Metolius threatened by destination resort development

[FishonDon]

I was on the Met last week fishing, when I guy comes up to me passing out flyers. Apparently there are plans for two new destination resorts in the area, one of which is planned on the ridge above the Metolius. These are not small sensitive resorts. These are the type with 1/2 million dollar lots, tennis courts, golf courses, etc.

I wrote state senator Ben Westlund of Bend who is sponsoring a new bill to ban that type of development on the Metolius, and here is what he had to say.
"Thank you for your e-mail. I appreciate your support in protecting the Metolius River basin. I believe Senate Bill 30 would provide a necessary tool to prevent harmful development from impacting one of the most special places in Oregon… indeed, most special places in all America.

Federally recognized with the Wild and Scenic River designation, the Metolius is known for its clear water, consistent temperature and natural beauty. The construction of resorts could change all that… forever. The springs that feed the Metolius are not unlimited; resorts would draw on the aquifer that contributes to the river’s flow. The very “destination” that the destination resorts want to build on could be irreparably damaged.

I understand that resorts often have economic benefits for surrounding communities, however, it is my strong conviction we have an obligation to protect this unique place, preserving its natural beauty and heritage for generations to come. The Metolius should be a place that we should all be able to enjoy. I encourage you to write a letter to the editor of the Bend Bulletin…sending the message, our natural heritage will not be bought or paved over.

Years ago, Paul McCartney penned these lines: “There are places I remember… some are gone, but some remain.” The Metolius River and its surrounding lands is one of those “places” that must always “remain.”

Down The Trail,

Ben Westlund

[BigSkyHunter]

I am very happy to read that you wrote Mr. Westlund a letter :applause: and even more pleased with his response. I think a well written editorial to the local Bend area papers would be a step in the right direction to ensure preservation of the Metolius River basin.

[Siwash]

Wow, even quoting the Beatles! Not just your typically bland politician's form reply.

[garyk]

I hope folks are starting to get riled up by this imminent threat!

I've added some Metolius pics toward the end of FreeSpools 'Metolius Threatened' post.

Over on WestFly there's a thread and photoessay that unfortunately scrolls off the first two pages way too fast.

[tapster]

Well, it is just too bad that these "new-comers" don't have the pull that Black Butte Ranch seems to have. It is very easy for those of us that live on the western slopes to dictate to those who actually live in the Metolius area, yes? After all, we know how to treat their lands (their fathers' land and fathers before them) because we are educated and live in the valley; we are not a bunch of heathen ranchers looking for a quick buck. SHAME ON YOU snobs who live in the valley and go to Central Oregon, fish, kayak, and camp etc. and then return to your little homes in the valley and pretend to know better than the good people trying to make a living over there. SHAME ON YOU, I say.

[finnedwonder]

WHen this hit the main forum I quit paying attention in class and promptly wrote to our representatives to get this thing taken care of... senate bill 30 for the win. Weve put so much time and money and sacrificed so much fishing trying to "restore" the metolious system just to screw it up this way.

[garyk]

Well, it is just too bad that these "new-comers" don't have the pull that Black Butte Ranch seems to have. ...

Hey Tapster, I happen to be a a former Camp Sherman resident, lived on that river for a number of years, and participated both in fisheries research and conservation.

I have as clear an understanding of the Metolius as anyone.

And, I have a pretty good idea of what this industrial-scale development will do to the river. Furthermore, the Metolius is a legacy for all Oregonians to enjoy. It is not owned by Jefferson County and it is not theirs to destroy. That they think it is, is a 'shame' indeed.

BTW, Black Butte Ranch is outside of the Metolius River Valley.

[BigSkyHunter]

Hey 6-post Tapster, unbeknownst to you, I happen to be a a former Camp Sherman resident, lived on that river for a number of years, and participated both in fisheries research and conservation.

I have as clear an understanding of the Metolius as anyone.

And, I have a pretty good idea of what this industrial-scale development will do to the river. Furthermore, the Metolius is a legacy for all Oregonians to enjoy. It is not owned by Jefferson County and it is not theirs to destroy. That they think it is, is a 'shame' indeed.

BTW, Black Butte Ranch is outside of the Melolius River Valley.

Well said and Thank You for a factual post. :applause:

[tapster]

"6 post"??? Oh ouch.

[garyk]

One of the many values that makes the Metolius worth fighting for:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/garyk/Metolius/SharonRedbandedit.jpg

[BigSkyHunter]

That picture provides a 1000 reasons why it is important to preserve the Metolius basin.

[cphatts]

I sent some e-mails off to various legislators last week.....I hope other Ifishers do the same!!

[garyk]

Another value worth defending.....

Solitude and tranquility in a world that is quickly losing those attributes.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/garyk/Metolius/TheLowerMetoliusedited.jpg

[FishonDon]

For Tapster: State Senator Ben Westlund is sponsoring the bill to stop that kind of mass development. He is not from the Willamette Valley, or anywhere else west of the Cascades. I guess anyone opposed in your opinion must be a snob.

In reality, if those developments go ahead, how many current residents living in the local area will end up owning any of it? The probability is that most will be owned by people from out of the area, and probably a fair amount from out of state. Now, who are the snobs?

I sympathize with the county for wanting to increase their revenue, but in a world where places like the Metolius are becoming exceedinly rare, I think they ought to be preserved for all, and other revenue sources investigated.

Here is a thought; maybe you and I are not that un-alike. I enjoy being in the outdoors. I enjoy going to natural places to just breathe in the beauty of those, and I bet you do to. Now, what if you, I and 1,000 friends all decided to build houses in one of our favorite places so we could be there all the time? That place that we all loved would cease to exist as we have known it. That is excatly what is pending for the Metolius if these resorts are allowed. Let's work together to preserve these places. It is our obligation.

[FishonDon]

P.S.
GaryK, that is one very nice Metolius rainbow!

[Queeg]

SHAME ON YOU, I say.

Or ... shame on a handful of county commissioners who feel they have the right to sell out a treasure that should belong to the whole world.

:cheers:

[lost_sailor]

Update on SB30, it's scheduled for a public hearing and work session - THURSDAY - April 26 - 6:00PM - Hearing Room "C" at your State Capitol.

Be a hero, show up and speak your mind.

I have a family commitment that will be fatal to miss - - - so speak my mind too - PASS IT NOW PLEASE AND THANK YOU.

[kkmkra]

To learn how you can help support this effort, please visit:

www.noresorts.blog.spot.com
www.metoliusfriends.org

for more information! Please help protect the Metolius! Please share with all your fishing friends! This river deserves our protection! Now is the time to have our voices heard.