[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 brown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brown. Show all posts
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
Protect The Metolius - Bill Leininger, Sisters
Dear Members of the Oregon Legislature,
[Sent to Senators Brown, Courtney, Johnson, Wesltund, and Reps. Merkley, Hunt, and Whisnant:]
I am writing to urge you to support Senate Bill 30, in its original form, and all future efforts to protect and preserve the Metolius River Basin. The Metolius River Basin is a National Treasure that must be preserved for all in its natural state. To allow destination resorts or any development of the magnitude proposed would be disastrous .... it would serve no one other than the developers and Jefferson County through increased tax revenues.
The destination resorts would not even serve those who were to buy into them. At present, visitors to the area marvel and question, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if I were to own a small piece of this?" The answer is that they, and everyone else, now own a piece of this wonderland ... they are able to visit, enjoy, and then move on so that others are allowed to do the same. If destination resorts are allowed to develop the people buying into them would soon find what they had tried to buy no longer existed: (1) When you visit the Camp Sherman Store is it the same experience as when you go to Safeway? (2) When you hike or picnic in the solitude of the tall pines on Green Tree Ridge is it the same as sitting on your deck amongst 2500 homes watching people knock around golf balls on your front lawn? (3) Or, is sitting on the river bank listening to the musical flow of a clear stream the same as listening to hordes of people moving up and down the crowded streamside path? People settling at, and visiting, destination resorts find that they have not escaped ... rather that everything that they were trying to get away from they have brought with them.
What would be the impact on the river? Would the springs feeding the river dry up? I don't know? Would the water purity suffer, from drain-off from surrounding developments, upsetting the whole river ecosystem? I am not sure of the answer to that one either. I am sure however that we can not threaten this pure river habitat with even the slightest risk that might have such disastrous results. We are now surrounded with efforts of trying to restore fish runs and water quality due to our past mistakes .... Klamath River, the Snake, Whychus Creek, Deschutes, the entire Columbia River system. We can not afford to continue to blunder ahead, governed by greed for dollars, at the expense of our environment. Protect what we have ... think beyond immediate financial gain to the welfare of future generations and the welfare of our ecosystem. Now is the time to act .... failure to do so would be negligent and the effects irreversible.
It has been said that the "haves" are trying to deny the "have-nots" from getting an equal share .... I believe this is in reference to the residents of Camp Sherman trying to deny access and ownership from all others that might want to buy into the area. I don't see this to be the case. In fact most of the concern for the future of the Metolius River Basin that I have heard have come from outside of Camp Sherman, outside of Central Oregon, and much from outside of the state of Oregon. These people realize that the Metolius now belongs to all of them to enjoy when they can ... if resorts are allowed to develop this will no longer be the case and, in effect, the river they love to visit may cease to exist. At present I find the people residing in Camp Sherman to be very welcoming of us "outsiders". Perhaps the granting of long-term government leases for summer and permanent homes in the area was a mistake but this does not justify compounding the problem through making even further mistakes to a point where there is no return.
If Jefferson County needs the tax revenue I am sure there are areas better suited for destination resorts along the rim of the Crooked River near Madras where boating opportunities abound. I would hope that these would not include more golf courses. There are ample golf-course destination resorts now, and being developed, in Deschutes and Crook Counties. This has to have an eventual negative impact on our water table and the water cycle. The opening of the prison in Madras should help ease the impact of businesses recently closed in Madras and Culver. I do think however that it would be good to concentrate future efforts on attracting further business and industry to the Hwy 97 corridor rather than trying to raise tax revenues through destination resorts.
Again I urge you to support Senate Bill 30 in its original form as well as supporting all future efforts to protect and preserve the Metolius River Basin.
Sincerely,
Bill Leininger
Sisters, OR
[Sent to Senators Brown, Courtney, Johnson, Wesltund, and Reps. Merkley, Hunt, and Whisnant:]
I am writing to urge you to support Senate Bill 30, in its original form, and all future efforts to protect and preserve the Metolius River Basin. The Metolius River Basin is a National Treasure that must be preserved for all in its natural state. To allow destination resorts or any development of the magnitude proposed would be disastrous .... it would serve no one other than the developers and Jefferson County through increased tax revenues.
The destination resorts would not even serve those who were to buy into them. At present, visitors to the area marvel and question, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if I were to own a small piece of this?" The answer is that they, and everyone else, now own a piece of this wonderland ... they are able to visit, enjoy, and then move on so that others are allowed to do the same. If destination resorts are allowed to develop the people buying into them would soon find what they had tried to buy no longer existed: (1) When you visit the Camp Sherman Store is it the same experience as when you go to Safeway? (2) When you hike or picnic in the solitude of the tall pines on Green Tree Ridge is it the same as sitting on your deck amongst 2500 homes watching people knock around golf balls on your front lawn? (3) Or, is sitting on the river bank listening to the musical flow of a clear stream the same as listening to hordes of people moving up and down the crowded streamside path? People settling at, and visiting, destination resorts find that they have not escaped ... rather that everything that they were trying to get away from they have brought with them.
What would be the impact on the river? Would the springs feeding the river dry up? I don't know? Would the water purity suffer, from drain-off from surrounding developments, upsetting the whole river ecosystem? I am not sure of the answer to that one either. I am sure however that we can not threaten this pure river habitat with even the slightest risk that might have such disastrous results. We are now surrounded with efforts of trying to restore fish runs and water quality due to our past mistakes .... Klamath River, the Snake, Whychus Creek, Deschutes, the entire Columbia River system. We can not afford to continue to blunder ahead, governed by greed for dollars, at the expense of our environment. Protect what we have ... think beyond immediate financial gain to the welfare of future generations and the welfare of our ecosystem. Now is the time to act .... failure to do so would be negligent and the effects irreversible.
It has been said that the "haves" are trying to deny the "have-nots" from getting an equal share .... I believe this is in reference to the residents of Camp Sherman trying to deny access and ownership from all others that might want to buy into the area. I don't see this to be the case. In fact most of the concern for the future of the Metolius River Basin that I have heard have come from outside of Camp Sherman, outside of Central Oregon, and much from outside of the state of Oregon. These people realize that the Metolius now belongs to all of them to enjoy when they can ... if resorts are allowed to develop this will no longer be the case and, in effect, the river they love to visit may cease to exist. At present I find the people residing in Camp Sherman to be very welcoming of us "outsiders". Perhaps the granting of long-term government leases for summer and permanent homes in the area was a mistake but this does not justify compounding the problem through making even further mistakes to a point where there is no return.
If Jefferson County needs the tax revenue I am sure there are areas better suited for destination resorts along the rim of the Crooked River near Madras where boating opportunities abound. I would hope that these would not include more golf courses. There are ample golf-course destination resorts now, and being developed, in Deschutes and Crook Counties. This has to have an eventual negative impact on our water table and the water cycle. The opening of the prison in Madras should help ease the impact of businesses recently closed in Madras and Culver. I do think however that it would be good to concentrate future efforts on attracting further business and industry to the Hwy 97 corridor rather than trying to raise tax revenues through destination resorts.
Again I urge you to support Senate Bill 30 in its original form as well as supporting all future efforts to protect and preserve the Metolius River Basin.
Sincerely,
Bill Leininger
Sisters, OR
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Places Like the Metolius Make Oregon Special - Sam Morley, Washington DC
[Sent to the members of the Senate Rules Committee:]
I am writing in support of Senate Bill 30, a bill that would prohibit destination resorts within 3 miles of the Metolius River Basin. I was raised in Oregon and even though I now live in the East, I have been returning to the Metolius each summer for the last 25 years at least.
For me the Metolius is a unique and precious area with unrivalled wildlife, fishing, hiking and camping. A fragile balance between environmental needs and human use has been maintained by the untiring efforts of generations of people who want to preserve this environment for the enjoyment of future generations. Places like the Metolius are what make Oregon a special place. Large destination resorts of the sort that are being proposed for the area will change the unique Metolius environment forever. They are irreversible. Please don’t let that happen.
Sincerely yours,
Samuel A. Morley
Washington DC
I am writing in support of Senate Bill 30, a bill that would prohibit destination resorts within 3 miles of the Metolius River Basin. I was raised in Oregon and even though I now live in the East, I have been returning to the Metolius each summer for the last 25 years at least.
For me the Metolius is a unique and precious area with unrivalled wildlife, fishing, hiking and camping. A fragile balance between environmental needs and human use has been maintained by the untiring efforts of generations of people who want to preserve this environment for the enjoyment of future generations. Places like the Metolius are what make Oregon a special place. Large destination resorts of the sort that are being proposed for the area will change the unique Metolius environment forever. They are irreversible. Please don’t let that happen.
Sincerely yours,
Samuel A. Morley
Washington DC
Monday, May 14, 2007
Thank You - Frances Hogan, Palo Alto, CA
[Sent to the members of the Senate Rules Committee:]
My husband, my family and I wish to express our appreciation to you for your foresight in restoring the original Senate Bill 30 to Save the Metolius. Your vision will be instrumental in preserving this unique environment.
Sincerely,
Frances B. Hogan
Palo Alto, CA
My husband, my family and I wish to express our appreciation to you for your foresight in restoring the original Senate Bill 30 to Save the Metolius. Your vision will be instrumental in preserving this unique environment.
Sincerely,
Frances B. Hogan
Palo Alto, CA
Please Continue To Be A Leader - Susie Leone, Elk Grove, CA
[Sent to the members of the Senate Rules Committee:]
I am writing regarding SB 30 (Metolius). I want to express my overwhelming support for your senate bill.
I am a Californian who has visited Oregon many times and have been to the Metolious River several times. It is a wonderful and serene spot within the United States! I support the original vision behind Senate Bill 30 and a total prohibition on resorts in or within three miles of the Metolius River watershed. PLEASE DO NOT COMPROMISE THIS BILL!
We need this area to be kept as natural as possible... a place that feels good and feels like "home." This area is rehabilitative to most of us. Quite simply, if we don't take care of the precious landscape we have, it won't be able to take care of us. PLEASE DON'T LET THE DEVELOPERS WIN THIS ONE! Don't let Oregon become uncaring! Clearly, the Metolious River watershed is at risk:- Destination resorts consume vast quantities of water (shouldn't Oregon be saving?)- Their golf courses, wastewater and pavement runoff can pollute surface and ground waters (Does Oregon NEED more than 35 golf courses in an area this size? You have SO many ways tourists can enjoy your area)- Thousands of more visitors will crowd the unique Metolious Wild and Scenic River.
- Damage to the sensitive riparian areas and healthy fish habitat, not to mention wildlife like river otters will be at risk. Please, Please, Please CONTINUE to be a leader on this.
THANK YOU
Susie Leone, an Elk Grove, California resident who loves Oregon and the Metolious River
I am writing regarding SB 30 (Metolius). I want to express my overwhelming support for your senate bill.
I am a Californian who has visited Oregon many times and have been to the Metolious River several times. It is a wonderful and serene spot within the United States! I support the original vision behind Senate Bill 30 and a total prohibition on resorts in or within three miles of the Metolius River watershed. PLEASE DO NOT COMPROMISE THIS BILL!
We need this area to be kept as natural as possible... a place that feels good and feels like "home." This area is rehabilitative to most of us. Quite simply, if we don't take care of the precious landscape we have, it won't be able to take care of us. PLEASE DON'T LET THE DEVELOPERS WIN THIS ONE! Don't let Oregon become uncaring! Clearly, the Metolious River watershed is at risk:- Destination resorts consume vast quantities of water (shouldn't Oregon be saving?)- Their golf courses, wastewater and pavement runoff can pollute surface and ground waters (Does Oregon NEED more than 35 golf courses in an area this size? You have SO many ways tourists can enjoy your area)- Thousands of more visitors will crowd the unique Metolious Wild and Scenic River.
- Damage to the sensitive riparian areas and healthy fish habitat, not to mention wildlife like river otters will be at risk. Please, Please, Please CONTINUE to be a leader on this.
THANK YOU
Susie Leone, an Elk Grove, California resident who loves Oregon and the Metolious River
Thanks To Senate Rules Committee - Pat Krause, Portland
Senate Rules Committee
Dear Senators:
To say thank you to all of you for your efforts to restore SB30 to its original intent does not seem adequate. I know SB30 is just one of many issues on your busy schedule and each one takes time, hard work, and commitment on your part. Your job certainly is not an easy one. Thank you for your part in defending and protecting a very special and magical place, the Metolius River Basin. You will be remembered by all Oregonians, present and future, as the Senators who listened and cared about the future of our state. You make me very proud to be an Oregonian.
Sincerely,
Pat Krause
Portland, Oregon
Washington County
Dear Senators:
To say thank you to all of you for your efforts to restore SB30 to its original intent does not seem adequate. I know SB30 is just one of many issues on your busy schedule and each one takes time, hard work, and commitment on your part. Your job certainly is not an easy one. Thank you for your part in defending and protecting a very special and magical place, the Metolius River Basin. You will be remembered by all Oregonians, present and future, as the Senators who listened and cared about the future of our state. You make me very proud to be an Oregonian.
Sincerely,
Pat Krause
Portland, Oregon
Washington County
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Thank You - Joel Wilson, Hillsboro
Dear Senator Brown,[copied to Senator Starr]
I urge you and your colleagues to support the original version of SB 30 that would protect the Metolius River Basin as the bill was originally intended. While I am not a property owner in the Metolius area, my family has visited Camp Sherman area almost every year for the past twenty-three years. The natural and preserved beautify of the Metolius is unsurpassed. When I heard about Jefferson County’s efforts for developing large resorts in this immaculate region, I became most alarmed. I don’t know how the Metolius can possibly retain its delicate ecosystem once developers are free to move in for the sake of the almighty dollar.
Please do what you can to preserve the Metolius River Basin so that it can remain one of Oregon’s most beautiful and unspoiled destinations that can be shared by all.
Sincerely,
Joel Wilson
Hillsboro, OR
Metolius river cabin for sale for approximately $700,000 - Kathy Reynolds, Camp Sherman
It’s true! These cabins are rarely offered for sale, since they stay in families for generations. Of course, the price doesn’t include the land, which is leased from the Forest Service.
This reminds me of a cabin which was traded for a (new) car, in the late 1950s. The cabin certainly has been a better investment than the car, and the car dealer’s grandchildren - and their children - will continue to enjoy it. Who got the better deal?
Well, Jefferson County wants to make a similar deal – they’ll trade over 10,000 acres of forest for increased tax revenue. These lands will be valuable destination resorts because of their beauty, location, wildlife, clean air, and clean water. But what if the resorts destroy the source of their value? What if future generations lose a wild and scenic river? Are we certain we can make this trade and come out ahead?
Please approve SB 30 with its original intent - to protect the Metolius Basin watershed. If the Bill is wrong, we can fix that. Jefferson County can find other revenue. But no one can fix polluted aquifers, or replenish them when they’re empty. Let’s make sure we keep something for our grandchildren’s children.
Kathy Reynolds
Camp Sherman, OR
This reminds me of a cabin which was traded for a (new) car, in the late 1950s. The cabin certainly has been a better investment than the car, and the car dealer’s grandchildren - and their children - will continue to enjoy it. Who got the better deal?
Well, Jefferson County wants to make a similar deal – they’ll trade over 10,000 acres of forest for increased tax revenue. These lands will be valuable destination resorts because of their beauty, location, wildlife, clean air, and clean water. But what if the resorts destroy the source of their value? What if future generations lose a wild and scenic river? Are we certain we can make this trade and come out ahead?
Please approve SB 30 with its original intent - to protect the Metolius Basin watershed. If the Bill is wrong, we can fix that. Jefferson County can find other revenue. But no one can fix polluted aquifers, or replenish them when they’re empty. Let’s make sure we keep something for our grandchildren’s children.
Kathy Reynolds
Camp Sherman, OR
Deepest Respect and Thanks - Kathy Krause, Portland
Senate Rules Committee
Dear Senator(s),
My deepest respect and thanks goes to all of you for restoring Senate
Bill 30 to its original intent! Faith in our "system" was restored
when I learned all of you had listened to the concerns and requests of
every day Oregonians! I know all of you have extremely tough and
demanding jobs. With great respect, I thank all of 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! All of you will be
forever remembered as leaders in our community who 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
some day, we will never have to ask why no one cared!
Again, thank you for keeping Oregon the type of place that has kept me here!
Sincerely,
Kathy Krause
Portland, Oregon
Multnomah County
Dear Senator(s),
My deepest respect and thanks goes to all of you for restoring Senate
Bill 30 to its original intent! Faith in our "system" was restored
when I learned all of you had listened to the concerns and requests of
every day Oregonians! I know all of you have extremely tough and
demanding jobs. With great respect, I thank all of 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! All of you will be
forever remembered as leaders in our community who 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
some day, we will never have to ask why no one cared!
Again, thank you for keeping Oregon the type of place that has kept me here!
Sincerely,
Kathy Krause
Portland, Oregon
Multnomah County
Thank You - Joel Wilson, HIllsboro
[Sent to members of the Senate Rules Committee:]
Thank you for your action in restoring the original SB 30 that will save the Metolius! Your devotion in preserving Oregon's natural beauty is indeed praiseworthy.
Sincerely,
Joel Wilson
Hillsboro, OR
Thank you for your action in restoring the original SB 30 that will save the Metolius! Your devotion in preserving Oregon's natural beauty is indeed praiseworthy.
Sincerely,
Joel Wilson
Hillsboro, OR
Thanks To The Senate Rules Committee - Marie Sheahan Brown, Camp Sherman
Dear Senator Brown [and Senators Ferrioli, Nelson, Johnson, and Monnes Anderson]
I am deeply grateful to you and your colleagues on the Senate Rules Committee for your principled actions today to restore the original SB 30 to Save the Metolius. You make me proud to call myself an Oregonian. We still have leaders.
Sincerely,
Marie Sheahan Brown
Camp Sherman, OR
I am deeply grateful to you and your colleagues on the Senate Rules Committee for your principled actions today to restore the original SB 30 to Save the Metolius. You make me proud to call myself an Oregonian. We still have leaders.
Sincerely,
Marie Sheahan Brown
Camp Sherman, OR
Friday, May 11, 2007
Dedicated To The Metolius - Matt Weeber, Corvallis
[Sent to the members of the Senate Rules Committee, Sen. Morse, and Reps. Merkley, Hunt, Roblan, and Gelser:]
It is my understanding that senate bill 30, regarding the protection of the Metolius River watershed may soon be coming to a vote in both the senate and house. I would like to make it known that I support the original vision of the bill set out by senators Johnson and Westlund. I believe in a total prohibition on resorts in or within three miles of the Metolius River watershed. I am a graduate student in Fisheries and Wildlife at OSU and my research revolves around the Metolius sub-basin and protecting its native fish species. I believe it would be a travesty to allow "big resort" development within a sub-basin that is already one of the most "road impacted" in Oregon. As a native central Oregonian, born and raised in Redmond, I grew up on the Metolius in a sense. One of my first jobs was working for Becky Johnson, on her property at the head of the river. I have fly-fished the river since adolescents. I have conducted countless snorkel and fish nest (redd) surveys on the Metolius' many tributaries. I am concerned that added anthropogenic pressure would only exacerbate current problems, such as illegal camping, fishing, and dumping on river tributaries. Please protect this gem of an area so that future generations can enjoy it in the same way I have.
Sincerely,
Matt Weeber
Corvallis, OR
It is my understanding that senate bill 30, regarding the protection of the Metolius River watershed may soon be coming to a vote in both the senate and house. I would like to make it known that I support the original vision of the bill set out by senators Johnson and Westlund. I believe in a total prohibition on resorts in or within three miles of the Metolius River watershed. I am a graduate student in Fisheries and Wildlife at OSU and my research revolves around the Metolius sub-basin and protecting its native fish species. I believe it would be a travesty to allow "big resort" development within a sub-basin that is already one of the most "road impacted" in Oregon. As a native central Oregonian, born and raised in Redmond, I grew up on the Metolius in a sense. One of my first jobs was working for Becky Johnson, on her property at the head of the river. I have fly-fished the river since adolescents. I have conducted countless snorkel and fish nest (redd) surveys on the Metolius' many tributaries. I am concerned that added anthropogenic pressure would only exacerbate current problems, such as illegal camping, fishing, and dumping on river tributaries. Please protect this gem of an area so that future generations can enjoy it in the same way I have.
Sincerely,
Matt Weeber
Corvallis, OR
I Grew Up On The Metolius - Celia Smith Walker, Fort Collins, Colorado
[Sent to the members of the Senate Rules Committee:]
I write to ask for your careful consideration of Oregon Senate Bill 30, and for your support for it in its original version. The Metolius Basin is truly a magical area. It deserves protection.
I grew up on the Metolius. I attended the little Black Butte School, ate potluck and danced at the Community Hall, bought penny candy at the Store, hiked the trails, fished the tributaries of the Metolius, learned to swim in creeks and ponds, rode my bicycle along the cinder roads. I spent hours under the ponderosa pine trees and along the Metolius and Spring Creek. I grew up judging the weather coming over Green Ridge and Black Butte, watching deer out in the meadow. This is no place for the concentrated masses of destination resorts.
I now live in Colorado, and have for 30 years. Colorado knows about mega development….and has rarely done it well. Aspen, Breckenridge, and Vail are prime examples, and the pristine beauty of high country Crested Butte will be Colorado’s next example of development gone extreme. The losses are immense for those of us who have seen the wildflowers, the quiet roads, the clear water, smelled the peppery swamp grasses. Large-scale development is simply incompatible with such sites and violates them.
In 1996, following the death of my husband, I sought the Metolius for healing. My writings were intended to be private, but if excerpts of them help convince you of the criticality of protecting this area, then sharing them with you is appropriate:
“The river fills my senses. The first night here it was so quiet. Not just that campers were still, but that nothing seemed to make a noise except the river. The river doesn’t speak with just one voice, but several—or maybe it is one voice, but with much to say. The background is almost a buzz of water crunching into water, but it undulates irregularly. With its rise and fall you can almost visualize the wave caps over rocks. Then there is the galumph of bigger water sloshing into some temporary vacuum. The brighter splash against the rocks. The background’s dull roar must be the slot water upstream, first shallow, then forced into a chute down the middle of the stream. From the transparent crystal shallows where you can see the rocks, to aquamarine and white cascades with champagne bubbles churning up. It sounds like wind in the trees, and although it could be, I think it is the beautiful water of the Metolius, and all that I can hear. It fills me completely and reassures me that the world continues at some basic level.”
There is a value to humankind in preserving the few quiet, special, pristine places remaining. There is honor and respect for those who can do that, such as yourself.
Celia Smith Walker
Fort Collins, Colorado
I write to ask for your careful consideration of Oregon Senate Bill 30, and for your support for it in its original version. The Metolius Basin is truly a magical area. It deserves protection.
I grew up on the Metolius. I attended the little Black Butte School, ate potluck and danced at the Community Hall, bought penny candy at the Store, hiked the trails, fished the tributaries of the Metolius, learned to swim in creeks and ponds, rode my bicycle along the cinder roads. I spent hours under the ponderosa pine trees and along the Metolius and Spring Creek. I grew up judging the weather coming over Green Ridge and Black Butte, watching deer out in the meadow. This is no place for the concentrated masses of destination resorts.
I now live in Colorado, and have for 30 years. Colorado knows about mega development….and has rarely done it well. Aspen, Breckenridge, and Vail are prime examples, and the pristine beauty of high country Crested Butte will be Colorado’s next example of development gone extreme. The losses are immense for those of us who have seen the wildflowers, the quiet roads, the clear water, smelled the peppery swamp grasses. Large-scale development is simply incompatible with such sites and violates them.
In 1996, following the death of my husband, I sought the Metolius for healing. My writings were intended to be private, but if excerpts of them help convince you of the criticality of protecting this area, then sharing them with you is appropriate:
“The river fills my senses. The first night here it was so quiet. Not just that campers were still, but that nothing seemed to make a noise except the river. The river doesn’t speak with just one voice, but several—or maybe it is one voice, but with much to say. The background is almost a buzz of water crunching into water, but it undulates irregularly. With its rise and fall you can almost visualize the wave caps over rocks. Then there is the galumph of bigger water sloshing into some temporary vacuum. The brighter splash against the rocks. The background’s dull roar must be the slot water upstream, first shallow, then forced into a chute down the middle of the stream. From the transparent crystal shallows where you can see the rocks, to aquamarine and white cascades with champagne bubbles churning up. It sounds like wind in the trees, and although it could be, I think it is the beautiful water of the Metolius, and all that I can hear. It fills me completely and reassures me that the world continues at some basic level.”
There is a value to humankind in preserving the few quiet, special, pristine places remaining. There is honor and respect for those who can do that, such as yourself.
Celia Smith Walker
Fort Collins, Colorado
Still A Chance - Steve and Kathy Bachelder, Camp Sherman, and Portland
[Sent to the members of the Senate Rules Committee and Senators Devlin and Courtney:]
I have just learned there is still a chance to move this bill forward. Please do so!
The Metolius River Basin is recognized as one of the most special places in the country, if not world. A river of unmatched beauty, magical in its mood and pristine character.
Allowing destination resorts nearby will tarnish it with overuse, fertilizer run-off, litter, noise and general degradation of what is Oregon's crown jewel of quiet beauty. We cannot allow such a precious resource to be swallowed up just for the sake of Jefferson County tax revenues and developers' profits!
And speaking of that, are you aware that the sudden change in Jefferson County development rules last year increased the value of the two developers' holdings overnight a hundredfold? For example, Dutch Pacific purchased its square mile just a year and a half ago for $1.1 million. Shortly thereafter, the development rules change made it worth at least $100 million once it sells individual lots. The Green Ridge development is ten times larger (worth $1 billion?). Please contact me if you would like to see the math.
The legions of lobbyists and lawyers money like that can field are hard to fight, and hard for a county with its own economic problems to resist. But it's a big county with lots of private developable land that does not threaten a national treasure. Please support SB 30 and encourage development where it is less harmful.
Thank you,
Steve and Kathy Bachelder
Camp Sherman and Portland
I have just learned there is still a chance to move this bill forward. Please do so!
The Metolius River Basin is recognized as one of the most special places in the country, if not world. A river of unmatched beauty, magical in its mood and pristine character.
Allowing destination resorts nearby will tarnish it with overuse, fertilizer run-off, litter, noise and general degradation of what is Oregon's crown jewel of quiet beauty. We cannot allow such a precious resource to be swallowed up just for the sake of Jefferson County tax revenues and developers' profits!
And speaking of that, are you aware that the sudden change in Jefferson County development rules last year increased the value of the two developers' holdings overnight a hundredfold? For example, Dutch Pacific purchased its square mile just a year and a half ago for $1.1 million. Shortly thereafter, the development rules change made it worth at least $100 million once it sells individual lots. The Green Ridge development is ten times larger (worth $1 billion?). Please contact me if you would like to see the math.
The legions of lobbyists and lawyers money like that can field are hard to fight, and hard for a county with its own economic problems to resist. But it's a big county with lots of private developable land that does not threaten a national treasure. Please support SB 30 and encourage development where it is less harmful.
Thank you,
Steve and Kathy Bachelder
Camp Sherman and Portland
Metolius is NO PLACE for destination resorts - John Schubert, Bend
Greetings Senators & Representatives,
Please act decisively to help Oregon remain Oregon, by giving the strongest possible protection to the Metolius basin. The Metolius is NO PLACE for destination resorts--it would be over run and ruined for all Oregonians, for the benefit of a few.
My family has visited this precious place since the 1950's and it still remains an important place where we can see the old Oregon, disappearing all too fast in the face of rampant post-measure 37 growth.
Destination resorts that convert prime forest habitat into sprawling rural subdivisions of luxury homes are not in the long term interest of our state. Please do not sell out our future for short-term economic gains. If all of Oregon begins to look like the rest of the country, we will have lost a great treasure.
Thanks for your consideration.
John Schubert
Bend, OR
Please act decisively to help Oregon remain Oregon, by giving the strongest possible protection to the Metolius basin. The Metolius is NO PLACE for destination resorts--it would be over run and ruined for all Oregonians, for the benefit of a few.
My family has visited this precious place since the 1950's and it still remains an important place where we can see the old Oregon, disappearing all too fast in the face of rampant post-measure 37 growth.
Destination resorts that convert prime forest habitat into sprawling rural subdivisions of luxury homes are not in the long term interest of our state. Please do not sell out our future for short-term economic gains. If all of Oregon begins to look like the rest of the country, we will have lost a great treasure.
Thanks for your consideration.
John Schubert
Bend, OR
Life Along The Metolius - Quentin and Jean Smith, Eugene, OR
[Sent to members of the Senate Rules Committee and Sen. Burdick:]
We strongly support the orignal vision behind Senate Bill 30, and support total prohibition of destination resorts in or within 3 miles the the Metolius River watershed.
Our children attended the little grade school there inthe 1960s and in those days could run and play freely, safely in the woods. Quentin operated the little salmon hatchery behind the grade school almost single-handed, and drove snow plow some winters. I worked on the election board -- maybe 42 registered voters? --- was treasurer for the community hall and kitchen help there for our community dances and parties. The usual community sounds were the songs of wind in the pines and the Metolius rippling along. Our son and Pat Korish began the now-yearly project of cleaning debris from the river below the store bridge. Our children graduated each in a class of 3 from that school, and were well prepared for larger schools. Now they take their children and grandchildren to show them this area that has remained relatively clean and "wild" and which we all love so much. Please help us.
Quentin and Jean Smith
Eugene, OR
We strongly support the orignal vision behind Senate Bill 30, and support total prohibition of destination resorts in or within 3 miles the the Metolius River watershed.
Our children attended the little grade school there inthe 1960s and in those days could run and play freely, safely in the woods. Quentin operated the little salmon hatchery behind the grade school almost single-handed, and drove snow plow some winters. I worked on the election board -- maybe 42 registered voters? --- was treasurer for the community hall and kitchen help there for our community dances and parties. The usual community sounds were the songs of wind in the pines and the Metolius rippling along. Our son and Pat Korish began the now-yearly project of cleaning debris from the river below the store bridge. Our children graduated each in a class of 3 from that school, and were well prepared for larger schools. Now they take their children and grandchildren to show them this area that has remained relatively clean and "wild" and which we all love so much. Please help us.
Quentin and Jean Smith
Eugene, OR
Don't Overwhelm The Basin - Michael Graham, Portland
Dear Senator Brown,
This message is to implore you to stand up to the opponents of Senate Bill 30, a measure to protect the precious Metolius basin from rapacious development by landowners who have cowed Jefferson County into submission and whose only real interest is in creating profits for themselves and their cronies.
For the last 30 years we have seen the Metolius Basin community slowly grow and the growth has been relatively well managed and it's effects on the basin have been minimal.
The proposed development of no less than 3000 homes on on the 3500 acres of the Colson property and over 300 units on the 640 acres on the Dutch/Pacific property are simply outrageous. The destruction of wildlife habitat, the creation of colossal traffic overloading of the roads, the degradation of water quality and availability, and the additional pollution created by so many new residences in the now pristine area are mind-boggling. This unique basin would be overwhelmed and it's pristine character, a precious possession of ALL THE STATE AND, INDEED, THE ENTIRE COUNTRY, would be forever lost. All for a pitiful modest inflow of tax dollars to the county.
As Chair of the Rules Committee you have the opportunity to pass the original uncompromised version of Senate Bill 30 and place a total prohibition of any destination resorts in or within three miles of the Metolius Basin watershed.The Metolius basin is a unique and precious asset to the state and the country...we cannot let it be destroyed by greedy, unthinking and uncaring so-called "developers".
Michael H. Graham, MD
Portland
This message is to implore you to stand up to the opponents of Senate Bill 30, a measure to protect the precious Metolius basin from rapacious development by landowners who have cowed Jefferson County into submission and whose only real interest is in creating profits for themselves and their cronies.
For the last 30 years we have seen the Metolius Basin community slowly grow and the growth has been relatively well managed and it's effects on the basin have been minimal.
The proposed development of no less than 3000 homes on on the 3500 acres of the Colson property and over 300 units on the 640 acres on the Dutch/Pacific property are simply outrageous. The destruction of wildlife habitat, the creation of colossal traffic overloading of the roads, the degradation of water quality and availability, and the additional pollution created by so many new residences in the now pristine area are mind-boggling. This unique basin would be overwhelmed and it's pristine character, a precious possession of ALL THE STATE AND, INDEED, THE ENTIRE COUNTRY, would be forever lost. All for a pitiful modest inflow of tax dollars to the county.
As Chair of the Rules Committee you have the opportunity to pass the original uncompromised version of Senate Bill 30 and place a total prohibition of any destination resorts in or within three miles of the Metolius Basin watershed.The Metolius basin is a unique and precious asset to the state and the country...we cannot let it be destroyed by greedy, unthinking and uncaring so-called "developers".
Michael H. Graham, MD
Portland
Seen Too Many Environmental Treasures Destroyed - Michel Bayard, Bend
Dear Senator or Representative....
I am a long time resident of Central Oregon, among many, who has seen one environmental treasure after another destroyed or severely damaged by uncontrolled development, resulting from greed and a lack of concern for our desire to preserve our wonderful environment. We live here because we love this environment and the passage of bill SB30 (in its original version preventing any destination resort three miles from the Metolius river) would help protect one of our last environmental treasure, the Metolius area.
Please help us pass this bill.
Thank you.
Michel Bayard
Bend, OR
I am a long time resident of Central Oregon, among many, who has seen one environmental treasure after another destroyed or severely damaged by uncontrolled development, resulting from greed and a lack of concern for our desire to preserve our wonderful environment. We live here because we love this environment and the passage of bill SB30 (in its original version preventing any destination resort three miles from the Metolius river) would help protect one of our last environmental treasure, the Metolius area.
Please help us pass this bill.
Thank you.
Michel Bayard
Bend, OR
Your Work Will Be Appreciated For Years To Come - Sandy and Erskine Wood, Vancouver, WA
[Sent to members of the Senate Rules Committee and Reps. Merkley, Hunt, and Roblan:]
We ask that all of you work to restore Senate Bill 30 to its' original vision before the senate brings it to a vote. We thank you all for listening to the words of those who love and respect the beauty and peace of the Metolius River area and wish to preserve a priceless area of Oregon. There are far too few places left in their natural state for our children, much less our grandchildren. Your work to preserve the area, rather than to permit development, will be appreciated for many years to come.
Thank you,
Sandy and Erskine Wood
Vancouver, WA
We ask that all of you work to restore Senate Bill 30 to its' original vision before the senate brings it to a vote. We thank you all for listening to the words of those who love and respect the beauty and peace of the Metolius River area and wish to preserve a priceless area of Oregon. There are far too few places left in their natural state for our children, much less our grandchildren. Your work to preserve the area, rather than to permit development, will be appreciated for many years to come.
Thank you,
Sandy and Erskine Wood
Vancouver, WA
Don't Fight (Conservation) Success - Michael McAvoy, Portland
[Sent to Senators Brown and Rosenbaum, and Reps. Merkley, Hunt, and Roblan:]
I am writing you to strongly encourage you to support the original intent of Senate Bill 30 as initially written and keep a 3 mile exclusion zone for destination resorts along the Metolius River basin. This bill is heading for your rules committee very soon and I strongly encourage you to bring back the protections as initially written in this bill.
There is a proposal for two major destination resorts along the banks of the Metolius River. I’m not sure if you’ve ever been to the Metolius, it is a place where my family has camped, hiked, bird-watched, fished, star-gazed, and recreated my entire life. I remember numerous summers spent along the river. My father taught me to fish, my sisters and I rode bikes. Whether it was camping or renting a cabin, we always came to the Metolius each summer. I remember watching the most amazing meteor shower I’ve ever seen while laying on the hood of our family car – the family in complete silence while the sky put on a great show. I’m now starting a family of my own and am planning on taking my two young sons to the Metolius to teach them to fish and camp and to enjoy the outdoors.
The problem with destination resorts in this area, is that the Metolius is a tremendously fragile ecosystem. The Metolius River is a spring-fed river which means its extremely sensitive to any changes in the groundwater in the river basin. This river is one of the very few areas in the lower 48 states where the Federally endangered Bull Trout thrive. This is a testament to the clean cool water which flows through this river basin. A great deal of public and private money has been spent in the last several years on returning this rivershed to a natural state and the result has been fantastic. My fishing club has spent a great deal of time returning Wychus Creek to a natural state in anticipation of the return of Salmon and Steelhead scheduled for 2009. We’ve spent a great deal of time, energy and sweat working with local landowners to plant trees in the riparian zone and provide cover for fish and wildlife. All of this is done complete as volunteers because of the love we have for this very special river.
Wild trout thrive in this river, the local area (Camp Sherman) is reaping the benefits from increased tourism, fishing, camping and recreation. Salmon and steelhead are being returned to the tributaries of the Metolius River. Right now this river is a success story. It is our heritage and a gem of Oregon. This river is one of the best free flowing spring fed trout streams in America. We should be embracing this river and doing all we can to protect it. This river is 100% what Oregon should be about. By protecting this river from instant development, we will not only be respecting our heritage, but we will build upon the growing economic model which is based around recreation in pristine areas. Destroying the pristine areas destroys this economic model.
Should mega-destination resorts be allowed to be built on the river, the Metolius will become a shell of its former self. Destination resorts are planned with at least three golf courses and over 4,000 homes. This is an instant city, larger than Madras, Redmond or Sisters. The water requirements of such an instant city right on the edge of the Metolius would severely impact the groundwater and effectively decimate the water quality of the river. Pesticides, weed killers, run-off, etc from the 4,000 homes and golf courses would seep into the groundwater and thus into the river itself. All the work done to restore this river would be wasted. We will have ruined yet another river system, all to give the wealthy another place for a summer home that’s closer to Portland than Sunriver.
Please support the original intent of Senate Bill 30. Please provide a 3 mile buffer within the Metolius River Basin where no large scale destination resorts can be built. There are plenty of other areas in this state more suited for destination resorts where the impact will not completely destroy a fragile yet successful watershed.
There was a time in Oregon’s history where our elected officials stood up to developers with very deep pockets who attempted to change our way of life. I remember as a kid when our elected officials in Salem protected the public lands and protected our special areas of exceptional beauty from development. I remember when state senators and representatives and governors said no when special interest groups tried to take our heritage and natural resources. Its been a while since we had this kind of leadership in our elected officials. I very much hope we can get this back.
I ask for your support in returning Senate Bill 30 to its original intent and keeping destination resorts away from the Metolius River.
Sincerely,
Michael McAvoy
Portland, OR
I am writing you to strongly encourage you to support the original intent of Senate Bill 30 as initially written and keep a 3 mile exclusion zone for destination resorts along the Metolius River basin. This bill is heading for your rules committee very soon and I strongly encourage you to bring back the protections as initially written in this bill.
There is a proposal for two major destination resorts along the banks of the Metolius River. I’m not sure if you’ve ever been to the Metolius, it is a place where my family has camped, hiked, bird-watched, fished, star-gazed, and recreated my entire life. I remember numerous summers spent along the river. My father taught me to fish, my sisters and I rode bikes. Whether it was camping or renting a cabin, we always came to the Metolius each summer. I remember watching the most amazing meteor shower I’ve ever seen while laying on the hood of our family car – the family in complete silence while the sky put on a great show. I’m now starting a family of my own and am planning on taking my two young sons to the Metolius to teach them to fish and camp and to enjoy the outdoors.
The problem with destination resorts in this area, is that the Metolius is a tremendously fragile ecosystem. The Metolius River is a spring-fed river which means its extremely sensitive to any changes in the groundwater in the river basin. This river is one of the very few areas in the lower 48 states where the Federally endangered Bull Trout thrive. This is a testament to the clean cool water which flows through this river basin. A great deal of public and private money has been spent in the last several years on returning this rivershed to a natural state and the result has been fantastic. My fishing club has spent a great deal of time returning Wychus Creek to a natural state in anticipation of the return of Salmon and Steelhead scheduled for 2009. We’ve spent a great deal of time, energy and sweat working with local landowners to plant trees in the riparian zone and provide cover for fish and wildlife. All of this is done complete as volunteers because of the love we have for this very special river.
Wild trout thrive in this river, the local area (Camp Sherman) is reaping the benefits from increased tourism, fishing, camping and recreation. Salmon and steelhead are being returned to the tributaries of the Metolius River. Right now this river is a success story. It is our heritage and a gem of Oregon. This river is one of the best free flowing spring fed trout streams in America. We should be embracing this river and doing all we can to protect it. This river is 100% what Oregon should be about. By protecting this river from instant development, we will not only be respecting our heritage, but we will build upon the growing economic model which is based around recreation in pristine areas. Destroying the pristine areas destroys this economic model.
Should mega-destination resorts be allowed to be built on the river, the Metolius will become a shell of its former self. Destination resorts are planned with at least three golf courses and over 4,000 homes. This is an instant city, larger than Madras, Redmond or Sisters. The water requirements of such an instant city right on the edge of the Metolius would severely impact the groundwater and effectively decimate the water quality of the river. Pesticides, weed killers, run-off, etc from the 4,000 homes and golf courses would seep into the groundwater and thus into the river itself. All the work done to restore this river would be wasted. We will have ruined yet another river system, all to give the wealthy another place for a summer home that’s closer to Portland than Sunriver.
Please support the original intent of Senate Bill 30. Please provide a 3 mile buffer within the Metolius River Basin where no large scale destination resorts can be built. There are plenty of other areas in this state more suited for destination resorts where the impact will not completely destroy a fragile yet successful watershed.
There was a time in Oregon’s history where our elected officials stood up to developers with very deep pockets who attempted to change our way of life. I remember as a kid when our elected officials in Salem protected the public lands and protected our special areas of exceptional beauty from development. I remember when state senators and representatives and governors said no when special interest groups tried to take our heritage and natural resources. Its been a while since we had this kind of leadership in our elected officials. I very much hope we can get this back.
I ask for your support in returning Senate Bill 30 to its original intent and keeping destination resorts away from the Metolius River.
Sincerely,
Michael McAvoy
Portland, OR
