Metro reserves: Two maps, one mission

Earlier this week, a coalition of farmers and conservation groups released a map to show the areas they want to see protected as part of the current Urban and Rural Reserve designation process being undertaken by Metro and the region's County Governments.

This coalition's map helps to set clear boundaries of what needs to be spared urban growth if we are to protect farms, our region's water, and critical habitat. You can compare the coalition's map to the map that was recently released for public comment by Metro. (Look for ways to comment at the bottom of this blog post.)

There are clear differences between the maps, and while it's an interesting conversation, it's not one I am not going to have here. I think the visual says it all. Instead I want to share a feel-good moment and provide some hope for the future.

This isn't just a map supported by conservation groups. It has the support of farmers and nursery growers, too. Normally these groups don't see eye to eye and my guess is that in the future we will continue to be on different sides of a variety of issues.

My hope is that this coalition and map show that these groups can work together and find common ground and common mission. Perhaps by this, we will work together to have increased dialogue and understanding when we are talking about more controversial topics like pesticides, erosion control and water use so we can create greater understanding of each other's views before we just operate under the same assumptions we often make.

My hope is that this conversation and joint statement is not just something that happened in the Metro region when it became a necessity, but a sign of something that can happen across the state of Oregon.

Here is a video from the press conference announcing the creation of this map:

I also want to encourage you to contact the Washington County Commission, especially Chair Tom Brian, and tell them to ask for less Urban reserves and more protection for critical farm land and natural resources in their county.

To really get your thoughts on the record look here to find a hearing or open house near you and please attend!