Measure 76: Preserving Oregon's legacy

Two former Governors speak out in support of Oregon's water, parks, and wildlife.

We've both been privileged to serve in Oregon's highest office. One of us is a Republican, the other a Democrat, but we're united in support of Measure 76. The opportunity to guarantee a legacy of healthy water, parks and wildlife for Oregon's future is too vital to pass up.

In Oregon, some things transcend politics. At critical moments in our past, visionary leaders from both parties have fought successfully to save the best of Oregon, bridging partisan divides. As a result, today we celebrate a stunning web of wild and scenic rivers, a beautiful and beloved system of state parks and an entire coastline of beaches open to the public. It's hard to imagine these treasures were ever in jeopardy.

Yet only a dozen years ago, funding for state parks had plunged so low that 65 parks were about to be closed. Deteriorating parks needed more than $100 million in maintenance. Added to that, declining salmon runs were a wake-up call that our rivers and streams needed help. Something had to be done. Our natural areas, parks and wildlife were then – as they are today – too important to forsake.

The turning point came in 1998 when voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure dedicating 15 percent of state lottery money to parks, water and wildlife habitats. It was a brilliant solution, in part because it restored Oregon's parks and wildlife to their rightful place – above politics, where Oregonians are united in their love for the outdoors and special places.

Today, thanks to stable, dedicated funding, our state parks are again safe and welcoming. Local parks are improving and expanding to serve Oregon families in growing communities. Parks and natural areas are increasingly used as outdoor classrooms to teach our kids about nature and ecology.

Our rivers and streams are also on the mend. Fish are rebounding, thanks to the efforts of hundreds of businesses and thousands of volunteers working with local watershed councils, conservation districts and other groups in every Oregon county.

It's a uniquely Oregon solution that taps our traditions of voluntary action, personal responsibility and stewardship of Oregon's special places. Measure 76 doesn't raise taxes, and because it uses only about 1 percent of Oregon's general fund and lottery combined, its impact on other programs is minimal.

Reliable, long-term funding for our parks and natural resources is also key to our economic vitality. Oregon's natural beauty and quality of life attract businesses, talent and tourists. Investments in protecting habitats produce business opportunities in stream and wetland restoration, environmental engineering and construction, native plant nurseries and many other fields, creating thousands of jobs for Oregonians.

The benefits are many, but the real bottom line is the peace of mind we get from safeguarding Oregon's spectacular rivers, parks, beaches, natural areas, wildlife and special places for our children and grandchildren.

That's a legacy worth preserving.

Victor Atiyeh, a Republican, was Oregon governor from 1979 to 1987. Barbara Roberts, a Democrat, was Oregon governor from 1991 to 1995.