From giant farms to hobby farms, from woodlots to big timber, there is significant economic value in our rural resource lands. The growing demand for local foods, organic products, and gardening supplies will only increase their value, not only economically, but socially and environmentally as well, and so we work to protect them.
In 1973, Oregon adopted statewide Land Use Planning Goals, one of which was to protect rural livelihoods by prohibiting conversion of productive rural lands to residential or commercial developments. In return for keeping the land in production, property zoned for exclusive farm use (EFU) or for farm/forestry (F/F) receives a significant reduction in property taxes.
Oregon’s land use planning systems allows development where it makes sense, while keeping sprawling subdivisions or massive solar facilities from leapfrogging across our rural landscapes. This system protects farms, rural communities, and our state’s $12 billion agriculture and related industries.
Friends of Linn County (FOLC) monitors local land use actions to ensure that Linn County continues to protect our rural lands in keeping with Oregon's land use planning system.
As a historical footnote, we are proud to note that in a way it all started right here in Linn County. Hector McPherson, an Oakville dairy farmer, was one of the fathers of the land use laws that have protected thousands of acres from development, and serve as a nationally-acclaimed model for smart, sustainable development. |
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Since the 1970s, Linn County farmers have fought to protect their farms from encroaching development. Friends of Linn County was incorporated as a non -profit community organization in 1999, and for several years fought diligently against inappropriate zoning changes and development.
After this period of intense activity, led by our friends Jim and Irina Just, people were tired of fighting, and so we went quiet. Fortunately, through this time our non-profit status was quietly maintained by Katie Kohl and Jim Monroe. A few years later, they needed to find someone else to carry on. Stung by our loss at LUBA over the Hay Palace affair, Suzi Maresh and I agreed to take over the reins for them, with the intention of re-building FOLC..
We, found that it takes more than good intentions to have a well-functioning, effective organization, and so for a few years we remained pretty much under the radar – until now.
Over this next year, we will work to rebuild our membership, and participate in the County planning process by monitoring land use actions, and testifying before and challenging these actions as needed. Our plan is to keep you informed and to get you involved. Please join us in the important task of maintaining the viability of our farms and forests and promoting the beauty and livability of our county.
-- Paul Harcombe
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