Here's more of the back story on the Rails to Trails project
https://www.hcn.org/issues/53.7/north-extremism-how-a-trail-in-rural-oregon-became-a-target-of-far-right-extremism
Michael Medina
On Wed, Sep 22, 2021 at 6:04 PM Joel Geier <clearwater@xxxxxxxx> wrote:
Access counts!
Here's a chance to speak up, at least if you live in Yamhill County or
nearby.
Back story, a previous incarnation of the Yamhill County Board of
Commissioners approved a rails-to-trails initiative that would have created
a biking, hiking, and walking trail through rural Yamhill County. They gave
it the name "Yamhelas Trail" in honor of the native people.
A few landowners along the trail route got up in arms over perceived
issues that they might have to deal with (trespass, hikers complaining
about spraying pesticides etc.). They managed to get enough votes in a
low-turnout election to flip one seat on the commission. Now there are two
commissioners opposed to the trail (Mary Starrett and Lindsay Berschauer)
and only one in favor (Casey Kulla).
At tomorrow morning's meeting, they'll consider whether to decommission a
bridge that was already paid for and partly built, as part of the trail and
additional emergency services needs in the area.
Word is, the new commissioners in the majority don't allow any time for
public comment at the start of their meetings, in contrast to most Oregon
county commissions. But you can follow the meeting at:
https://www.co.yamhill.or.us/meetings
and you can send written comments to the commissioners listed at:
https://www.co.yamhill.or.us/boc
Happy commenting!
Joel
