[url=http://www.leg.state.or.us/05reg/measures/sb0400.dir/sb0423.intro.html:fd65e]http://www.leg.state.or.us/05reg/measures/sb0400.dir/sb0423.intro.html[/url:fd65e]
River Access Legislation Scheduled for Public Hearing
Senate Environment Committee
Wednesday, March 23rd at 3:00 p.m.
Hearing Room B
Senate Bill 423, legislation introduced by the NW Steelheaders, is the best legislation produced yet on the issue of river access. It closely mirrors Montana?s successful stream access law, yet is crafted with Oregon values of fairness and a spirit of cooperation.
If you are available, please come to the Capitol and be a part of the legislative process. You do not have to testify, your presence is all that we are asking for at this time. If you would like to speak, please work closely with Phil Donovan. He can be reached at 503.522.3023 or phil@nwpublicaffairs.com.
Or you can send kind remarks and grandiose statements of support to the following committee members:
Senator Charlie Ringo, Chair (Beaverton)
Sen.charlieringo@state.or.us
Senator Jason Atkinson, Vice-chair (Jacksonville)
Sen.jasonatkinson@state.or.us
Senator Roger Beyer (Molalla)
Sen.rogerbeyer@state.or.us
Senator Ginny Burdick (SW Portland)
Sen.ginnyburdick@state.or.us
Senator Frank Shields (East Portland)
Sen.frankshields@state.or.us
Can’t make the hearing…here’s a form letter to help let our legislators know WHY we want SB423:
Dear Senator/Representative,
I am writing to express my support for Senate Bill 423. Like Oregon?s beaches, our rivers should be accessible to the public. This legislation carefully mirrors Montana?s successful stream access laws and will work in Oregon, all the while avoiding contentious and costly navigability studies.
Conflicts along our rivers are far too common because no one knows where the public can legally be and what activities are permissible ? not the landowners, not the recreational users, and not law enforcement. This legislation is not about gaining more access, but instead seeks to clarify public rights and responsibilities. Senate Bill 423 is consistent with and reaffirms Oregon state and U.S. federal law, as well as over 100 years of state court rulings.
Please act now to end river conflicts ? pass SB 423 as introduced. Too many incidents are occurring because of the Legislature?s inability to bring resolution to this contentious issue. Please support Senate Bill 423!
Thanks for your help!!!
Skip
“Salmon behavior cannot be tied down by dogma”, Hugh Falkus