To the editor:
As a resident of South Beach for 25 years, I’ve observed that each summer becomes drier, earlier. I am extremely concerned about the future of water in our coastal communities. If there’s anything I hope we can agree on right now, it’s that the science is very clear on the future of our water, if we fail to take action.
Studies clearly show stream flows decrease by, on average, 50 percent on clear cuts and the impact endures 40 plus years. NASA imagery has shown the severity of the loss of forest cover in our coastal watersheds. Now we must decide how we will address this concern.
We must have water conservation measures ready for next summer. Remember, demand is ever increasing as people visit to escape the heat. Many will make this their permanent home.
Secondly, water protection must be on the ballot. The citizens initiative process is laborious, so I propose Lincoln County commissioners put forth a ballot measure to protect watersheds. Now, I know legal counsel for this board will cite preemption law as the block. All citizens must understand, pre-emption law is undemocratic at best, unconstitutional at worst. This is a rigging of our democracy by corporate money. It has nothing to do with benefitting society, and as an unjust law, it must be challenged.
Thirdly, coastal communities need a forum much like City Club Eugene, where we bring people together and brainstorm ideas to work toward solutions that benefit the community. We need to talk with one another.
The county commission’s three-minute allotment to citizens to speak their minds is what Anne Morris called the “Democracy Theme Park” — citizens pulling the levers of democracy only to learn they aren’t connected to anything.
The last thing, which has been realized in some Oregon communities, is purchasing the watershed to protect it. We are too late for some watersheds this lifetime.
The 475 acres above Beaver Creek were recently logged, and the Waldport watershed above Eckman Lake is being logged as I speak, so we’ve already missed an opportunity to solve a problem that, again, will impact us for the duration of our lifetimes, and will, if we don’t change course, extend into our grandchildren’s lifetimes.
We should feel a burning desire to affect change as it relates to water. We cannot survive without it. I’m advocating for all of these things, and, again, stay informed – scientists are unequivocally calling out clear cutting for low flow in our watersheds.
This crisis calls for immediate action.
— Rebecca Baker/South Beach