To the Editor:

Turnabout is fair play. Is damaging private property the precedent ranchers want to set? Then when ranchers don’t maintain their fences and their cattle graze, foul springs, creeks and rivers, hold them responsible for damages to public property. When any livestock are hit on public roads, hold them responsible for vehicle damage and bodily injury and/or deaths.

I empathize with property owners who suffer damages from wildfire. My residence burned down in the Canyon Creek Fire Complex, when I was working out of a spike fire camp. Do I blame the U.S. Forest Service? No. Do I presently work for the U.S. Forest Service? No. Am I an “outsider”? No, I’ve owned timbered property in Grant County for 26 years.

We purchase and own these properties with eyes wide open. We should accept the risks and responsibilities that come with stewardship of both public and private property. We understand that accidents happen, and we are responsible for damages caused to any property, whether private or public, pay the costs and move on. Members of my family were Nebraska farmers who understood the responsibilities inherent with ownership of livestock. Why should it be any different in Oregon?

John H. Van Gundy

John Day