Dear Rep. Diane Rosenbaum, Chair, Election, Ethics, and Rules Committee:
I am writing to express my full support for Senate Bill 30 that would limit destination resort development in the Metolius River Basin. I speak for the river and its flora and fauna only, I do not own property there and believe that any further development will severely impact and possibly destroy a fragile eco system that should remain in its nearly pristine state. I just returned from a trip to California which included a visit to the Merced River just outside of Yosemite National Park. The Merced is designated as a federal Wild and Scenic River, just as the Metolius is, yet it is neither. California has allowed development of hotels and homes on the river just outside Yosemite's boundary and the results have created a river that is surrounded by concrete without any trees to support river health. I was struck by the difference in water quality, water temperatures and the lack of aquatic life as compared to the Metolius. The Metolius is a state treasure that offers Oregonians a chance to escape from the stressors of everyday life and to camp and visit for very little money. To allow for resort development in the Metolius River Basin such as what is proposed (and once you let any development in, you can bet more will follow) for the benefit of a very few, is short-sighted at best. Let's be honest with each other, these homes that are proposed are not for the typical Oregonian, they will be purchased by the wealthy few turning the Metolius into the playground for the rich and famous; and destroying a pristine watershed that all Oregonians and their future generations should be able to enjoy. The fate of this special place rests with your decision, please support Senate Bill 30 and protect the Metolius River Basin.
Ervin Siverson
Portland, OR
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Don't Destroy A State Treasure - Ervin Siverson, Portland
Dear Rep. Chip Shields:
I am writing to express my full support for Senate Bill 30, a bill that will protect the pristine Metolius River Basin from development that will destroy a state treasure. Destination resort development within the Metolius River Basin will harm a special place that all Oregonians and their future generations should be able to enjoy into perpetuity. Trophy homes, golf courses, and hotels do not belong in a basin that contains a federally designated Wild and Scenic River. I encourage you and all your fellow Representatives to have a vision for the future and support Senate Bill 30. Thank you for your time and support.
Ervin Siverson
Portland, OR
I am writing to express my full support for Senate Bill 30, a bill that will protect the pristine Metolius River Basin from development that will destroy a state treasure. Destination resort development within the Metolius River Basin will harm a special place that all Oregonians and their future generations should be able to enjoy into perpetuity. Trophy homes, golf courses, and hotels do not belong in a basin that contains a federally designated Wild and Scenic River. I encourage you and all your fellow Representatives to have a vision for the future and support Senate Bill 30. Thank you for your time and support.
Ervin Siverson
Portland, OR
Thank You Senators - Pat Krause, Portland
[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
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
Asking You To Do More - Pat Krause, Portland
Dear Honorable Members of House Elections, Ethics. and Rules Committee:
I am writing to implore you to support Senate Bill 30 as it was passed by the Senate. If this bill is not passed the current pristine nature of the Metolius River Basin will be destroyed. Once destroyed it can never be replaced. We must protect the Metolius now or future generations will remember that we did not have the wisdom or forethought to save one of our greatest national treasures - that we did not care enough.
The Federal government has already recognized the Metolius River and saw that it is protected as a "wild and scenic" river. Past elected officials stood up to those who put "progress" before "quality" and protected and preserved Crater Lake, The Columbia Gorge and our beautiful beaches. I ask you to do the same.
I do so appreciate your long, hard hours at a tough and demanding job. Now I am asking you to do more. I know you will take the time to educate yourselves about the dangers of allowing destination resorts in and near the Metolius Basin, but I ask you to also read the letters from the citizens and learn why the Metolius is such a special place to so many people. Then please show the citizens of Oregon that you have the courage, wisdom and conviction to protect and preserve the quality of life the citizens of Oregon 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, once lost.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Pat Krause
Portland, Oregon
I am writing to implore you to support Senate Bill 30 as it was passed by the Senate. If this bill is not passed the current pristine nature of the Metolius River Basin will be destroyed. Once destroyed it can never be replaced. We must protect the Metolius now or future generations will remember that we did not have the wisdom or forethought to save one of our greatest national treasures - that we did not care enough.
The Federal government has already recognized the Metolius River and saw that it is protected as a "wild and scenic" river. Past elected officials stood up to those who put "progress" before "quality" and protected and preserved Crater Lake, The Columbia Gorge and our beautiful beaches. I ask you to do the same.
I do so appreciate your long, hard hours at a tough and demanding job. Now I am asking you to do more. I know you will take the time to educate yourselves about the dangers of allowing destination resorts in and near the Metolius Basin, but I ask you to also read the letters from the citizens and learn why the Metolius is such a special place to so many people. Then please show the citizens of Oregon that you have the courage, wisdom and conviction to protect and preserve the quality of life the citizens of Oregon 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, once lost.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Pat Krause
Portland, Oregon
Metolius is Unparalleled - Mary Wood, Eugene
[Sent to all Representatives:]
I urge you to support SB30, a measure to protect the Metolius Basin from development.
The Metolius is unparalleled in its quiet, serene setting. This bill was crafted in response to predatory destination resort proposals that would destroy the basin and deprive future generations of this stunning natural area.
You are the trustees of the great natural resources we Oregonians enjoy. If there is one place to pass along to future generations, it should be this river, in its peaceful, natural state. Citizens from across the state come to this basin every year to experience its quietude.
It shocks the conscience to think that any public officer would approve a development proposal that would devastate one of the state's most supreme natural treasures. The county officials that approved this are allowing the profit of a few exploiting individuals to steal from what rightfully belongs to future generations.
Moreover, in this day of climate crisis, the last thing public officials should allow is more development that results in greenhouse gas emissions. The Oregon legislature cannot continue to turn a blind eye to this crisis facing the planet. It makes no sense to, on one hand, pass an energy bill to reduce carbon, yet on the other hand allow counties to approve developments that would result in potentially 35,000 car trips a day (3,000 homes multiplied by 9 car trips, which is the average according to Dept. of Transportation figures provided in separate testimony to the Senate).
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. He was a lawyer, an author, and a poet, and about 70 years old when he wrote this poem. I’m going to read you just the lines where he bequeaths certain things to his grandchildren. I hope it fills you with a sense of obligation to the future generations of Oregonians.
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.
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 their delight.
CES Wood, Poet in the Desert
Sincerely,
Mary Fox Wood
Eugene, Oregon
I urge you to support SB30, a measure to protect the Metolius Basin from development.
The Metolius is unparalleled in its quiet, serene setting. This bill was crafted in response to predatory destination resort proposals that would destroy the basin and deprive future generations of this stunning natural area.
You are the trustees of the great natural resources we Oregonians enjoy. If there is one place to pass along to future generations, it should be this river, in its peaceful, natural state. Citizens from across the state come to this basin every year to experience its quietude.
It shocks the conscience to think that any public officer would approve a development proposal that would devastate one of the state's most supreme natural treasures. The county officials that approved this are allowing the profit of a few exploiting individuals to steal from what rightfully belongs to future generations.
Moreover, in this day of climate crisis, the last thing public officials should allow is more development that results in greenhouse gas emissions. The Oregon legislature cannot continue to turn a blind eye to this crisis facing the planet. It makes no sense to, on one hand, pass an energy bill to reduce carbon, yet on the other hand allow counties to approve developments that would result in potentially 35,000 car trips a day (3,000 homes multiplied by 9 car trips, which is the average according to Dept. of Transportation figures provided in separate testimony to the Senate).
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. He was a lawyer, an author, and a poet, and about 70 years old when he wrote this poem. I’m going to read you just the lines where he bequeaths certain things to his grandchildren. I hope it fills you with a sense of obligation to the future generations of Oregonians.
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.
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 their delight.
CES Wood, Poet in the Desert
Sincerely,
Mary Fox Wood
Eugene, Oregon
Very Important Bill - Pat Krause, Portland
[Sent to House Majority Leader Hunt and Speaker Pro Tempore Rosenbaum:]
I am writing to urge you to support SB30 as it was passed by the Senate. This bill is so very important and needs to be passed before the legislative session ends.
The Metolius River Basin is one of the most natural and scenic places that Oregon has. It is treasured and loved by people all over the world. It must be protected for this generation and future generations. Having destination resorts in or near the Metolius River Basin will destroy the very things we all love and treasure about the Metolius - the delicate and fragile ecosystem, the fresh and clean air, the crystal clear water, the natural habitat for fish and wildlife, to name a few. Once destroyed, it can never be replaced. Please protect the Metolius and keep it as the "crown jewel" of Oregon.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Pat Krause
Portland, Oregon
I am writing to urge you to support SB30 as it was passed by the Senate. This bill is so very important and needs to be passed before the legislative session ends.
The Metolius River Basin is one of the most natural and scenic places that Oregon has. It is treasured and loved by people all over the world. It must be protected for this generation and future generations. Having destination resorts in or near the Metolius River Basin will destroy the very things we all love and treasure about the Metolius - the delicate and fragile ecosystem, the fresh and clean air, the crystal clear water, the natural habitat for fish and wildlife, to name a few. Once destroyed, it can never be replaced. Please protect the Metolius and keep it as the "crown jewel" of Oregon.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Pat Krause
Portland, Oregon
Urging Dallum's Support - Kent Gill, Camp Sherman, OR
Dear Rep. Dallum:
[copied to the Senate Rules Committee]
Although you did not stay the course in sponsoring this important piece of legislation, I urge you to represent the broad cohort of folks who love the Metolius by voting for protecting the Metolius Basin from unwise, permanent despoilation. SB 30 in its full form deserves your favorable action.
An argument advanced by the Bend Bulletin editorials re SB 30 referred to the importance of supporting the local land use authority. That may be a significant abstract principle, but it hardly applies in this case. The Jefferson County Commission, made up of a shifting membership in the last dozen or so years , has consistently decided for development and against the significant array of natural values that mark the Metolius Basin. Folks long associated with the area have fought this series of measures espousing growth at any cost.
They have appeared at hearings, written letters, lobbied the officials, participated in mediation, all to no avail. So they have appealed decisions to LUBA and even to the Circuit Court. of Appeals. The county has been found to have erred in most every one of these unfortunate decisions. They have voted to turn the Basin into a cash cow of real estate values and property taxes while being most niggardly in meeting local needs. So in this case it would seem necessary for the legislature to overturn the county destination resort mapping andyo votie for the environmental values that have been noted and appreciated by generations of Oregonians.
Kent Gill
Camp Sherman, OR
[copied to the Senate Rules Committee]
Although you did not stay the course in sponsoring this important piece of legislation, I urge you to represent the broad cohort of folks who love the Metolius by voting for protecting the Metolius Basin from unwise, permanent despoilation. SB 30 in its full form deserves your favorable action.
An argument advanced by the Bend Bulletin editorials re SB 30 referred to the importance of supporting the local land use authority. That may be a significant abstract principle, but it hardly applies in this case. The Jefferson County Commission, made up of a shifting membership in the last dozen or so years , has consistently decided for development and against the significant array of natural values that mark the Metolius Basin. Folks long associated with the area have fought this series of measures espousing growth at any cost.
They have appeared at hearings, written letters, lobbied the officials, participated in mediation, all to no avail. So they have appealed decisions to LUBA and even to the Circuit Court. of Appeals. The county has been found to have erred in most every one of these unfortunate decisions. They have voted to turn the Basin into a cash cow of real estate values and property taxes while being most niggardly in meeting local needs. So in this case it would seem necessary for the legislature to overturn the county destination resort mapping andyo votie for the environmental values that have been noted and appreciated by generations of Oregonians.
Kent Gill
Camp Sherman, OR
A Degree Of Urgency - Celia Walker, Fort Collins, CO
[Sent to all State Representatives:]
I am writing this letter to you with a degree of urgency I don’t often feel. I’m asking that you support Senate Bill 30 to protect the Metolius River Basin from development.
I grew up on the Metolius – I attended the little Black Butte School (which prepared me for my future Fulbright Fellowship), I hiked the trails, walked the roads and fields, knew all the bends in the river trail between the salmon hatchery my Dad managed and the country Store downriver. I learned to predict the weather by watching Green Ridge and Black Butte. The ponds and creeks were where I learned to swim. I remember the deer in the meadow in the winter, and the eagle overhead. 30 years later, after my husband died, I returned to the River to re-find my spirit, to heal. I most sincerely doubt that the Metolius area could continue to be pristine and refreshing if it were extensively developed…actually, if it were developed much more than it currently is.
I’ve lived in Colorado the last 28 years. I’ve watched a state essentially prostitute itself to development – if you doubt that, visit Breckenridge, Aspen, or Vail. Crested Butte will be the next significant loss…visit this year if you want to see what will disappear under the tread of many tourists and resorts. 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.
I trust Oregon is wiser, and sees value in protecting special locations such as the Metolius, for future generations. Please support SB 30 and do not allow it to be diluted by pro-development supporters.
There IS a value to humankind in preserving the few quiet, special, pristine places remaining. There is honor and respect for those who have the authority to enable that protection, such as yourself.
Celia S. Walker
Fort Collins, CO
I am writing this letter to you with a degree of urgency I don’t often feel. I’m asking that you support Senate Bill 30 to protect the Metolius River Basin from development.
I grew up on the Metolius – I attended the little Black Butte School (which prepared me for my future Fulbright Fellowship), I hiked the trails, walked the roads and fields, knew all the bends in the river trail between the salmon hatchery my Dad managed and the country Store downriver. I learned to predict the weather by watching Green Ridge and Black Butte. The ponds and creeks were where I learned to swim. I remember the deer in the meadow in the winter, and the eagle overhead. 30 years later, after my husband died, I returned to the River to re-find my spirit, to heal. I most sincerely doubt that the Metolius area could continue to be pristine and refreshing if it were extensively developed…actually, if it were developed much more than it currently is.
I’ve lived in Colorado the last 28 years. I’ve watched a state essentially prostitute itself to development – if you doubt that, visit Breckenridge, Aspen, or Vail. Crested Butte will be the next significant loss…visit this year if you want to see what will disappear under the tread of many tourists and resorts. 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.
I trust Oregon is wiser, and sees value in protecting special locations such as the Metolius, for future generations. Please support SB 30 and do not allow it to be diluted by pro-development supporters.
There IS a value to humankind in preserving the few quiet, special, pristine places remaining. There is honor and respect for those who have the authority to enable that protection, such as yourself.
Celia S. Walker
Fort Collins, CO
Friday, May 25, 2007
This Bill Is So Important! - Pat Krause, Portland
Dear House Speaker Merkley,
Thank you so very much for co-sponsoring Senate Bill 30. This bill is so important! The Metolius River Basin is one of the most natural and scenic places in the world. It must be protected for this generation and the generations to come. Having destination resorts in or near the Metolius River Basin will destroy the very things we all love and treasure about the Metolius - the delicate, fragile ecosystem, the fresh and clean air, the crystal clear water, the natural habitat for fish and wildlife, to name a few. Please do everything you can to see that this bill (as it was passed by the Senate) is passed before the legislative session ends.
Again, thank you!
Sincerely,
Pat Krause
Portland, Oregon
Thank you so very much for co-sponsoring Senate Bill 30. This bill is so important! The Metolius River Basin is one of the most natural and scenic places in the world. It must be protected for this generation and the generations to come. Having destination resorts in or near the Metolius River Basin will destroy the very things we all love and treasure about the Metolius - the delicate, fragile ecosystem, the fresh and clean air, the crystal clear water, the natural habitat for fish and wildlife, to name a few. Please do everything you can to see that this bill (as it was passed by the Senate) is passed before the legislative session ends.
Again, thank you!
Sincerely,
Pat Krause
Portland, Oregon
Asking For Energetic Support - Thomas Anderson, McMinnville
Honorable Members of the House Elections, Ethics, and Rules Committee:
[Also Sent to House Democratic Leadership]
I am writing to ask that you give energetic support to a Metolius Basin protection bill. I love to go to the Metolius River for the day or to camp because I enjoy its quiet beauty. The Metolius River Basin is one of the most unique natural and scenic wonders in Oregon, in the country, and in the world. We have in the middle of our state a treasure to be cherished and preserved for generations to come. Current and future generations of Oregonians are in danger of losing the quiet, uncrowded character of this precious treasure if we allow destination resorts to be developed in the Metolius Basin.
If protective legislation, such as SB 30, is not enacted, the special character of the Metolius Basin will be degraded forever by traffic, crowds, and commercialization. And there will be specific economic costs generated by the construction of destination resorts that will end up being paid and assumed by parties other than the developers. Here is one example: The Jefferson County Planning department uses the Institute of Transportation Trip Generation Manual to assign 9.6 trips per day to each house. If 3500 houses are built in a destination resort (as in one currently proposed), that will generate 33,600 vehicle trips per day on the Camp Sherman road. What will that cost in road maintenance and expansion, traffic, pollution, and carbon emissions? Are we not at a critical time when our public officials are directed to enact legislation reducing carbon emissions to address threatening global warming trends (rather than approving plans which will dramatically increase emissions)?
Before voting to allow development of destination resorts in the Metolius Basin, I think you need to assess the actual short and long term costs to your constituents, the citizens of Oregon, and their descendants. Informed decision making, by legislators and by voters, requires such cost analysis.
I hope to see that you have voted in favor or SB 30.
Sincerely,
Thomas H. Anderson
Law Offices of Thomas H. Anderson, P.C.
McMinnville, Oregon
[Also Sent to House Democratic Leadership]
I am writing to ask that you give energetic support to a Metolius Basin protection bill. I love to go to the Metolius River for the day or to camp because I enjoy its quiet beauty. The Metolius River Basin is one of the most unique natural and scenic wonders in Oregon, in the country, and in the world. We have in the middle of our state a treasure to be cherished and preserved for generations to come. Current and future generations of Oregonians are in danger of losing the quiet, uncrowded character of this precious treasure if we allow destination resorts to be developed in the Metolius Basin.
If protective legislation, such as SB 30, is not enacted, the special character of the Metolius Basin will be degraded forever by traffic, crowds, and commercialization. And there will be specific economic costs generated by the construction of destination resorts that will end up being paid and assumed by parties other than the developers. Here is one example: The Jefferson County Planning department uses the Institute of Transportation Trip Generation Manual to assign 9.6 trips per day to each house. If 3500 houses are built in a destination resort (as in one currently proposed), that will generate 33,600 vehicle trips per day on the Camp Sherman road. What will that cost in road maintenance and expansion, traffic, pollution, and carbon emissions? Are we not at a critical time when our public officials are directed to enact legislation reducing carbon emissions to address threatening global warming trends (rather than approving plans which will dramatically increase emissions)?
Before voting to allow development of destination resorts in the Metolius Basin, I think you need to assess the actual short and long term costs to your constituents, the citizens of Oregon, and their descendants. Informed decision making, by legislators and by voters, requires such cost analysis.
I hope to see that you have voted in favor or SB 30.
Sincerely,
Thomas H. Anderson
Law Offices of Thomas H. Anderson, P.C.
McMinnville, Oregon
