Letters and Comments for June 26, 2009

The beautiful outdoors beckons

To the Editor:

The recent story about the economic benefits of quiet recreation on our local national forest fits into a larger picture, one that Northeast Oregon has always had to its advantage.

It’s a time when gas prices have skyrocketed and, after catching their breath, look set to continue their climb. It’s also a time when the real expense of flying off to some far-away destination for a getaway has become, for many of us, a luxury we find it harder to afford. That makes it a time when the mountains and canyons, the prairies and sage-covered hills around us really beckon to Oregonians who already know what’s out here, and to others who may just be finding out. And what could be “greener” than parking the vehicle at the trailhead and hoofing it overland to some favorite creek, pole in hand? Since it’s also a time when more and more people care about the impact we have and resources we use, and what we put into our air and waters, we should trumpet our green credentials.

It’s a no-brainer to highlight the local campgrounds, the Wild and Scenic rivers, the wilderness areas and the pack trips into the mountains the Wallowa-Whitman hosts as a way to renew those green vows.

The solitude of these places will only keep drawing people back once they’ve experienced it. And the visitors who come from far away to spend their cash, meet the locals and share in that solitude, if only for a few days, can go away knowing that they’ve helped keep the local economy green as well.

A lot of us moved to this part of the world because of that solitude, those wildlands and the people who care for them. We don’t usually put a price on it, but if that helps to pay the bills we’ll share that quiet green with others. It’s only fair.

Norm Cimon

La Grande