The Metolius Now and Forever!

For those of us that love this magical river this is a day to celebrate. For those of you that have never visited the Metolius you owe it to yourself to come here.
The fishing is tough but who cares? To just be there is enough.
Thanks go to all who spent a lot of hours working to protect this rare gem the people of Oregon cannot properly express the appreciation we feel. To those who sent letters and contacted the legislators from their district.....simply thank you.
The Metolius River at Camp Sherman

House Votes to Protect Metolius
HB 3298 designates Metolius Basin as Area of Critical State Concern
SALEM – House Democrats today provided the crucial votes to pass House Bill 3298, which will protect the future of the Metolius Basin. The bill solidifies in law the unanimous recommendation of the Department of Land Conservation and Development to declare the Metolius Basin as an Area of Critical State Concern.

“Many people, over many years, have been waiting for this. Today my colleagues took historic action to ensure that Oregonians will get to enjoy the Metolius River for generations to come,” said Clem, the bill’s author.

The legislation that created Oregon’s land use planning program, Senate Bill 100 (1973), authorizes designation of areas of critical state concern. On April 2, 2009, the Land Conservation and Development Commission recommended to the Legislative Assembly that the Metolius River Basin be designated an area of critical statewide concern.

“The Metolius is truly a state treasure,” said House Democratic Majority Leader Mary Nolan (D-Portland). “Tom McCall is doing cartwheels. Today, we finally realize his dream.”

HB 3298 is supported by Central Oregon LandWatch, Oregon Hunters Association, Sierra Club, 1000 Friends of Oregon, Native Fish Society, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, Oregon League of Conservation Voters and Trout Unlimited.

House Bill 3298 cleared its last legislative hurdle today after passing out of the Senate over a week ago. The bill now goes to the Governor for his expected signature.