Letters, letters, letters

The Nugget welcomes contributions from its readers, which must include the writer's name, address and phone number. Letters to the Editor is an open forum for the community and contains unsolicited opinions not necessarily shared by the Editor. The Nugget reserves the right to edit, omit, respond or ask for a response to letters submitted to the Editor. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned. The deadline for all letters is noon Monday.

To the Editor:

Jim Anderson wrote a column for the February 28, Nugget ("Are there too many turkeys in Central Oregon?" page 16) promoting the Central Oregon Audubon Society (COAS) agenda in regard to wild turkeys.

This agenda calls for the temporary, or permanent end to releasing wild turkeys in Central Oregon because of their incorrectly perceived harm to people, other wildlife, agriculture, and timber.

The National Wild Turkey federation and its partners have funded and conducted a great deal of research concerning the food habits, habitat usage, and ecological aspects of the wild turkey in all types of habitat throughout North America. There is no evidence to suggest that the wild turkey has been a significant problem in such studies. In fact there is evidence in some areas to show that turkeys enhance biodiversity and overall habitat quality by propagating and spreading "native" seeds.

Apparently COAS and Jim Anderson believe that because wild turkeys are not "native" species in Central Oregon they should not be here. This thinking suggests that wild turkeys are some kind of exotic scourge that will swarm over the area, and devour or kill everything else.

This is simply not true. In fact, one must be optimistic to believe that turkeys will ever exceed more than five or six birds per square mile in the best of Central Oregon habitat.

Before anyone can define "native" species, they must first define "native" habitat. Who among us is wise enough to define "native" habitat? What criteria do you use? What time period do you use, and why? There is a big difference between the habitat that exists, the habitat that existed (different for various time periods), the habitat that may yet exist, and the habitat that different groups would like to see.

The discussion of what is "native" habitat, and what is a "native" species is left for another day.

Yours truly,

Don Lantz

Past President, C.O. Chapter NWTF

* * *

To the Editor:

We are writing concerning the ongoing issue in Tollgate regarding the keeping of horses in the development. We live in Tollgate, without horses; however, the fact that this area is "horse property" influenced our decision to buy here.

We enjoy the ambiance of "horse property," in all its aspects, and we enjoy horse people. Will we add a horse to the population of our little homestead? Probably not, at least in the near future, but we like knowing we can if we want, and without asking anyone's permission to do so. The CC&Rs we were given when we bought already said it's okay.

This is not a subdivision in a city; it is a community in itself, with its own character. Part of that character is the presence of horses, and barns, and corrals; part of it is kids on bikes and scooters; and part of it is joggers with regular routes. Which of these aspects of Tollgate's character will some group want to change next?

We are urging our neighbors to vote "No" on the ballot to amend our CC&Rs. We feel that changing the rules will not improve property values or make living here any better, but it will take something away from the community that we don't want to lose.

Sincerely,

Jerry and Jo Wright

* * *

To the Editor:

I would like to let Jeri Fouts, Susan Arends, the Sisters Starry Nights Committee and all of the people who donate money, time and services to the Sisters Starry Nights concert series know how much I appreciate what you do for the future of our children and what it does for our community -- not just today but for years to come.

I am overwhelmed by the thought of the work involved in putting together these events, especially when having a family and other jobs.

After each concert I am more impressed with how smooth and very organized everything is. It always seems as though no detail has ever been overlooked. I am deeply touched by all your incredible skills and endless hours of work. Jeri, Susan, committee and all the rest please know this comes with a big hug and many heartfelt thanks.

Bobbie Tafte

* * *

To the Editor:

Just wanted to thank Dick Sandvik and Diane Campbell, owners of the Paulina Springs Book Company, for hosting the Second-Somewhat-Annual Cowpoke Sing-A-Long and Poetry Readin' in their lovely bookstore last Saturday night.

What a generous gesture to allow the nice people of Sisters into their store at no charge to hear a bunch of rag-tag, no good, low-life musicians play sagebrush songs and recite cow-pie poetry.

I cannot speak for the rest of the motley crew that performed for the appreciative (and patient) audience but I had more fun than a flea at a dog show and hope that this is a tradition that will continue for years to come.

Special "Yeehaw!" to Jim Cornelius for ramrodding the affair.

Charley Engel