Big stuff happening during the current Oregon legislative session. Later today we’re going to Salem to testify at a hearing for House Bill 3099, which limits non-farm uses of high value farmland around the state. The bill addresses many uses, but closest to our heart and farm is the new restriction it will place on aggregate (i.e. ‘gravel’) extraction. If the bill is passed, in order for gravel quarries to set up shop on high value farmland, they will first have to prove that no other options exist. If they can prove that, then the process proceeds as normal. Hey, that’s a great idea!
This is very important to us, because Grand Island’s beautiful topsoils sit on top of deep layers of gravel (which is part of why ours is some of the best farmland in the valley). So far, one quarry has been approved on the island and rumors of others are always floating around. Not only will these quarries destroy productive farmland forever, they will significantly and negatively impact other farms on the island through many forms of pollution: noise, dust, and possible water contamination. Plus, many of these gravel quarries end up very close to the Willamette River and necessarily affect the diverse riparian zones that thrives along its banks.
So, all you Oregonians out there — here’s your opportunity to get involved. Let your representative know that you support HB3099 and the continued preservation of farmland in general. Write your representative TODAY using this quick and easy form on the legislature website. Thanks, everyone!
I sent an email to my representative (Sara Gelser of Benton County) and she responded within a few hours telling me that she was unfamiliar with the bill but that she’d keep my comments on file for when it comes up (for a vote?). Democracy!
Good luck!