Dear Representative Rosenbaum,
This message is to implore you, as Chair of the House Elections, Ethics and Rules Committee to vote to pass, UNCHANGED, Senate Bill 30, a measure passed by the Senate and now in the House. This bill protects 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 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.
I encourage you to vote for 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
Friday, June 1, 2007
Imploring You To Pass Senate Bill 30 - Michael Graham, Portland
Dear Representative Greenlick,
This message is to implore you to vote to pass, UNCHANGED, Senate Bill 30, a measure passed by the Senate and now in the House. This bill protects 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 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.
I encourage you, as my representative, to vote for 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 vote to pass, UNCHANGED, Senate Bill 30, a measure passed by the Senate and now in the House. This bill protects 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 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.
I encourage you, as my representative, to vote for 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
Don't Make Same Mistakes Here - Dennis Smith, Enterprise
Dear Representative Smith,
I am urging you to support, in the House, the passage of Oregon Senate Bill 30. Please do not allow weakening of this bill in the House by those who support development. I have lived in Oregon for 44 years and have seen many land use changes. I am an Oregon Growth Boundary advocate. I have also spent many days over many years along and on the Metolius River and vicinity. In view of the shrinking open spaces we are experiencing with statewide development, it would be an extremely bad decision to allow development of resorts along this watershed. The charm of the area is in it's wild character as well as it's unique setting, spring-fed water, diverse plant life and crystal-clear water. It is understandable that it would (and does) draw crowds to its banks and that there is profit to be made by accommodations and amenities. By doing so would, ironically, destroy that very character as we have seen in so many similar circumstances around the state. Let us not make these same mistakes yet again and instead take measures to protect our state treasures.
Thank you for your consideration,
Dennis Smith
Enterprise, OR
I am urging you to support, in the House, the passage of Oregon Senate Bill 30. Please do not allow weakening of this bill in the House by those who support development. I have lived in Oregon for 44 years and have seen many land use changes. I am an Oregon Growth Boundary advocate. I have also spent many days over many years along and on the Metolius River and vicinity. In view of the shrinking open spaces we are experiencing with statewide development, it would be an extremely bad decision to allow development of resorts along this watershed. The charm of the area is in it's wild character as well as it's unique setting, spring-fed water, diverse plant life and crystal-clear water. It is understandable that it would (and does) draw crowds to its banks and that there is profit to be made by accommodations and amenities. By doing so would, ironically, destroy that very character as we have seen in so many similar circumstances around the state. Let us not make these same mistakes yet again and instead take measures to protect our state treasures.
Thank you for your consideration,
Dennis Smith
Enterprise, OR
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Staunch Republicans Support SB 30 - Bill Failing, Portland
Senator Ferroli,
For you to have voted against the Metolius River development threat—a no-brainer for those of us who value this State’s uniqueness, suggests your lack of really respecting or understanding Oregon’s most fundamental asset---its natural beauty. My family have been staunch Republicans for decades…but they valued and fought against those who would compromise an area that is sacred to real Oregonians…Yes, you are working hard for those who want Oregon to be like every other mall-infested, greed--first, dark corner of this country that caters to the lowest common denominator. 2500 homes and two golf courses on Green Ridge? You are not alone in your pandering to quid-pro-quo developers, but where is your courage to do what is right?
Why would you send us an e-mail?
Bill Failing
Portland, OR
For you to have voted against the Metolius River development threat—a no-brainer for those of us who value this State’s uniqueness, suggests your lack of really respecting or understanding Oregon’s most fundamental asset---its natural beauty. My family have been staunch Republicans for decades…but they valued and fought against those who would compromise an area that is sacred to real Oregonians…Yes, you are working hard for those who want Oregon to be like every other mall-infested, greed--first, dark corner of this country that caters to the lowest common denominator. 2500 homes and two golf courses on Green Ridge? You are not alone in your pandering to quid-pro-quo developers, but where is your courage to do what is right?
Why would you send us an e-mail?
Bill Failing
Portland, OR
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
We Need Leaders With Courage and Foresight - Tom Anderson
Dear Representative Nelson:
I think the last time I saw you in McMinnville was at Rite Aid. I hope to see you around town again soon.
I am writing to you about a piece of legislation that is very important to me. My fondest childhood memories are from my family’s summer trips to Camp Sherman. I think you know my parents, Herb and Barbara Anderson. Every summer, they took us to the Metolius River where we camped or rented a cabin. It was there that I first developed my love of Nature. I have been returning ever since to camp, hike, and fish, and ride my bike. It is close enough that I can even go for the day from McMinnville.
The thing about the Metolius and Camp Sherman that makes them so special is that the area is an incredibly beautiful natural wonderland where there is a perfect balance between accessibility and a quiet experience in a part of nature that if you’ve ever been there I think you would agree is paradise. I was shocked to learn that Jefferson County has decided to permit the development of destination resorts in the Metolius Basin with thousands and thousands of houses, golf courses, etc. I am not against development, but the Metolius River Basin is one of the greatest natural treasures in this state; it is the wrong place to build destination resorts because that would forever ruin the special character of this unique place, with overcrowding, traffic, noise, and pollution. Have you ever stood on the wooden bridge at Camp Sherman and fed the huge trout swimming below it? That bridge could not accommodate the 9,000 additional daily car trips the proposed destination resort would bring. The sleepy little village of Camp Sherman would be changed forever into something more like downtown Sisters—hard to even cross the road. I cringe to think of what the crowds would do to the banks of the river.
Senate Bill 30 prohibits the development of destination resorts within three miles of the Metolius River Watershed. It passed the senate without a single Republican vote. That’s why I am writing to you, my Republican representative. I don’t know how hard it would be for you to break ranks if that’s what it would take for you to vote for SB30, but if anyone has the strength of character to do so, I think and hope that it is you. Republicans can go down in history as some of the most well-regarded preservationists the world has ever known. Republican President Theodore Roosevelt is loved and remembered for permanently preserving some of the most unique natural resources of the United States, creating 150 National Forests, 51 Federal Bird Reservations, 4 National Game Preserves, 5 National Parks, and 18 National Monuments—a total of 230,000,000 acres.
Perhaps no one has done more to improve and preserve “livability” in Oregon than Republican governor Tom McCall. With the bottle bill, and preserving public access to our beaches, he brought national recognition to Oregon that in the decades since has paid off not only in making this one of the best places in the country to live, but it also has brought high quality economic development to our state. And two-term Republican Governor Mark Hatfield opened a statewide dialogue about livability when he spoke out against thoughtless speculators and developers who were befouling Oregon's landscape. When the Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce began touting the ticky-tacky stretch of U.S. Highway 101 through the county as the “Twenty Miracle Miles,” Governor Hatfield remarked that “Twenty Miserable Miles” would be a more fitting description.
We no longer have the courage and foresight of Republicans Theodore Roosevelt, Tom McCall, or Mark Hatfield, but we have you. With all due respect, if you vote with other Republicans to allow development of destination resorts in the Metolius River Basin some developers will be happy with you, but your constituents and the citizens of Oregon will not. Your vote and your mark on Oregon’s future will be remembered only by those whom it disappoints. If, on the other hand, you show the courage and leadership of a Tom McCall or Mark Hatfield, you will make a mark in the history of this state that will be revered. I’m not sure how the politics works within the party, but if you support SB 30, I predict that you will be most favorably featured in newspapers across the state. Obviously, you can’t do this if it is not something you believe in, but if you have ever been to the Metolius River, I am confident that you will find it in your heart to take a stand to preserve it as it is for generations of future Oregonians.
Thank you for your work on behalf of your constituents and the people of Oregon and thank you for reading my rather long email.
Sincerely,
Tom Anderson
Law Offices of Thomas H. Anderson, P.C.
McMinnville, Oregon
I think the last time I saw you in McMinnville was at Rite Aid. I hope to see you around town again soon.
I am writing to you about a piece of legislation that is very important to me. My fondest childhood memories are from my family’s summer trips to Camp Sherman. I think you know my parents, Herb and Barbara Anderson. Every summer, they took us to the Metolius River where we camped or rented a cabin. It was there that I first developed my love of Nature. I have been returning ever since to camp, hike, and fish, and ride my bike. It is close enough that I can even go for the day from McMinnville.
The thing about the Metolius and Camp Sherman that makes them so special is that the area is an incredibly beautiful natural wonderland where there is a perfect balance between accessibility and a quiet experience in a part of nature that if you’ve ever been there I think you would agree is paradise. I was shocked to learn that Jefferson County has decided to permit the development of destination resorts in the Metolius Basin with thousands and thousands of houses, golf courses, etc. I am not against development, but the Metolius River Basin is one of the greatest natural treasures in this state; it is the wrong place to build destination resorts because that would forever ruin the special character of this unique place, with overcrowding, traffic, noise, and pollution. Have you ever stood on the wooden bridge at Camp Sherman and fed the huge trout swimming below it? That bridge could not accommodate the 9,000 additional daily car trips the proposed destination resort would bring. The sleepy little village of Camp Sherman would be changed forever into something more like downtown Sisters—hard to even cross the road. I cringe to think of what the crowds would do to the banks of the river.
Senate Bill 30 prohibits the development of destination resorts within three miles of the Metolius River Watershed. It passed the senate without a single Republican vote. That’s why I am writing to you, my Republican representative. I don’t know how hard it would be for you to break ranks if that’s what it would take for you to vote for SB30, but if anyone has the strength of character to do so, I think and hope that it is you. Republicans can go down in history as some of the most well-regarded preservationists the world has ever known. Republican President Theodore Roosevelt is loved and remembered for permanently preserving some of the most unique natural resources of the United States, creating 150 National Forests, 51 Federal Bird Reservations, 4 National Game Preserves, 5 National Parks, and 18 National Monuments—a total of 230,000,000 acres.
Perhaps no one has done more to improve and preserve “livability” in Oregon than Republican governor Tom McCall. With the bottle bill, and preserving public access to our beaches, he brought national recognition to Oregon that in the decades since has paid off not only in making this one of the best places in the country to live, but it also has brought high quality economic development to our state. And two-term Republican Governor Mark Hatfield opened a statewide dialogue about livability when he spoke out against thoughtless speculators and developers who were befouling Oregon's landscape. When the Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce began touting the ticky-tacky stretch of U.S. Highway 101 through the county as the “Twenty Miracle Miles,” Governor Hatfield remarked that “Twenty Miserable Miles” would be a more fitting description.
We no longer have the courage and foresight of Republicans Theodore Roosevelt, Tom McCall, or Mark Hatfield, but we have you. With all due respect, if you vote with other Republicans to allow development of destination resorts in the Metolius River Basin some developers will be happy with you, but your constituents and the citizens of Oregon will not. Your vote and your mark on Oregon’s future will be remembered only by those whom it disappoints. If, on the other hand, you show the courage and leadership of a Tom McCall or Mark Hatfield, you will make a mark in the history of this state that will be revered. I’m not sure how the politics works within the party, but if you support SB 30, I predict that you will be most favorably featured in newspapers across the state. Obviously, you can’t do this if it is not something you believe in, but if you have ever been to the Metolius River, I am confident that you will find it in your heart to take a stand to preserve it as it is for generations of future Oregonians.
Thank you for your work on behalf of your constituents and the people of Oregon and thank you for reading my rather long email.
Sincerely,
Tom Anderson
Law Offices of Thomas H. Anderson, P.C.
McMinnville, Oregon
Basin Will Not Benefit From More Development - David Mittelstadt & Family, Beaverton
Hello Good Representatives of Oregon –
I’m writing to ask that you please help protect the Metolius Basin.
My family and I have enjoyed our time on the Metolius for years. I really feel with all the campsites, current residents, the proximity to Black Butte, Sisters, Bend, Redmond & Madras that the Basin today is at maximum capacity for a natural area. As someone who enjoys spending time regularly on the Metolius I can attest that this spot is shared by MANY today. This is not an isolated area that deserves more development for the benefit of all. The majority of Oregonians are best served by keeping the impact on this area low and accessing the basin by all the current opportunities.
I urge you to please consider protecting this natural area from additional development for our and future generations.
Thank You,
David Mittelstadt & Family
Beaverton, OR
I’m writing to ask that you please help protect the Metolius Basin.
My family and I have enjoyed our time on the Metolius for years. I really feel with all the campsites, current residents, the proximity to Black Butte, Sisters, Bend, Redmond & Madras that the Basin today is at maximum capacity for a natural area. As someone who enjoys spending time regularly on the Metolius I can attest that this spot is shared by MANY today. This is not an isolated area that deserves more development for the benefit of all. The majority of Oregonians are best served by keeping the impact on this area low and accessing the basin by all the current opportunities.
I urge you to please consider protecting this natural area from additional development for our and future generations.
Thank You,
David Mittelstadt & Family
Beaverton, OR
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Metolius Inspires - Rob Gagnier, Beaverton
Dear Representatives [all],
I am a proud native Oregonian and have seen both the positive and negative impacts of the significant growth in our state. Sadly I have to admit that this is the first time I have ever sent a letter or email to my state representatives. However, I recently spent the Memorial weekend with some friends along the Metolius river and have seen first hand the beauty of this natural area. This visit has prompted me to write this brief email urging you to support SB 30 and protect the Metolius Basin from development.
I also enjoy visiting Sunriver, Black Butte and skiing at Mt. Bachelor. However, the Metolius river basin is not the place to exploit and commercially develop. We need to keep areas in Oregon as pristine as possible and protect them for future generations to enjoy.
I will keep this short and sweet – I am in strong support and urge you to help protect our natural wonders in Oregon.
Sincerely,
Rob Gagnier
Beaverton, OR
I am a proud native Oregonian and have seen both the positive and negative impacts of the significant growth in our state. Sadly I have to admit that this is the first time I have ever sent a letter or email to my state representatives. However, I recently spent the Memorial weekend with some friends along the Metolius river and have seen first hand the beauty of this natural area. This visit has prompted me to write this brief email urging you to support SB 30 and protect the Metolius Basin from development.
I also enjoy visiting Sunriver, Black Butte and skiing at Mt. Bachelor. However, the Metolius river basin is not the place to exploit and commercially develop. We need to keep areas in Oregon as pristine as possible and protect them for future generations to enjoy.
I will keep this short and sweet – I am in strong support and urge you to help protect our natural wonders in Oregon.
Sincerely,
Rob Gagnier
Beaverton, OR
Map Of the Metolius - LandWatch
Because many of you have asked for a map of the region, with the resorts and other relevant landmarks, here you go. Click on this image for a larger version.-Central Oregon LandWatch
Keep Oregon An Outdoor Paradise - Debra Burke, Bend
[Sent to Rep. Burley, copied to all State Representatives:]
Leaving Oregon for almost any other place in the US makes you really appreciate what we have. Please work to keep Oregon an outdoor paradise and to maintain as many intact ecosystems as possible. Please support Measure 30.
Debra Burke
Bend, OR
Leaving Oregon for almost any other place in the US makes you really appreciate what we have. Please work to keep Oregon an outdoor paradise and to maintain as many intact ecosystems as possible. Please support Measure 30.
Debra Burke
Bend, OR
