Farmers and conservation groups say Metro’s plans need to preserve more rural lands.
Metro has proposed nearly 31,000 acres to be considered for possible future development.
But before the regional government makes it decision by the end of February, a coalition of farmers and conservation groups say Metro needs to consider reducing the designated lands to 15,000 acres.
“Farmers and conservation groups have often disagreed in the past, but on this issue we strongly agree: urban sprawl destroys valuable farmland, streams, and wildlife habitat,” Washington County Farm Bureau President Dave Vanasche said in a prepared statement. “Our proposal achieves a balance of protection for agriculture and natural resources while providing for common sense future growth in the region.”
In addition to the Washington County Farm Bureau, the coalition includes Tualatin Riverkeepers, Save Helvetia, Audubon Society, 1000 Friends of Oregon, Oregon Association of Nurseries, Coalition for a Livable Future and Oregon Council of Trout Unlimited.
Read the full story at the Portland Tribune.
{biztweet}Metro urban reserves{/biztweet}
