Renewed alliances
Carla Axtman
Eric Mortenson, The Oregonian:
To an extent not seen since Oregon's land-use system was adopted 35 years ago, farmers in Clackamas, Multnomah and especially Washington County are siding with conservation groups and local-food activists on the issue of designating urban and rural reserves -- areas that will be developed or preserved for the next 40 to 50 years.At public hearings across the region, plain-spoken farmers in Carhartt jackets, work boots and blue jeans are calling for compact cities, tight urban growth boundaries and strict protection of farmland. Jim Johnson, the state Department of Agriculture's land-use specialist, said he's never seen such a collaboration of farmers and environmentalists.
They've met some pushback, such as from homebuilders who point out that farm and conservation groups want about 230,000 acres of rural reserves -- nearly 10 times more land than would be designated for development.
The infill, redevelopment and density required to cram growth into smaller urban reserves would be unacceptable to most people, says Dave Nielsen, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland. So, too, would taking that much land "off the table for 50 years" for housing, industry and commercial development, he says.
Metro-area governments are expected to make a recommendation in February and a final decision later this year.
To some, the decision is an echo of Senate Bill 100, the 1974 legislation that created Oregon's land-use system and was intended to save farms from urban sprawl. During a Jan. 11 news conference, alternative farmer Laura Masterson said the urban-rural reserves issue is "our Senate Bill 100."
"Farmers and conservation groups have often disagreed in the past," Washington County Farm Bureau President Dave Vanasche said at the news conference. "But on this issue we strongly agree: Urban sprawl destroys valuable farmland, streams and wildlife habitat."
McDonald agrees, but for him it's also a personal issue -- one of trust and stewardship.
The story also includes the video posted below:
| Hazelnut farming on the urban growth boundary |
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Feb 1, '10
That's amazing what he renders in one's youth :-) But I think, that he still works because that is 1. his habit and he don't know it different. I also think that the elderly people of us don't life the new modern standard and life. 2. I think that he would shrink if he's still at home and has nothing to do!
He shows that he's a real old farmer. I like it!
Feb 1, '10
Posted by: Britta | Feb 1, 2010 12:10:02 AM
That's amazing what he renders in one's youth :-) But I think, that he still works because that is 1. his habit and he don't know it different. I also think that the elderly people of us don't life the new modern standard and life. 2. I think that he would shrink if he's still at home and has nothing to do!
He shows that he's a real old farmer. I like it!
Oh, that is so true. Got my spam link in too!
Feb 1, '10
It frankly baffles me that our supposedly progressive local and regional governments are going down this path. Given:
I seriously, seriously do not understand it. Where are the new rules that mandate all parking lots be underground and all flat roofs have a garden? Where are the requirements that all new developments design AND FUND non-automotive transportation infrastructure? (The developers of the Hollywood District built the streetcar line back in 1905--why is that so far-fetched now? Can't we finally stop socializing the risk and privatizing the profit?) That every strip-mall be replaced with shops at the sidewalk and apartments above? Why is it that they are attempting to "plan" 50 years into the future as if it was 50 years in the past?
Our local pols often act like they are capable of standing up to the development and highway lobbies, so what gives? Has push come to shove and they are showing us what side their bread is really buttered on?
Feb 2, '10
@jaycosnett: Where are the new rules that mandate all parking lots be underground and all flat roofs have a garden?
I only think, that a house plus a garden is in one way luxus. but they are a lot of flats which share with the other housemates a garden. and at least, you can rent a garden in a gardens.
I think thats awesome that he loves his job. why he shouldn't change his ways?
Feb 3, '10