IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF GRANT

Access the court’s weekly Agenda and approved Minutes on the Commissioner’s page at www.gcoregonlive2.com.

MAY 15, 2015

Pursuant to notice made to the newspaper of general circulation throughout Grant County and the radio station, a special meeting of County Court was held at the County Courthouse in Canyon City OR.

9:00 am — Call to Order. Present were Judge Scott W. Myers, Commissioner Chris B. Labhart, and Secretary Mary Ferrioli. The following interested citizens were also present: News Reporter Scotta Callister, Sheriff Glenn Palmer, King Williams, Zach Williams, Brooks Smith, Marlene Greer, Gary Jacobson, Howard Gieger, Sherri Giffin, Ron Phillips, Jim Sproul, Pete Teague, Larry Blasing, Carl Stinnett, Wanda Voigt, William Fields, Harley Allen, Bob Kerr, Bob Flath, and Cathy Gibbs.

The special meeting was scheduled to provide time for the court to make a decision on its response to the Malheur NF proposed draft decision on the Elk 16 and Big Mosquito projects. Comments must be submitted to the Objection Reviewing Officer by today. Myers noted that he composed and submitted personal comments on line yesterday. Labhart said he wants everyone to understand this meeting was called for this special purpose, with 24 hours notice, and no other topics would be addressed.

Labhart said he received EIS documents on all projects noted in the Elk 16 and Big Mosquito projects. He indicated most of these decisions were made in 1990’s under Forest Supervisor Mark Boche, and one was made in 2009. The list of previously closed roads in these draft decision documents were referenced as to action taken on prior decisions. Labhart felt proposed road closures currently in the Elk 16 project should only be a topic of discussion during this objection period. He hopes the court could address the process which he feels needs to be more transparent. Myers believes the best time for the public to comment is in the beginning during scoping. He felt it also made sense now to look ahead at projects just getting started.

General discussion followed about public concern for having good travel routes, a continuing need for clarification of previously closed roads, and the roads affected by the projects. Brooks Smith provided a variety of information about the Forest Service’s road management procedure and the status of roads within these project areas. An exchange of information took place about various participants’ understanding as to how and why previously closed roads are now appearing in these project documents.

Sheriff Palmer remarked on his responsibility for search and rescue. He strongly objected to the closure, decommissioning, or obliteration of any other roads in the name of public safety. He felt it was of upmost importance, under county Ordinance 2013-01, to maintain road infrastructure and not close access to public lands. Palmer believed restricting public access would kill our community. Some attetdees voiced support of Palmer’s comments.

Larry Blasing felt there were serious issues with the proposed closure of public roads. He said a lot of these road beds scheduled for decommissioning would be needed for sustainable timber harvest. Blasing believed those infrastructure investments had been made for multiple-use purposes and must be preserved unless there is a solid reason for non-use. Smith pointed out, once closed, a road becomes very difficult to re-open.

Howard Gieger objected to the closure of any road. He felt the Forest Service should proceed with projects, without road closures or addressing travel management issues.

Britton agreed with others about no more road decommissioning. He commented on the Forest Service’s position on road density. Britton talked about the importance of forest resources and supported the good work of the Collaborative Groups. He believed in keeping these projects going because forest products keep our local businesses moving forward. Britton hoped to get to a position someday where the county can step in and help the Forest Service with their management of road resources.

Palmer believed the Forest Service had created its own budget problems; he’d like to see the federal government create revenue from timber harvesting so money is available to take care of forest roads.

Other discussion continued about a variety of natural resource issues of concern to the public i.e. goals outlined in the project documents, specific NEPA analysis to justify the proposed action, the public’s desire to have federal dollars spent on improving the health of natural resources, maintaining access routes, and the Forest Service’s need to pay more attention to local citizens who have a strong interest in our natural resources.

10:00 am – Byron Haberly entered

Debate began about the purpose and effectiveness of the county’s Ordinance. Myers interjected (he said) to prevent the group from losing tact. He felt there was consensus of the court to support no further decommissioning of public roads. Additionally, the court would urge the Forest Service to consider and support Ordinance 2013 01, ask it to step back and take a look at the consequences of the proposed actions, and attempt to build trust with the public whom they are employed to serve. Britton was on board with no more road decommissioning and would like to see the Forest Service give better rationale for some of these proposed road closures. And, he would like to see these forest projects go forward. Myers offered to, and did, recite his personal comments as submitted yesterday. The group voiced agreement with Myers’ comments and urged all court members to sign a similar letter. Labhart said he would sign that letter, after it is condensed. He added that the process was not working and needs to change. Myers planned to prepared a shorter version of the letter and make it available for three signatures and public review after the meeting.

10:20 am– Adjourned

Respectfully Submitted,

Mary R. Ferrioli

County Court Secretary