It would be an understatement to say that Rand Dawson, a fifth-generation Oregonian, is worried about the effects of the checkerboard style growth happening as a result of Measure 37.

"Oregon is facing what will go down as its biggest challenge in history—that of the random and unplanned development invited by Measure 37," Rand says. He and his wife Kathryn are supporting Measure 49.

Rand and Kathryn would like to see Oregon’s system for managing what possibly is the world’s most important natural resource—land—fully restored.

“Measure 49 doesn’t repeal Measure 37 but we think it is the best compromise that can be expected. Without the modifications Measure 49 brings to Measure 37, it is just a matter of time before wide swaths of Oregon’s forests, farmlands and watersheds are ruined,” the couple says.

Rand and Kathryn, along with their neighbors, face a typical scenario for people living next to Measure 37 claims.

Davidson Industries, a timber company that owns adjacent land, is demanding to convert more than 300 acres of forests—about a square half a square mile—into a subdivision.

“This development, which we have no reason to doubt will proceed as laid out in the claim, will help destroy the rural Siltcoos watershed that also provides drinking water for the area,” Rand says. The have helped galvanize residents in the area who want to raise awareness of the damaging effects that the unmitigated development that is on track to happen through the loopholes of Measure 37. The group believes Measure 49 will close those loopholes.

Timber companies decades ago encouraged counties to implement the forest use zonings that they now are seeking to have waived via Measure 37. The companies have benefited from both the ability to cut and sell timber, as well as from a reduced property tax rate associated with lands zoned for forest use.

“Changing the rules of the game in this way is not what Measure 37 was supposed to be about. Measure 37 was advertised simply as a way to help individuals who wanted to build a few homes on their land—not as a green light for large business interests to exploit our lands—our Oregon,” he says.

“I urge Oregonians to consider the consequences of Measure 37. Please join us in voting “YES” on Meausure 49. It restores a land use system that ensures balanced growth.