Measure 49 closes loopholes that allow suburbs in the middle of forestsutilize. He says that’s their ethic.

But now Jim’s livelihood is being threatened by a Measure 37 claim that surrounds his property on three sides. His neighbor wants to turn 848 acres of forest into a suburban subdivision. The impact that could have on our operations is stunning, says Jim.

Jim says that some people get the wrong idea when they hear he is a logger and timberland operator. Yes, he does cut portions of the trees on his property when they’re ready. He also maintains tree stands for wildlife habitat and the local streams. Jim and his wife are proud of the awards they’ve received for stewardship and conservation practices in forestry. And, Jim is involved in the local Soil and Water Conservation District.

Jim’s ability to continue operating their business is threatened by Measure 37 claims that demand changing the use to housing subdivisions of hundreds of acres of valuable forestland within just a few miles. Under Measure 37, people who acquired their land prior to the implementation of zoning that limits development are demanding that rules be waived in order to build these residential subdivisions in place of their forests.

Jim and Sandy support Measure 49 because it will close loopholes in Measure 37 that allow unplanned large-scale residential subdivisions and industrial and commercial development. At the same time, Measure 49 fixes Measure 37 in order for it to work better for the “little guy” looking to build just a few homes. Many voters say they thought that’s who they were helping by supporting Measure 37.

Forestry zoning rules, however, were put into place for good reason. Rules in Jim’s area allow forestry operations but limit such development because it is not compatible with forestry and the sustainability of this important natural resource and habitat.

Further, Jim notes that when you spend your days in the forest, especially one that is remote and served by circuitous roads designed only to handle a few vehicles at a time, fire is never far from your mind. That’s the opinion of local fire officials as well.

Whenever population count increases even a small amount in these types of areas, the chance for a fire increases dramatically. Any residential subdivisions are threatening, whether they’re relatively small or of upwards of 100 homesites as proposed in the Measure 37 claims in this area. Fires that start from residential subdivisions would spread quickly across the large swaths of forests. Officials neither have planned nor have the resources for boosting fire services to correspond with growth that Jim expects to see as a result of Measure 37.

Jim also knows that forestry practices—no matter how oriented toward conservation—are not well received by residents of a subdivsion. Aerial application of herbicides, as well as noise, dust, and smoke are often intoleratable for neighbors. People like to drive by forests; it’s different to live in or near one.

That’s why Jim and Sandy support Measure 49. It will prevent large-scale residential subdivisions, and commercial and industrial development from happening in inappropriate places—like the middle of vast tracts of natural resource lands. Jim represents the tree farmers who depend on protecting our valuable farm and forestland and their way of life.

Read more Oregon stories for Measure 49.