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About Wallowa County chieftain. (Enterprise, Wallowa County, Or.) 1943-current | View Entire Issue (April 3, 2019)
A10 Wallowa County Chieftain NORTHWEST Wednesday, April 3, 2019 Farmer Scott Bernards speaks about why he’s nervous about the potential conversion of an abandoned railroad into a hiking and biking trail . Photos by Mateusz Perkowski /Capital Press Opponents of a rail-to-trail project gather in McMinnville, Ore., March 28 after Yamhill County decided to proceed with the proposal. RAILS WITH TRAILS PROJECT Yamhill, Wallowa counties grapple with dueling interests By MATEUSZ PERKOWSKI Capital Press While residents of Wal- lowa County weigh the merits of its own “Rails with Trails” project, a con- troversial rail-to-trail proj- ect has won the approval of elected offi cials in Oregon’s Yamhill County. In fact, the Wallowa County Planning Commission even cited the Yamhill controversy in its March 26 meeting. Both are likely to face continued opposition. Just as Wallowa Coun- ty’s “Rails with Trails” proj- ect is likely to be appealed to the county’s three Com- missioners, on March 28, the Yamhill County board of commissioners voted 2-1 in favor of develop- ing a 3-mile portion of the Yamhelas-Westsider trail, which is opposed by mul- tiple farmers along its path who fear disruptions to agri- cultural practices. The analogies are striking. While critics of the trail argue it will attract home- less people, that’s unlikely to happen because it’s not near the services they depend on, said Richard Olson, the board’s chair. “I do believe this is good for the economy of Yamhill County,” Olson said. Opponents in Yam- hill County assert that the county already has peo- ple causing dangerous situ- ations by camping at unin- habited locations, said Mary Starrett, the lone commis- sioner to vote against the ‘IT APPEARS TO ME THEY’RE MOVING AHEAD ILLEGALLY. IT’S A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON OUR RIGHT TO FARM.’ Scott Bernards, a farmer opposed to the Yamhelas-Westsider trail project trail. “This isn’t a prob- lem that is hypothetical. It already exists.” Commissioner Casey Kulla told farmers he respects the work they’ve put into opposing the proj- ect but believes the condi- tions imposed on the trail — including fencing and warning signs — will pre- vent the project from caus- ing signifi cant impacts to agriculture. “You can call me, you can shout at me, but I will listen,” he said. The question of whether the rail-to-trail project will cause signifi cant changes to farm practices or their costs is key under Oregon land use law. Non-farm developments can’t cause such signifi cant impacts in “exclusive farm use” zones and may be sub- ject to restrictions that stop such effects from occurring. A major point of conten- tion in the debate over the Yamhelas-Westsider trail is what implications an “agri- cultural exclusion zone” will have for pesticide spraying along its course. Critics of the trail claim the federal regulation will effectively prohibit spray- ing within 150 feet of the path, while project support- ers say farmers will just need to use the same level of caution as they do along roadways. Kulla warned farm- ers against potentially cre- ating the perception that every road will require such buffers. “I want you to be very careful in how you push this,” he said. Scott Bernards, a farmer opposed to the project, said he’s disappointed but not surprised by the board of commissioners’ decision. “It appears to me they’re moving ahead illegally,” he said. “It’s a signifi - cant impact on our right to farm.” Sarah Mitchell, an attor- ney for farmers opposed to the trail, said she has yet to discuss the county’s deci- sion with her clients but it’s likely they will challenge it before Oregon’s Land Use Board of Appeals. Wallowa County’s trail process is one step behind Yamhill. Proponents are likely to appeal. Wallowa County Chief- tain editor, Christian Ambroson, contributed to the substance of this article. Vignette ® Modern Roman Shades Cozier winters. Cooler summers. Energy savings year-round. Increase your comfort and help lower your energy bills with insulating Hunter Douglas shades. Ask about rebate savings on select styles today. 30% OFF FREE MEASURE & INSTALLATION 800 S. River | Enterprise, OR | 541-426-9228 www.carpetone.com *Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 1/12/19 – 4/8/19 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 4 weeks of rebate claim approval. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. See complete terms distributed with reward card. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2019 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. 19Q1NPVIC3
