State should protect Metolius River Basin

Blocking development could save its economic viability

Editorial
Statesman Journal
June 18, 2009

The Metolius is a special place for Oregonians. It deserves better treatment than it has received from Oregon legislators.

The Oregon House this week narrowly rejected greater environmental protections for the Metolius River Basin.

House Bill 3298 would have designated more than 400 square miles of the Metolius basin as an Area of Critical Statewide Concern, which would have effectively blocked large-scale development such as destination resorts.

Jefferson County officials have endorsed a potential destination resort and say it should be their decision. But the Metolius — like the Oregon Coast and the Columbia River Gorge — is an area of statewide importance.

In fact, longtime Oregonians may find this debate reminiscent of Gov. Tom McCall and others' push to preserve Oregon beaches for public access nearly four decades ago. That was a contentious political, economic and environmental fight, balancing competing but equally valid values: public interest vs. private property, state control vs. local control.

Despite occasional legal squabbles, most Oregonians would agree that the Beach Bill has been an unqualified success. Oregonians feel a personal connection to the state's coastline, and the resulting tourism has produced an ongoing economic boom.

Many Oregonians feel a similar connection to the Metolius basin, with its majestic scenery and plentiful wildlife, including the deer winter range.

Salem Rep. Brian Clem has worked tenaciously to pass the proposal. He has been diligent in seeking compromises, including allowing smaller resorts in the Metolius and enabling a large-scale destination resort outside the area. Thus, we hope, there always is a chance the Legislature will revive the legislation.

It fell one vote short of passage Tuesday.

Its odyssey through the land-use process and the Legislature has been convoluted, to the say the least. That illustrates its importance.

The legislation's opponents have promoted a Metolius destination resort as an antidote to Central Oregon's unemployment. But the Bend region has some of the nation's worst unemployment despite the presence of such resorts. Meanwhile, many resorts throughout the West are having a difficult time staying financially afloat.

By protecting the Metolius from development, legislators could be protecting the region's long-term economic viability.

In the end, this is not an ideological or partisan issue; it is an Oregonian issue. Lawmakers need to hear from their fellow Oregonians.

Years ago, the late Republican McCall and Democrat Bob Straub urged protection of the magnificent area. So today do Democratic Gov. Ted Kulongoski and former Republican Gov. Vic Atiyeh.

The Metolius is an Oregon treasure. It deserves Oregon's protection.

Additional Facts
To contact legislators, call (503) 986-1000 or (800) 332-2313. The names, addresses and office phone numbers for all legislators are at www.leg.state.or.us, or e-mail help.leg@state.or.us.