Applegater
Spring 2011 17
MY OPINION FROM BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR
It’s all the rage
By CHris BraTT
Conflicting views over environ-
mental issues and proposals are nothing
new in Southern Oregon. When our
family arrived here in the mid 70s, there
was a big fight going on about whether to
build the Applegate and other local dams.
The extensive road building and
clearcutting for “rapid liquidation” of
commercial size timber from public and
private timber lands has been in dispute
for half a century. Recently, gravel mining
proposals in the Applegate River have pit-
ted neighbor against neighbor. Pressure
from new residents, new economic reali-
ties, new federal laws, and a new environ-
mental awareness nationwide, continues
to cause troublesome conflicts among
neighbors with differing viewpoints.
At the moment, there is some local,
heated opposition focused on a proposed
Siskiyou Crest National Monument. This
monument proposal consists of further
protecting 600,000 acres of higher el-
evation public lands (US Forest Service
and Bureau of Land Management) that
cover the mountain crest between the
Oregon Caves National Monument and
the Siskiyou Summit above Ashland. A
large portion of the public lands in the
south-central part of the Applegate Wa-
tershed are proposed to be included in
the monument including the Red Buttes
Wilderness Area.
I felt a strong feeling of hostility
toward the monument proposal and en-
vironmentalists when a flyer was attached
to our paper box with the heading: “No
Siskiyou Monument.” I felt more rancor
when I attended a meeting called by
monument opponents at the Applegate
Community Church. This group of in-
dividuals (some are my neighbors) call
themselves the “Stop The Land Grab
Coalition” (www.stoplandgrab.org). These
folks have attracted other discontented
people who want to put a stopper on any
and all efforts to establish a Siskiyou Crest
National Monument.
Having driven and hiked through
much of the area over the past 35 years,
I’ve seen and know the stunning quali-
ties and resources within the proposed
monument boundaries first-hand. My
personal point of view is that a monument
designation would not “lock up” anything
and will further protect this amazing
landscape. In fact, it’s not a “land grab,”
(the land already belongs to all Americans)
and rather than “locking it up,” the land
most likely will draw more people to use
the area and create more jobs as well. The
monument proposal has built a significant
amount of grassroots support, and as you
can tell, it has my endorsement.
I could go further in my describing
many of the attributes, values and quality
features that will make this place a worth-
while monument. But many scientific
and conservation leaders have devoted
decades of research into the biological,
recreational and economic values of the
Siskiyou Crest area. For more information
on the monument, everyone should see,
“The Wild American Forest,” a film about
the Klamath-Siskiyou eco-region. See the
web site: www.AWILDAMERICANFOR-
EST.ORG. (It premiered in Jan/Feb. on
Southern Oregon Public T.V.) Also, “The
Klamath Siskiyou Wildlands Proposal For
Future Management of the Siskiyou Crest”
can be viewed at: www.siskiyoucrest.org.
Presently, emotions are running high
over the monument issue, especially
with opponents who seem incapable
of compromise. the challenge for a
positive outcome of any get-together
will rest on putting forth moderate,
coherent ideas with calm, wise
voices without extreme views or
language.
Sadly, many opponents are using
the monument proposal as a focal point
for venting their fears and frustrations over
issues like the loss of local timber, mining
and grazing operations on public lands.
They have attracted off-road vehicle users
and hunters by making the misleading
claim that travel routes and hunting will
be done away with within the monument
boundaries.
Though not connected directly
to the monument issue, these fearful op-
ponents are lamenting the loss of older
historic western traditions and culture.
They are longing for the bygone days and
ways of life that came and went with the
reduction of family farms, ranching and
logging opportunities. These values are be-
ing used to raise opposition to the proposed
monument.
Short of dropping the monument
proposal (which isn’t going to happen),
I believe there is
no way to satisfy
the ultraconser-
vative members
Chris Bratt
within this oppo-
sition group or have them compromise on
the other issues they keep raising. These
are extreme take-no-prisoner folks who ig-
nore our changing community and world.
They fear that every progressive proposal is
some form of surrender to socialism and
fan the flames with angry responses like
“Stop Them Here,” Enough is Enough,”
and “Stand Up and Fight.” They are not
interested in listening or engaging in
meaningful dialogue and have a loose
connection with the facts.
My modest proposal is to have
both proponents and opponents inter-
ested in engaging in meaningful dialogue
begin a conversation about what should
happen in this back country area. They
should invite the federal agencies (BLM
and Forest Service) who will be in charge
of planning and managing any approved
monument. I’m sure the proponents
would be willing to meet. If people can
cooperate, listen and compromise, agree-
ments can be worked out rather than
continue with uncontrolled debating
and railing.
Presently, emotions are running
high over the monument issue, especially
with opponents who seem incapable of
compromise. The challenge for a positive
outcome of any get-together will rest on
putting forth moderate, coherent ideas
with calm, wise voices without extreme
views or language.
My experience with these larger
divisive issues is that if we can’t come up
with local solutions to our problems, the
remedies will continue to come from far
away political bureaucrats or the courts.
If local people can find agreement by
reducing polarization and animosity,
and being respectful of people who think
differently, working together can become
our new “traditional value,” along with
the golden rule. The proposed Siskiyou
Crest National Monument is a unique op-
portunity to find some common ground,
become better neighbors and protect the
area’s world renowned treasures. What do
you think?
Chris Bratt • 541-846-6988
Jackson County/OSU
Master Gardener
Classes and Events
Tuesday, April 5, 7:00-9:00 pm
DANDY DAHLIAS
Christy Hope, Master Gardener
Dahlias are easy and one little tuber
can give an abundance of color and
happiness. A yearly look at dahlias:
varieties/classifications, purchas-
ing, when/where to plant, pests/
problems, digging/winter storage
will be covered. Cost: $5/MG free.
Class qualifies for M. G. recertification.
Tuesday, April 19, 7:00-9:00 pm
Made in the Shade
Cliff Bennett, Chet’s Garden Center
This class will cover annuals, pe-
rennials, evergreens, and un-
usual conifers that will thrive in
a shade garden. Soils, fertilizers,
and insects will also be discussed.
Cost: $5/MG free. Class qualifies for
Master Gardener recertification.
There is a fee of $10.00 per Saturday class
and a $5.00 per Weekday class (unless
indicated otherwise). Master Gardeners
wearing their badges are admitted free
(materials fees still apply). The classes are
held at the OSU Extension Center located
at 569 Hanley Road, Central Point, Oregon.
For questions and/or registration please call
541-776-7371.
To learn more about J.C.M.G.A. go to:
http:/ /extension.orst.edu/sorec/gardening
The Master Gardener Program educates
local gardeners on the art and science of
growing and caring for plants. Trained Mas-
ter Gardener volunteers extend sustainable
gardening information to their communities
through educational outreach programs.
CELEBRATE
Earth Day 2011
Saturday, April 23, 11-4 pm
at the Science Works
Museum in Ashland.
For more infomation visit
www.RogueValleyEarthDay.net
or call 541-482-6767