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 Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned.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:

Having taught ecosystems management, I read with interest Carlton Yee's letter regarding the possibilities of logging/rehabilitation work on Oregon's currently burning forests -- and the supposed impediments to doing so.

I was, however, disappointed with the caustic nature of the vitriol he aimed at anyone considered to be an environmentalist.

I consider myself to be an advocate for our environment. I am also an advocate for multiple-use of public lands and new-age logging practices. My stance on forest practices is decidedly centrist.

Apparently, though, I would be labeled a "fuzzy" or "enviro" in Dr. Yee's schematic of human thought.

It seems a shame to me that in this age when the need for recognizing the views of others and reaching compromise is so apparent that a scholarly man would feel it necessary to stereotype others and ridicule their views.

Hopefully, subsequent rhetoric on the future of our public lands will assume a more positive and inclusive tone.

Steve Mathews, Ed.D.

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To the Editor:

The Oregonian on August 4 reported that the Cache Mountain fire raced through an area where the Forest Service had planned thinning projects.

The plan aimed to cut and haul away 29 million board-feet of wood to open up the forest, reduce the threat of fire and to help pay for restoration work

Last year several environmental groups appealed the project contending that commercial logging should not underwrite forest restoration, arguing "the risk of future wildfires is real but uncertain" and the goal of " reducing risk for firefighters and the public are inappropriate."

Maybe now would be the time for the homeowners and their insurance carriers, and any other harmed individuals, at Black Butte Ranch to discover whether or not the action of these groups had any effect upon the risks for their safety and to their property.

As for logging revenues being used for reducing risks and restoring forest health, I just wish these people had the money to do the job that needs to be done and would be willing to do it. It used to be that these groups wanted to be part of the solution. Now it appears they fail to recognize what needs to be done and have become part of the problem.

Sincerely,

Carlisle Harrison

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To the Editor:

As the Northern Rockies Incident Management Team prepares to leave our assignment on the Cache Mountain fire, and on behalf of all the firefighters, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the communities of Sisters, Black Butte Ranch and Camp Sherman.

Your numerous expressions of generosity, support and appreciation were awesome and truly touched the hearts of the firefighters.

Many of you assisted us directly through your labor, equipment, businesses and volunteerism. Our success would not have been possible without your help. The numerous local, county, state and federal agencies that provided critical resources, time and cooperation are equally appreciated. You are truly blessed to have such dedicated, hard-working, and team-oriented public servants.

Our heartfelt sorrow goes out to those of you who lost your homes in this conflagration. The firefighters gave their best in fighting this fire. We appreciate the patience and understanding of all who were displaced by the evacuation of Black Butte Ranch; impacted by the smoke; inconvenienced by closure of U.S. Highway 20, national forest roads, and areas around the fire; and increased emergency traffic.

We hope all your lives will return to some level of normalcy as soon as possible.

Again, thanks for your support. We will never forget you!

Sincerely,

Bob Sandman

Incident Commander

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To the Editor:

More than 5 million acres of wildfires have burned across the country this year, and it's only August. Over 700,000 acres have burned in Oregon this year; the Florence Fire in southwest Oregon is nearly 300,000 acres, is only 15 percent contained, and has cost over $27 million.

Sixteen firefighters have been killed this year fighting these wildfires, and seven were seriously injured. And it's only August.

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides emergency financial assistance to the families of fallen firefighters.

Families left behind often find themselves with few resources, and the Foundation steps in to help. A wildland firefighter killed on the job often leaves behind family members who are not only overcome with grief and loss, but also bewildered by the prospects of surviving financially in a confusing world of financial disarray.

That's what we're here for.

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation provides cash payment support to surviving family members. We also assist with travel expenses for the families of injured firefighters -- some of whom have suffered broken backs or injuries severe enough to confine them to critical burn centers.

We have paid out over $49,000 this year. The Wildland Firefighter Foundation is one of the few available sources of funding for families with emergency needs for expenses.

We accept donations online at www.wffoundation.org/donations.html and we both need and appreciate your support.

For more information, contact the Foundation staff at (208) 336-2996 or visit our website at www.wffoundation.org.

Vicki Minor

Director, Wildland Firefighter Foundation

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To the Editor:

Anyone who bikes, hikes, or runs in the Sisters area will tell you that the Peterson Ridge trail is a local treasure.

This trail would not exist at all without the cooperation of the Forest Service and the efforts of the local mountain bike community, notably Brad Boyd and friends from Eurosports, who have donated the hundreds of hours required to plan it, build it, and maintain it.

This is a friendly reminder to the local horse crowd, most of who surely know this already.

The single track sections of the trail are explicitly designated for use by hikers and bikers only, and have been from day one. There are only two sections of road incorporated in the trail that are also open to horses and motorized vehicles.

The lower stretch of road is now virtually unrideable, as horse traffic has transformed it into a sandbox.

Since this section is not for bikes only, there's nothing to be done about it, though it would be very considerate on the horse folks' part -- and very much appreciated -- if they could pick one side of the road or the other, leaving one track in rideable condition for the mountain bike crowd.

Unfortunately hoof prints have also begun to appear regularly and routinely in several sections of single track, namely the stretch along the canal below the middle bridge and the two upper sections below the upper Forest Service road.

Please don't ride and ruin any more of this beautiful trail that was built by and for mountain bikers, and for our lightweight, soft-shoed hiking and running friends... and officially designated as such.

The red circle and slash "no horse" signs have been installed numerous times and keep getting taken down (surely not by bikers).

We will put them up again at every entry point to the trail for those few innocent, inadvertent riders who actually don't know better.

This letter is addressed more particularly to those who know but don't seem to care.

Thank you,

John Rahm

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To the Editor:

Recent letters talked about teenagers and motorhome drivers.

One observation is that teenagers think they know everything and seniors in their motorhomes can behave worse than teens.

A few years back a letter to the editor addressed the construction of Les Schwab's new building in a very condescending manner using the now-familiar cry of aging Winnebago drivers: "I'm spending money in your town."

There is one bumper sticker here in Sisters that reads, "OK, you've seen Sisters -- now leave your money and go home."

This sentiment may not be fair to the overwhelming majority of tourists who are a delight.

Bear in mind that many "local" merchants live in Bend or Redmond or even Washington State (no income tax in Washington, no sales tax in Oregon). Pretty slick.

Our Outlaws are magnificent teens -- smart, strong, fun-loving, hard-working, almost never in our newspaper in a trouble-making light.

For those who think they don't have a right to be choosy on their summer breaks, lighten up.

These entry-level jobs referred to are often used to abuse young people until the next one is hired.

These jobs referred to as work teens are "not willing to work their way up in" pre-suppose they plan nothing more for themselves in the future than to serve employers' profits and tourists' whining.

They are noble jobs available to those who choose them. As honorable as our youth who thrive on challenging labor in our forest.

For the Winnebago drivers -- remember the song "they paved paradise and put up a parking lot."

Sisters has many wonderful events that draw rodeo fans, quilters, music festivals, car shows... we have these events and a few irritable tourists who think Sisters is a pedestrian mall where locals should be subservient drones who serve them because "they spend money in our town."

The vast majority of area residents they will never meet. At least for the foreseeable future, we have cold, snowy winters when our town is peaceful.

Steve Coltin

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To the Editor:

The July 24 issue of The Nugget was awash with letters of praise for Molly Ivins. This is also a letter praising her, but for a different reason.

In the July 31 issue of The Nugget, she heaped considerable criticism on Senator Joseph Lieberman for his inconsistent position on the accounting practices dealing with stock options to corporate executives.

Good for her. Maybe she's beginning to see the light that liberals also support positions that can be considered favoring the powerful and not the people.

Now what do her faithful followers have to say?

Sincerely,

Jack Berry

* * *

To the Editor:

I was astounded and deeply touched at the memorial gathering for the late, great and loved Carl Leonhardy at our home on Saturday, August 10.

My tremendous thanks go to all the very special people who made it possible.

Long-time friends took the small stage and played train tunes, bluegrass, rock and roll, and even some songs that Carl himself had written. Folks separated for years came together to honor him.

And how! Far from a sad or subduing event, the mood at the party was alive with Carl's energy. In fact, some guest remarked that it felt as if he would show up at any moment, through the gate and into the garden. Friends shared stories, laughed, cried, sang and ate wonderful food together.

A more fitting tribute to his strong life I couldn't wish for. He was a man who led by example. A man who gave my brother the gift of music; patiently, every night on the guitar. A man who gave my mother Katie the gift of Big Love, and a man who inspired me to always have adventures.

My last seven years were spent in his daily life, and already I miss him more than I can quite explain. Somebody said on Saturday that Carl had a massive heart.

I'll add that he had an impeccable spirit, and that the gifts he gave to those around him are countless and enduring.

On Sunday, August 11 he was set free in his beloved canyon, to run in the heart of his river. To see trees turn in fall, and the ice when the cold comes. Never to be absent when the flowers bust out in spring.

I think of him down there now, gone on an extended fishing trip, summer always. Pole on his shoulder, moving forward down the trail.

Carrie Emrich