Want to Get Involved? Take Action on Important Issues From our Members!Central Oregon LandwatchOregon League of Conservation VotersOTC Considers Low-Herbicide Pilot Project -- Speak Up!The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) routinely sprays roadsides with toxic herbicides throughout the spring and summer. Many of these chemicals are known or suspected carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. When you drive, bike or walk on these roads, you can be exposed to pesticides from soil contamination, eating sprayed wild berries, and drifting or re-volatilizing vapors. Aquatic plants, fish and other organisms are harmed sometimes by application near ditches or streams. The Oregon Transportation Commission, which governs ODOT, is considering a proposal to implement a pilot project along a stretch of Highway 101 in Lincoln County and in all of Lane County. The pilot “Last Resort” policy prohibits the routine and seasonal use of herbicides to kill unwanted vegetation along roadsides, and focuses on getting rid of weeds by regular assessment of road conditions, mechanical removal (e.g., mowing, scraping), planting competing native species such as wildflowers, and scientifically determining if a need exists for chemicals before using herbicides. Please write to the Oregon Transportation Commission to ask them to support the pilot project and fund more “no-spray” highways. Direct letters to: Oregon Transportation Commission, c/o Kim Jordan, OTC Secretary Kimberly.A.Jordan@odot.state.or.us Phone: (503) 986-3450 DEQ Announces New Rulemaking Web Page Now you can see all current Oregon DEQ proposed rule updates in one place and easily e-mail your comments. Look for the envelope icon for quick e-mail links to send in your comments. Oregon Natural Desert AssociationOregon Wild
Sierra Club, Juniper GroupSept. 17, 2008 – Public hearing before the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners to consider a change to county code which would allow housing subdivisions to be converted to destination resorts. Aspen Lakes Golf Estates wishes to expand its gated golf community in rural Sisters with a large development less than π mile from the key reintroduction sites for threatened steelhead and salmon in Whychus Creek. The county commissioners will decide whether to allow the owners of this country-club-style housing subdivision to change county zoning so they may build approximately 300 new homes, 100 condos, a 150-room hotel, a restaurant, and artificial lakes, some on open space that was set aside as a stipulation of previous permit approvals. The water source for this project would be the aquifer which recharges Whychus Creek. Please attend the hearing, speak in opposition to this plan, and wear blue to show your concern for Central Oregon water resources!Deschutes County Board of Commissioners hearing on Text Amendment 07-7 5:30 p.m., Barnes and Sawyer Room (1st floor), Deschutes Service Center, in the County & State Offices building, 1300 NW Wall, Bend WaterWatch of Oregon
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