Peter Hayes, a fifth-generation Oregonian and forest manager, and his wife actively manage 780 acres in three parcels in Washington and Yamhill Counties. Hayes, a leader in innovative forest management, was alarmed to learn multiple Measure 37 development claims have been filed all around his forest lands.

Hayes especially objects to a 12-lot subdivision that butts right up against one of his forest plots. "It has already been cleared. We are already feeling the physical effects," he says. Hayes is concerned about the damage Measure 37 is doing to the "state's economy, landscape, culture and ecology" and his own family's ability to work the forest. Hayes supports Measure 49 as a way to bring balance to development.

Hayes thinks it is unfair that one landowner will make money and the public will have to pay for it. Taxes will have to be raised to pay for new roads and public services such as schools and water. He's concerned about developers taking "unfair advantage of the law, while at the same time setting off a chain of negative consequences which they have no intention of taking responsibility for."

His own forestry operations are not compatible with a subdivision, he says. To reduce soil damage, logging is done in the dry summer months. Unfortunately fire risk is higher then, so logging begins at dawn and stops before the heat of the day. "Neighbors are not going to want to hear chain saws and other noisy logging equipment at 5 a.m.," Hayes says. He is also concerned about the fire risk from homes that close. There is also increased potential for trespass, vandalism and garbage when homes go up near a forest, he says.

Forest health also suffers as woodland is broken up and developed, Hayes says, and that is a big concern for him. Hyla Woods, his forestry company, has won certification from the Forest Stewardship Council for its many favorable practices. Among many innovations, Hayes invites the Audubon Society in to help with bird counts. "We are pleased to know that our forests provide important habitat for a wide variety of species, including many that are classified as being at risk," he says. Family pets from the new homes may roam and hunt in the forest, not welcome news for wildlife, he says.

"I am seeing the ways in which our localized negative impacts of the (Measure 37) law are playing out statewide," Hayes says. He supports Measure 49 as a way to protect Oregon's economy, ecology and culture.