Programs
Focus Issues
Mount Hood Wilderness
Protection
Measure 37
Overview
For
three decades, HRVRC has played a powerful role in steering
local land use issues. We have done this by serving as a
watchdog group; monitoring state and county land-use
actions; implementing public forums on land use issues
facing the community; and creating solutions to complex
land use issues facing Hood River County and Oregon.
Occasionally, this involves using litigation.
Program Areas
Education
HRVRC works with the press, schools, and offers occasional public forums to discuss local land use issues. In 2007, we held four forums.
They included:
1) An open debate/discussion around Measure 37 in which all Measure 37 claimants were sent a personal invite.
2) A Tom McCall chataqua and education about measure 37 impacts on Hood River Valley.
3) Architect Tim Smith spoke to an audience of 65 about Civic Ecology followed by State Representative Brian Clem (d)-Salem discussing Measure 49.
4) HRVRC president Mike McCarthy & Representative Brian Clem debated OIA David Hunnicut and local HRAFLA member Jon Laraway about Measure 49.
Local Organizing
Most land use decisions are made at the local level. Volunteers, in coordination with our monitoring chair, monitor land-use decisions to ensure our elected officials are making smart decisions at a city and county level.
State/Regional Policy
When state-wide land use issues such as Measure 37 arise, HRVRC works with our partners to create change. For example, in the instance of Measure 37, HRVRC worked with 1,000 Friends of Oregon to inform and educate our members about timely opportunities to testify and write letters to the legislature. Dozens of members wrote numerous letters to the legislature; over a dozen went to Salem to testify in person. When Measure 49 arose, HRVRC aligned with the Yes on 49 campaign. All thirteen precincts in Hood River County passed Measure 49; the county overwhelmingly approved Measure 49 by 65%.
Legal Program
When education, advocacy, and outreach don't achieve our stated goals of protecting farms and forests, HRVRC will seek legal council. We work with our friends at CRAG Law Center who support community efforts to protect and sustain the Pacific Northwest's natural legacy.
