Subject: Winter Lake/Eel Lake land Swap.
The following is my recollection and opinion of the Oregon Fish & Wildlife Commission hearing, held in Portlandon December 5, 2012
Yesterday after compelling testimony against the trade to make some of the best dairy ground in the world a SWAMP. The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously to make the trade. Coos CountyCommissioner Messerle spoke in favor of the trade. CoosCounty Commissioner Bob Main spoke in opposition to the trade citing the 18,826 Coos County citizens who voted against any more marsh expansion. The will of the people was blatantly ignored!
ODF&W does not have a draft plan to determine if the project is feasible.
ODF&W does not have science to demonstrate that the farmland to swamp will produce more fish and ducks than is presently produced.
ODF&W admitted in the power point presentation by Larry Cooper, ODF&W SW Regional Director that the project is being funded in part by the USFish & Wildlife.
Unlimited time was given to ODF&W staff and The Nature Conservancy to present their pro swamp case, but speakers in opposition were only given five minutes.
ODF&W Commissioner Webber admitted that he had been on site with The Nature Conservancy and Fred Messerle. (no mention of talking to the neighboring ranchers and people in opposition)
ODF&W admitted that the hydrology study had not been completed (which might show that the pro swamp
plan is not workable)
ODF&W admitted that the hydrology study had not been completed (which might show that people will loose the use of their land)
ODF&W Commissioners ignored the fact that a drainage district can not by law flood land ( ORS 547.005 ) A drainage district can only drain land.
ODF&W Commissioners ignored the fact that more Coos Countyjobs/businesses will be lost because of the loss of farm revenue.
Related Posts:
Oregon Fish & Wildlife Meeting Subject: EEL LAKE/COQUILLE VALLEY LAND EXCHANGE
Breakfast Meeting Announcement Bay Area Chamber of Commerce 11/16/2012
ODFW holds public meetings on proposed Eel Lake/Coquille Valley land exchange
New Bandon Marsh Maps showing the 7 Priority Stages and the Winter Lake Project