this mail because you would be among the last to sell this down the river, so to speak)---
It is hard to believe that this plea even needs to be sent. Have we, Oregonians all, lost it completely? To allow development into one of Oregon’s most uniqually natural landscapes, at the top of everybody’s list of Oregon’s most scenic spots, part of Beautiful Oregon lore past and present, fall to developers?
The developers are winning this one…but you can still stop them. Please support a complete ban on SB 30, not the vaguely-worded “compromise” that offers nothing.
The amendments that weakened SB 30 can and must be removed.
My wife Michele Bowler has worked with some of you---suggesting that you be contacted directly. Others of you may know John Russell who is a developer (and Camp Sherman summer resident) who does great projects---and where they are appropriate---without scorching the earth. Follow his lead---because in your hearts you know what is right and wrong with this irreversible desecration. This wilderness does not need a golf course!
My family has been coming to this area since the 1920’s. I have photographs taken by them of this area that are instantly recognizable today. Let’s make this area recognizable 100 years from now. Please use your considerable influence to stop this notion that development will somehow improve this area, and be the elixir to fix Jefferson County’s impoverished treasury. There are no trade-offs if the Metolius is compromised!
Thanks in advance for doing what is right.
Godspeed!
Bill Failing
Portland, OR
Discouraged By Amendments - Michael Funke, Bend
[Sent to Senator Vicki Walker:]
I am very discouraged to hear that you amended SB 30 late Friday night.
I would like to know why you introduced this amendment and how you think the new, amended SB 30 will protect the Metolius Basin.
Since I live over here in Central Oregon I probably hear more frequently than you do from people who regularly visit the Metolius and are very concerned about what destination resorts will do to this beautiful part of our region. Their concerns are evident in the huge amount of correspondence in support of the original, unamended SB 30.
We have seen how the proliferation of destination resorts have permanently altered the landscape of Powell Butte and other parts of Central Oregon. They also have had a profound impact on our regional economy as they increase the number and percentage of jobs that traditionally pay low wages.
I really do want to know the rationale for amending SB 30 they way you did. I look forward to your response.
Michael Funke
Bend, Oregon
I am very discouraged to hear that you amended SB 30 late Friday night.
I would like to know why you introduced this amendment and how you think the new, amended SB 30 will protect the Metolius Basin.
Since I live over here in Central Oregon I probably hear more frequently than you do from people who regularly visit the Metolius and are very concerned about what destination resorts will do to this beautiful part of our region. Their concerns are evident in the huge amount of correspondence in support of the original, unamended SB 30.
We have seen how the proliferation of destination resorts have permanently altered the landscape of Powell Butte and other parts of Central Oregon. They also have had a profound impact on our regional economy as they increase the number and percentage of jobs that traditionally pay low wages.
I really do want to know the rationale for amending SB 30 they way you did. I look forward to your response.
Michael Funke
Bend, Oregon
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Written Testimony - Sage Wood
[To the Senate Committee and Education and General Government:]
My name is Sage Wood Fox and I would like to save the Metolius River because I catch frogs, fish – big fish, grasshoppers, and everything that a kid like me would like to catch. And it is a very sacred place to me because I love going there. And if it’s developed, there will be thousands of people ruining it. And it is no fair because I may be only 9 years old, but I should have the authority to have what people who are about 40 years or older used to have when they were kids just like me. And my grandfather and baby sister’s ashes are buried here and it would not be sacred any longer because it would be just like a miniature city and that makes nothing special because there’s gas, houses, cars, and tons of people. It would be a very ugly place to live in.
The county government is doing nothing, simply nothing, to save the river. And it is very mean of the county government to do that because they are listening to the people who would get the money. Of course, they would say, yes, let’s build tons of houses, because they get tons and tons of money.
Metolius is one of the only places that I get my favorite food, like fish and wild strawberries. My baby brother, Nicholas, will be very mad if the government lets the developers build all those houses, because Nicholas will not get to see what I saw and wish to see later, and he will be very disappointed.
So I hope you can protect this beautiful place so that Nicholas and my children and grandchildren will experience what my mom and I have experienced.
Sage Wood
Eugene, OR
My name is Sage Wood Fox and I would like to save the Metolius River because I catch frogs, fish – big fish, grasshoppers, and everything that a kid like me would like to catch. And it is a very sacred place to me because I love going there. And if it’s developed, there will be thousands of people ruining it. And it is no fair because I may be only 9 years old, but I should have the authority to have what people who are about 40 years or older used to have when they were kids just like me. And my grandfather and baby sister’s ashes are buried here and it would not be sacred any longer because it would be just like a miniature city and that makes nothing special because there’s gas, houses, cars, and tons of people. It would be a very ugly place to live in.
The county government is doing nothing, simply nothing, to save the river. And it is very mean of the county government to do that because they are listening to the people who would get the money. Of course, they would say, yes, let’s build tons of houses, because they get tons and tons of money.
Metolius is one of the only places that I get my favorite food, like fish and wild strawberries. My baby brother, Nicholas, will be very mad if the government lets the developers build all those houses, because Nicholas will not get to see what I saw and wish to see later, and he will be very disappointed.
So I hope you can protect this beautiful place so that Nicholas and my children and grandchildren will experience what my mom and I have experienced.
Sage Wood
Eugene, OR
Written Testimony - Mary Wood, Eugene
[To the Senate C0mmittee on Education and General Government:]
My name is Mary Christina Wood. I have come to testify in support of SB 30. Senators, 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.
I come before you this evening as a fourth generation on the Metolius with ties to this river on two sides of my family. And I bring my son, Sage, and my baby Nicholas, as representatives of a fifth generation on the river.
My grandfather General Lamar Tooze Sr., with his wife, Marie, bought a cabin in Camp Sherman in 1946. My other grandfather, Erskine Wood, bought property along the Metolius in 1918 and built a small camp with four little open huts, a one-room log cabin, an open cookhouse, and a fire pit. Today the Wood Camp looks exactly as it did in 1918. My siblings and I donated 30 acres of meadow and islands in the river to the Nature Conservancy.
Aside from the landowners in the Basin, 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. My little children walk and fish along the banks, just like I did. Around the campfire we talk about our ancestors almost as if they are right there with us.
There is a strengthening, eternal pulse to the Metolius. Our family tells the story of General George C. Marshall, Army Chief of Staff to President Roosevelt during World War II. Marshall was a close friend of my grandfather. During the anxious weeks leading up to D-Day, General Marshall asked my grandfather to bring him to the Wood Camp for a few days. He explained why only much later. He had sought out the quiet waters of the Metolius to gain courage and fortitude for what this nation was about to face. On June 6, 1944, when our American troops landed on the shores of Normandy to beat back the Nazi tide that was rolling across Europe, the waters of the Metolius gave grounding and conviction to this country’s highest commander.
A professor from Boston wrote to you yesterday describing the Metolius as “an unspeakably beautiful river, unique, more intimate and calming than any other I have ever known. . . .” It should not surprise you that many Oregon families, including my own, have buried or scattered the ashes of their loved ones in the Metolius Basin. It is one of the only places left where one can be amidst the lasting peace of Nature.
And so, Senators, when I am asked to testify on these proposals for destination resorts that would bring homes and roads and golf courses and crowds of people to this basin, you might as well ask my opinion on child abuse or robbery. These proposals shock the conscience. They are the work of predatory developers driven by vicious greed to annihilate the quietude of the Metolius Basin. If these are strong words, I am sorry, but you will probably hear many strong words from the citizens of Oregon tonight because the Metolius is inseparable from the memory of loved ones who have sat on its banks though time. The citizens of Oregon will fight for the Metolius until we secure its safety forever, because its waters carry our childrens’ legacy.
The proposed legislation, SB 30, is not about private property. It’s about public property. The people of Oregon own the river, the air, the wildlife and the forests that are threatened with these resort proposals. The developers’ private property rights do not overcome the legislature’s responsibility to protect legacy public resources. As the Supreme Court said in 1907, and again just two 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.”
I brought my son, Sage, here to testify. He sees Nature being destroyed all around him. There are few things more disheartening and depressing to a little boy than to bear witness to such destruction. He asks me, why is government allowing this? Is there any end to it? Why won’t I be able to enjoy the Nature that you had growing up? The only thing I keep saying to him is that the government does have the obligation to protect places like the Metolius for the people, forever -- and that government has gone far astray, but that there will be those heroes, like the sponsors of SB 30, joined by every other Senator and Representative in the Oregon legislature, I hope, who will have the courage in their hearts to do what is right towards our descendants, and not give away public treasures like the Metolius Basin to people like the Lundgrens and the Colsons who would line their pockets by stealing what is most precious from the generations following us.
I’d like to leave you with a few lines from 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. We read this poem as we laid my father’s ashes to rest on the banks of the Metolius.
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.
Senators, if your great-grandchildren can wake up on the banks of the Metolius River 100 years from now, and there are still fish in the waters, tall standing pines leaning in the breeze, and quiet all around, they will know that you – you personally -- secured their precious Metolius Endowment for them to also hand down for all generations to come.
Mary Wood
Eugene, OR
My name is Mary Christina Wood. I have come to testify in support of SB 30. Senators, 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.
I come before you this evening as a fourth generation on the Metolius with ties to this river on two sides of my family. And I bring my son, Sage, and my baby Nicholas, as representatives of a fifth generation on the river.
My grandfather General Lamar Tooze Sr., with his wife, Marie, bought a cabin in Camp Sherman in 1946. My other grandfather, Erskine Wood, bought property along the Metolius in 1918 and built a small camp with four little open huts, a one-room log cabin, an open cookhouse, and a fire pit. Today the Wood Camp looks exactly as it did in 1918. My siblings and I donated 30 acres of meadow and islands in the river to the Nature Conservancy.
Aside from the landowners in the Basin, 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. My little children walk and fish along the banks, just like I did. Around the campfire we talk about our ancestors almost as if they are right there with us.
There is a strengthening, eternal pulse to the Metolius. Our family tells the story of General George C. Marshall, Army Chief of Staff to President Roosevelt during World War II. Marshall was a close friend of my grandfather. During the anxious weeks leading up to D-Day, General Marshall asked my grandfather to bring him to the Wood Camp for a few days. He explained why only much later. He had sought out the quiet waters of the Metolius to gain courage and fortitude for what this nation was about to face. On June 6, 1944, when our American troops landed on the shores of Normandy to beat back the Nazi tide that was rolling across Europe, the waters of the Metolius gave grounding and conviction to this country’s highest commander.
A professor from Boston wrote to you yesterday describing the Metolius as “an unspeakably beautiful river, unique, more intimate and calming than any other I have ever known. . . .” It should not surprise you that many Oregon families, including my own, have buried or scattered the ashes of their loved ones in the Metolius Basin. It is one of the only places left where one can be amidst the lasting peace of Nature.
And so, Senators, when I am asked to testify on these proposals for destination resorts that would bring homes and roads and golf courses and crowds of people to this basin, you might as well ask my opinion on child abuse or robbery. These proposals shock the conscience. They are the work of predatory developers driven by vicious greed to annihilate the quietude of the Metolius Basin. If these are strong words, I am sorry, but you will probably hear many strong words from the citizens of Oregon tonight because the Metolius is inseparable from the memory of loved ones who have sat on its banks though time. The citizens of Oregon will fight for the Metolius until we secure its safety forever, because its waters carry our childrens’ legacy.
The proposed legislation, SB 30, is not about private property. It’s about public property. The people of Oregon own the river, the air, the wildlife and the forests that are threatened with these resort proposals. The developers’ private property rights do not overcome the legislature’s responsibility to protect legacy public resources. As the Supreme Court said in 1907, and again just two 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.”
I brought my son, Sage, here to testify. He sees Nature being destroyed all around him. There are few things more disheartening and depressing to a little boy than to bear witness to such destruction. He asks me, why is government allowing this? Is there any end to it? Why won’t I be able to enjoy the Nature that you had growing up? The only thing I keep saying to him is that the government does have the obligation to protect places like the Metolius for the people, forever -- and that government has gone far astray, but that there will be those heroes, like the sponsors of SB 30, joined by every other Senator and Representative in the Oregon legislature, I hope, who will have the courage in their hearts to do what is right towards our descendants, and not give away public treasures like the Metolius Basin to people like the Lundgrens and the Colsons who would line their pockets by stealing what is most precious from the generations following us.
I’d like to leave you with a few lines from 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. We read this poem as we laid my father’s ashes to rest on the banks of the Metolius.
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.
Senators, if your great-grandchildren can wake up on the banks of the Metolius River 100 years from now, and there are still fish in the waters, tall standing pines leaning in the breeze, and quiet all around, they will know that you – you personally -- secured their precious Metolius Endowment for them to also hand down for all generations to come.
Mary Wood
Eugene, OR
Stay Strong - Bob and Harriet Rossio, Sisters
Dear Senator Westlund:
This is a letter in support of S.B. 30.
Please do not weaken the purpose of this bill as you seek agreement with the involved parties on final language.
We understand that purpose to be aimed at the protection of the unique habitat within the Metolius River Basin.
Having reviewed the many articles published in The Bulletin of Bend, as well as the Sisters Nugget and other sources, it seems clear to us that the headlong plunge into creating more destination resorts within the Central Oregon area cries out for the oversight and close control of the State.
The counties see the planned resorts as a wonderful way to increase tourist spending and tax income. The developers view them as a way to get around Oregon land use policy with regard to restrictions inside the urban growth boundaries.
And those of us who live here see them as huge consumers of our water, and potential destroyers of our unique habitat if they are not controlled.
Stay strong.
Sincerely,
Bob and Harriet Rossio
Sisters, OR
This is a letter in support of S.B. 30.
Please do not weaken the purpose of this bill as you seek agreement with the involved parties on final language.
We understand that purpose to be aimed at the protection of the unique habitat within the Metolius River Basin.
Having reviewed the many articles published in The Bulletin of Bend, as well as the Sisters Nugget and other sources, it seems clear to us that the headlong plunge into creating more destination resorts within the Central Oregon area cries out for the oversight and close control of the State.
The counties see the planned resorts as a wonderful way to increase tourist spending and tax income. The developers view them as a way to get around Oregon land use policy with regard to restrictions inside the urban growth boundaries.
And those of us who live here see them as huge consumers of our water, and potential destroyers of our unique habitat if they are not controlled.
Stay strong.
Sincerely,
Bob and Harriet Rossio
Sisters, OR
Visiting For 35 Years - John Kennedy, Portland
Dear Senator Dekert [And copied to the Senate Committee and Education and General Government:]
My family has been going up to the Metolius Basin for the past thirty five years. Since my retirement fifteen years ago, my wife, children, and now grandchildren have spent most of their summer there. My Portland based children and grandchildren make many skiing trips to the area. Needless to say we have seen many changes to the area. The traffic on Route 20-22 has increased to the point that you may wait 5-10 minutes to get on the road and even longer on the weekends. We have seen some of the springs at the head waters of the Metolius dry up. The flow of the Metolius River, above Lake Creek, has drop some summers so that the cabins (with water rights) have trouble getting water out of the river. It is still one of the most beautiful and peaceful area in Oregon. It is public land that is open to all that come to visit. A comprehensive plan for the area was drawn up by a very diverse group (US Forests Service, cabin owners, environmentalists, Warm Spring Indian representatives, and many more) who all agreed on the plan for the preservation on the then designated scenic water way, the Metolius River. For the benefit of a few developers, who will be long gone after their projects are completed, it would be tragic to destroy this beautiful gift given to us by nature.
Sincerely,
J. Halisey Kennedy MD
Portland, OR
My family has been going up to the Metolius Basin for the past thirty five years. Since my retirement fifteen years ago, my wife, children, and now grandchildren have spent most of their summer there. My Portland based children and grandchildren make many skiing trips to the area. Needless to say we have seen many changes to the area. The traffic on Route 20-22 has increased to the point that you may wait 5-10 minutes to get on the road and even longer on the weekends. We have seen some of the springs at the head waters of the Metolius dry up. The flow of the Metolius River, above Lake Creek, has drop some summers so that the cabins (with water rights) have trouble getting water out of the river. It is still one of the most beautiful and peaceful area in Oregon. It is public land that is open to all that come to visit. A comprehensive plan for the area was drawn up by a very diverse group (US Forests Service, cabin owners, environmentalists, Warm Spring Indian representatives, and many more) who all agreed on the plan for the preservation on the then designated scenic water way, the Metolius River. For the benefit of a few developers, who will be long gone after their projects are completed, it would be tragic to destroy this beautiful gift given to us by nature.
Sincerely,
J. Halisey Kennedy MD
Portland, OR
Future Value Is Spectacular Scenery - Spencer H. Wood, Boise
[Sent to Senators Westlund and Walker:]
Thank you for your support of SB 30 and further efforts to preserve the natural beauty of the Metolius River Basin – a unique and great heritage of Oregon and the world. The basin is not suitable for destination resorts.
The future value of the basin is spectacular scenery, the unique spring-fed river and tributaries, a wild-trout fishery, unusual geologic and forest features, and a recreation area for those that appreciate natural beauty unscarred by condominiums, golf courses, automobile traffic, and all the detriment that comes with large resort schemes.
Twenty-five years ago, my father donated 30 acres of virgin forest and riparian lands along the Metolius River to the Nature Conservancy as a part our family’s commitment to preserve the natural beauty of the area for future generations. We ask that the Oregon Legislature also work to preserve the Metolius legacy, and are grateful for your efforts.
Sincerely yours
Spencer H. Wood
Boise, Idaho
Thank you for your support of SB 30 and further efforts to preserve the natural beauty of the Metolius River Basin – a unique and great heritage of Oregon and the world. The basin is not suitable for destination resorts.
The future value of the basin is spectacular scenery, the unique spring-fed river and tributaries, a wild-trout fishery, unusual geologic and forest features, and a recreation area for those that appreciate natural beauty unscarred by condominiums, golf courses, automobile traffic, and all the detriment that comes with large resort schemes.
Twenty-five years ago, my father donated 30 acres of virgin forest and riparian lands along the Metolius River to the Nature Conservancy as a part our family’s commitment to preserve the natural beauty of the area for future generations. We ask that the Oregon Legislature also work to preserve the Metolius legacy, and are grateful for your efforts.
Sincerely yours
Spencer H. Wood
Boise, Idaho
Written Testimony - Brian Grubb, Portland
[Sent to the Senate Committee and Education and General Government:]
I would like to provide written testimony for tonight's public hearing on Senate Bill 30 as follows:
Oregon is special place. There is no place more special in our beautiful state than the Metolius River Basin. I can remember the first time I ever saw it. I was blown away. I had never seen such a pristine and serene place in my life. Absolutely the most beautiful Ponderosa Pine forest on our tiny planet. In a word- breathtaking.
Every summer, our family vacations in Central Oregon. We stay at a destination resort near Redmond, one of several destination resorts in Central Oregon. We always make time to visit the Metolius River Basin, it's one our favorite things to do. Our small, curious children delight in the wonderment of the area.
We I first heard of a proposed destination resort in the area, my first response was "Why? There are plenty of wonderful resorts already in Central Oregon". First, there is no need for it. Second, and most importantly, it would negatively transform one of the most special places on Earth.
The Metolius River Basin is a treasure. It's our treasure. When it's gone, it's gone forever. We need to protect is for my kids and their kids. We need to protect it for your kids and their kids. Forever.
Please support Oregon's Senate Bill 30 which would prevent destination resorts in or within three miles of the Metolius River Basin.
Thank you for your time,
Brian Grubb
Native Oregonian
Concerned Citizen
Portland, Oregon
I would like to provide written testimony for tonight's public hearing on Senate Bill 30 as follows:
Oregon is special place. There is no place more special in our beautiful state than the Metolius River Basin. I can remember the first time I ever saw it. I was blown away. I had never seen such a pristine and serene place in my life. Absolutely the most beautiful Ponderosa Pine forest on our tiny planet. In a word- breathtaking.
Every summer, our family vacations in Central Oregon. We stay at a destination resort near Redmond, one of several destination resorts in Central Oregon. We always make time to visit the Metolius River Basin, it's one our favorite things to do. Our small, curious children delight in the wonderment of the area.
We I first heard of a proposed destination resort in the area, my first response was "Why? There are plenty of wonderful resorts already in Central Oregon". First, there is no need for it. Second, and most importantly, it would negatively transform one of the most special places on Earth.
The Metolius River Basin is a treasure. It's our treasure. When it's gone, it's gone forever. We need to protect is for my kids and their kids. We need to protect it for your kids and their kids. Forever.
Please support Oregon's Senate Bill 30 which would prevent destination resorts in or within three miles of the Metolius River Basin.
Thank you for your time,
Brian Grubb
Native Oregonian
Concerned Citizen
Portland, Oregon
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Reckless Plan - Gary Kish, Sauvie Island
[Sent to Senators Metsger, Walker, Westlund, Morse, and Kruse:]
For generations Oregonians have recognized the Metolius Valley as a very special place, for many different reasons. The reason the Metolius is the gem it is, is the water quality and constant flows.
Large scale development in the basin has the potential to disrupt both.
As you know, most of the the Metolius Valley is in public hands, through the US Forest Service. The public has always demanded conservative management and protection of this resource.
Jefferson County and developers are now trying to cash in on the natural capital that the public has created in this special locale.
The Jefferson County Commissioners resort siting plan is both reckless and a vulgar poke in the eye to all Oregonians.
I urge you to help preserve the Metolius and support SB30 when your committee votes on it.
Gary Kish (formerly of Camp Sherman)
Sauvie Island OR
For generations Oregonians have recognized the Metolius Valley as a very special place, for many different reasons. The reason the Metolius is the gem it is, is the water quality and constant flows.
Large scale development in the basin has the potential to disrupt both.
As you know, most of the the Metolius Valley is in public hands, through the US Forest Service. The public has always demanded conservative management and protection of this resource.
Jefferson County and developers are now trying to cash in on the natural capital that the public has created in this special locale.
The Jefferson County Commissioners resort siting plan is both reckless and a vulgar poke in the eye to all Oregonians.
I urge you to help preserve the Metolius and support SB30 when your committee votes on it.
Gary Kish (formerly of Camp Sherman)
Sauvie Island OR
Senate Bill 30 Written Testimony - Ervin Siverson, Portland
[Sent to Senators Walker, Westlund, Metsger, Morse, Kruse;]
My name is Ervin Siverson and I live in Portland, OR. I am writing in support of Senate Bill 30, which would limit development of destination resorts in the Metolius River Basin. I am not a developer, a lobbyist, or work for a real estate company. I do not represent any wildlife organization; I only take the time to write because I believe the Metolius River Basin is a special and sacred place that demands special legislation like Senate Bill 30 to protect it for generations to come.
In my personal life, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who works as a therapist in the Mental Health and Addictions field. I feel extremely blessed to watch clients work hard to make lifestyle changes that positively affect all aspects of their lives. I chose this type of work because I wanted to have some ability to potentially make a positive influence in the lives of others, thus giving back to society.
I firmly believe this is why all of you have chosen to work as a representative of the people of the State of Oregon. You chose this noble profession to have a positive influence in the lives of others, and wanted to leave behind a legacy that represented your values of choosing the profession of political representation. Senate Bill 30 represents one of these special moments where your decisions will have a lasting influence on the legacy of your representation and on the lives of others.
The Metolius River Basin is like no place on earth, I am sure by now you have been flooded with pictures that attempt to show its unique beauty. Pictures cannot capture how this place makes you feel, how it regenerates the soul, how it is a calming and peaceful place that allows all Oregonians to escape and retreat from the stressors of an increasingly stressful life. One can camp on the banks of the Metolius River for very little money, hike its trails to find solitude, and fish its crystal clear waters for native trout including the threatened Bull Trout.
The Metolius River Basin is not a place to site destination resorts such as those proposed for development. It is not a place for any further development at all, it is a place that demands legislators like you to step forward and pass legislation that protects its unique beauty for generations to come. If you chose to pass Senate Bill 30, it will represent your legacy to the State of Oregon, how you chose to protect what does not have a voice, the Metolius River Basin. Your place in the history of land preservation, wildlife preservation, and preservation of a special place will be secured. We know what the results will be if Senate Bill 30 is passed, we do not know what could happen to this special place if destinations resorts are allowed. The choice is yours, and I thank you for your time and consideration.
Ervin Siverson
Portland, OR
My name is Ervin Siverson and I live in Portland, OR. I am writing in support of Senate Bill 30, which would limit development of destination resorts in the Metolius River Basin. I am not a developer, a lobbyist, or work for a real estate company. I do not represent any wildlife organization; I only take the time to write because I believe the Metolius River Basin is a special and sacred place that demands special legislation like Senate Bill 30 to protect it for generations to come.
In my personal life, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who works as a therapist in the Mental Health and Addictions field. I feel extremely blessed to watch clients work hard to make lifestyle changes that positively affect all aspects of their lives. I chose this type of work because I wanted to have some ability to potentially make a positive influence in the lives of others, thus giving back to society.
I firmly believe this is why all of you have chosen to work as a representative of the people of the State of Oregon. You chose this noble profession to have a positive influence in the lives of others, and wanted to leave behind a legacy that represented your values of choosing the profession of political representation. Senate Bill 30 represents one of these special moments where your decisions will have a lasting influence on the legacy of your representation and on the lives of others.
The Metolius River Basin is like no place on earth, I am sure by now you have been flooded with pictures that attempt to show its unique beauty. Pictures cannot capture how this place makes you feel, how it regenerates the soul, how it is a calming and peaceful place that allows all Oregonians to escape and retreat from the stressors of an increasingly stressful life. One can camp on the banks of the Metolius River for very little money, hike its trails to find solitude, and fish its crystal clear waters for native trout including the threatened Bull Trout.
The Metolius River Basin is not a place to site destination resorts such as those proposed for development. It is not a place for any further development at all, it is a place that demands legislators like you to step forward and pass legislation that protects its unique beauty for generations to come. If you chose to pass Senate Bill 30, it will represent your legacy to the State of Oregon, how you chose to protect what does not have a voice, the Metolius River Basin. Your place in the history of land preservation, wildlife preservation, and preservation of a special place will be secured. We know what the results will be if Senate Bill 30 is passed, we do not know what could happen to this special place if destinations resorts are allowed. The choice is yours, and I thank you for your time and consideration.
Ervin Siverson
Portland, OR
In Need Of Long-Ranging Solutions - Lizbeth Adams, Seattle
[Sent to Senators Westlund, Walker, Johnson, Kruse, Morse, Metsger, Johnson, and Brown:]
I am writing to voice my strong opposition to the plan to develop the Metolius River wilderness area. As our planet faces the catastrophe of global warming, you our leaders need to throw the entire weight of your intellect and dedication behind the task of finding solutions to this crisis. These solutions will have to be long-ranging and effective, and these solutions will not include destruction of forests and they will not include encouraging urban sprawl that increases the consumption of fossil fuels by commuters. They will include infilling urban areas and finding transportation solutions that decrease our dependence on oil. They will also, on a more subjective level, involve teaching us as a species how to remember again to love our planet, and that will not be accomplished by destroying one of its most beautiful areas.
I ask you to support SB 30. Thank you.
Lizbeth Adams PhD
Director, Office of Research Integrity
Bastyr University (Seattle, WA)
I am writing to voice my strong opposition to the plan to develop the Metolius River wilderness area. As our planet faces the catastrophe of global warming, you our leaders need to throw the entire weight of your intellect and dedication behind the task of finding solutions to this crisis. These solutions will have to be long-ranging and effective, and these solutions will not include destruction of forests and they will not include encouraging urban sprawl that increases the consumption of fossil fuels by commuters. They will include infilling urban areas and finding transportation solutions that decrease our dependence on oil. They will also, on a more subjective level, involve teaching us as a species how to remember again to love our planet, and that will not be accomplished by destroying one of its most beautiful areas.
I ask you to support SB 30. Thank you.
Lizbeth Adams PhD
Director, Office of Research Integrity
Bastyr University (Seattle, WA)
We Hold An Ethical Responsibility - Patricia Johnson, Edgewater FL
Good morning, Senators Walker, Kruse, Metsger and Morse,
I am writing in support of SB 30.
I am the younger daughter of the late Sam and Becky Johnson, and the sister of Sen. Betsy Johnson. As youngsters, Betsy and I attended kindergarten and grade school in Redmond, but nearly every weekend and most of our summers were spent at the family cabin near the headwaters of the Metolius River. Our father's ashes are buried there, as Mother's will be this summer. I have always considered it to be my home.
From the time I was a little tyke, I was taught conservation, environmentalism and total respect for that magnificent part of the world. At age 54, I cannot imagine the irresponsibility of allowing "destination resorts" of any kind, being allowed in or near The Metolius River Basin.
I currently live in Florida and have a first hand view of the destruction of a beautiful state due to the pure greed of land developers. Native Central Floridians refer to Mickey Mouse as "The Black Rat." Homes frequently fall into sink holes due to the aquifer's depletion. The thought of this type of destruction beginning in my Central Oregon brings tears to my eyes.
My father once told me "We do not really own this land. God does. We hold an ethical responsibility as its caretakers." Please consider his words and prohibit the "resort" development of this fragile and magnificent part of the world.
Respectfully,
Patricia C. "Patti" Johnson
Edgewater, Florida
I am writing in support of SB 30.
I am the younger daughter of the late Sam and Becky Johnson, and the sister of Sen. Betsy Johnson. As youngsters, Betsy and I attended kindergarten and grade school in Redmond, but nearly every weekend and most of our summers were spent at the family cabin near the headwaters of the Metolius River. Our father's ashes are buried there, as Mother's will be this summer. I have always considered it to be my home.
From the time I was a little tyke, I was taught conservation, environmentalism and total respect for that magnificent part of the world. At age 54, I cannot imagine the irresponsibility of allowing "destination resorts" of any kind, being allowed in or near The Metolius River Basin.
I currently live in Florida and have a first hand view of the destruction of a beautiful state due to the pure greed of land developers. Native Central Floridians refer to Mickey Mouse as "The Black Rat." Homes frequently fall into sink holes due to the aquifer's depletion. The thought of this type of destruction beginning in my Central Oregon brings tears to my eyes.
My father once told me "We do not really own this land. God does. We hold an ethical responsibility as its caretakers." Please consider his words and prohibit the "resort" development of this fragile and magnificent part of the world.
Respectfully,
Patricia C. "Patti" Johnson
Edgewater, Florida
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
We Inherited This Land From Our Parents - Marie Sheahan Brown, Camp Sherman
[Sent to Senators Metsger, Walker, Westlund, Johnson, Morse, Kruse:]
My four siblings and I own a 20-acre parcel of land on the lower Metolius River, across the river from the Warm Springs Reservation. We inherited this land from our parents. Our forebears and we have continuously owned property of one kind or another on the Metolius River since the 1930s. We have no intention of developing the 20-acre parcel but, rather, see ourselves as stewards of an extraordinary creation.
I am deeply grateful to the legislators who, recognizing the need to preserve and protect the remarkable Metolius River Basin, have introduced SB 30 to Save the Metolius. Of current concern is the recent Jefferson County decision opening the door to destination resorts which, while boosting cash flow to the county, in my opinion would threaten the natural resources and other irreplaceable qualities of the Basin. My family and I support SB 30 to Save the Metolius, and we urge you to do the same.
A delicate ecosystem, the Metolius River Basin depends on a proper balance of all of its elements ~ the 10 Outstandingly Remarkable Values recognized in its Wild & Scenic River status. Everything affects everything else. Two large destination resorts within its boundaries could not have other than negative and probably irreversible effects on the ecology of the Basin. When financial gain is a primary goal of developers, I frankly have little confidence that ecological concerns will take priority in their plans and actions.
Were the Basin's ecology a priority, these destination resorts would not have been proposed at all.
Sincerely,
Marie Sheahan Brown
Camp Sherman, OR
My four siblings and I own a 20-acre parcel of land on the lower Metolius River, across the river from the Warm Springs Reservation. We inherited this land from our parents. Our forebears and we have continuously owned property of one kind or another on the Metolius River since the 1930s. We have no intention of developing the 20-acre parcel but, rather, see ourselves as stewards of an extraordinary creation.
I am deeply grateful to the legislators who, recognizing the need to preserve and protect the remarkable Metolius River Basin, have introduced SB 30 to Save the Metolius. Of current concern is the recent Jefferson County decision opening the door to destination resorts which, while boosting cash flow to the county, in my opinion would threaten the natural resources and other irreplaceable qualities of the Basin. My family and I support SB 30 to Save the Metolius, and we urge you to do the same.
A delicate ecosystem, the Metolius River Basin depends on a proper balance of all of its elements ~ the 10 Outstandingly Remarkable Values recognized in its Wild & Scenic River status. Everything affects everything else. Two large destination resorts within its boundaries could not have other than negative and probably irreversible effects on the ecology of the Basin. When financial gain is a primary goal of developers, I frankly have little confidence that ecological concerns will take priority in their plans and actions.
Were the Basin's ecology a priority, these destination resorts would not have been proposed at all.
Sincerely,
Marie Sheahan Brown
Camp Sherman, OR
