Letters to the Editor 05/14/2008

To the Editor:

Sisters District Ranger Bill Anthony has stated to me that he "supports the use of the National Forest for low impact commercial tourist activities." 

The Canopy Tour I proposed in the Three Creeks area is just that type of activity. 

It should be noted that I was willing to locate the tour in any number of different locations of their choosing within the Deschutes National Forest.  Mr. Coons' letter to the editor May 7, 2008 applauds the Forest Service for their denial of the permit I require for the tour project based on his belief that this enterprise would somehow damage the "fragile" Three Creeks area. 

What Mr. Coons apparently doesn't understand is that this canopy tour will provide an outdoor learning adventure for participants and increase their awareness of ecology and conservation. This canopy tour, as its name implies, is in the canopies of existing trees. There will be minimal environmental impact as there is minimal infrastructure needed, no buildings would be constructed, no mechanical equipment is required and essentially there will be no damage to the soil surface, water quality, air quality, plant life or wildlife.

My approach will provide a tour environment that will promote safe and ethical use of the outdoors and provide an opportunity for participants to experience the forest and nature "up close" while still being sensitive to all of the natural habitat.

Not only would the Sisters Ranger District profit monetarily (they receive 5 percent of the gross revenues) but the community of Sisters would also benefit greatly. 

The economic impact will be significant, which, given our recent designation as a "economically distressed" community is a step in the right direction. The tour would employ approximately 20 individuals at a wage considerably above the current minimum.

Additionally, the participants of the tour will utilize local lodging, restaurants, galleries, shops, service stations, etc., providing a significant boost to the economy of Sisters. The May through October season of this canopy tour would also extend the typical "tourist season" of Sisters by nearly a month on each end. 

It is unfortunate that Mr. Anthony has taken this short-sighted stance in denying the permit needed for this project.  Hopefully, he will reconsider.  As far as Mr. Coons' position, I can only hope that the next time he's in the forest and hears and smells the snowmobiles, the dirt bikes, the quads, etc. that he can perhaps then envision the silence of someone traversing through the tree tops enjoying nature and doing no harm to the environment.

Scott Buckles

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To the Editor:

By the time we had finished reading the Porraz letter (The Nugget, May 7, page 2) we were both teary-eyed and nostalgic at their beautiful expression of love and appreciation.

That was the way most of us felt when we arrived in the Sisters community 20 years ago and discovered what a special place we had impulsively chosen. Volunteering was then THE thing to do, and in addition to making us feel more a part of a cohesive community, it quickly widened our circle of friends and acquaintances as obviously did for the Porraz family.

In those days, each week's Nugget seemed to include letters reflecting positive thoughts from others about the benefits of living here. In our stressful days now we need uplifting and we thank the Porraz family for providing it last week. We hope some day our paths will cross.

Nan and Bill Miller

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To the Editor:

Made in China and the undermining of America!

Is it cheaper? Yes! Does it affect your neighbor? Yes! How? Can he produce it at the same cost? No!

At what point can we afford not to buy from China? Soon! Am I advocating boycotting Chinese products? Yes! Why? Because your neighbor's neighbor is you. Is a dollar a day your goal? Then go for it!

Are my arguments plausible? I think so. What do you think?

Byron Blake