We rarely talk politics on here. But politics plays a part in all the work we do. In the course of our project we’ve befriended city council members and county commissioners, had our posts liked by mayors and state officials. Regular citizens and elected representatives from across the political spectrum have supported our efforts to conserve natural places and outdoor recreation opportunities, and have helped us get the word out and push initiatives to keep Columbia County wild.
That doesn’t mean that all politicians support the moves necessary to protect our wild spaces, or that they will do the right thing in the future. The survival of our greatest conservation priorities depends on politicians at the city, county, and state levels. Voters must pressure their candidates to do the right thing, or monied interests will provide a different kind of pressure for them.
For example:
The future of the Boise Cascade site is in the hands of the city of St. Helens. That beautiful and unique wetlands landscape will only be saved from destruction if the city government chooses to exclude it from industrial development plans.
The future of Carcus Creek Falls and the Carcus Creek / Lava Creek complex is in the hands of Columbia County. They own the area around the falls itself, and are the most logical means through which any sort of hiking park or conservation area could be built there.
The future of Liberty Hill Butte is in the hands of the state of Oregon. The Department of State Lands is the main impediment to Knife River’s attempts to mine the butte, and a change in philosophy could cause them to grant the mining permits.
We’re not going to tell you how to vote. At each level, you can research the issues for yourself and decide who you think is most likely to support the preservation of these unique places. But we ask you, PLEASE make conservation a voting issue this year. Write letters, make phone calls, ask questions in public forums. Be direct.
“Do you support the plan to create a nature park that will preserve the most critical habitat around Milton Creek in the old Boise Cascade site?”
“Would you support a hiking trail and nature park complex around Carcus Creek and Lava Creek?”
“Do you think that Liberty Hill, the largest and most natural remaining camas and oak complex in northwest Oregon, should be saved from mining?”
Do they know what you are talking about? [Many will, several of them read this blog.] If they don’t, share it with them! Tell them what is going on, send them links, invite them to visit the sites if you can. Force them to realize how important these places are to the people of our county.
If we don’t make our voice heard, we can’t complain when they don’t listen.
Speak out, spread the word, and vote.
