SB 1602, the legislative deal brokered by some environmental groups and timber industry representatives, falls well short of actually protecting residents and the environment. Longtime anti-pesticide activist/leader Carol Van Strum decries this so-called “compromise.”
She says SB 1602 “simply dresses up the status quo in new clothes, it’s a giant pacifier to the public.” She asserts that none of the signatories to the memorandum of understanding represent the many residents that have been directly impacted by timber industry practices. VanStrum maintains that the timber industry, backed by the state, has denied affected citizens their voice, but for environmental groups to sign our rights away without our consent is an “unconscionable betrayal.”
Freedom from Aerial Herbicide Alliance demands a ban on all aerial herbicide spraying on Lane County’s forests. We reject a compromise regarding this archaic and dangerous activity. We will continue to stand up strongly and oppose the continuing assault on our planet and all life. It is unacceptable to sacrifice the health and safety of residents to maximize profits. The most important task before us is stopping the physical destruction of the planet. We are morally obligated to do so.
Eron King
Blachly
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519
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