Local business owners and residents in Josephine County are urging county commissioners to reconsider the land auction scheduled for Thursday, November 14, which would sell off nine parcels in the Williams area. Owners of several successful certified organic farms in the Williams and Applegate Valleys, along with other area businesses, have voiced their opposition, citing potentially severe economic and environmental repercussions that they believe could impact the region’s well-being.
Water security is at the forefront of concerns raised by local businesses. Many farms, nurseries, and other water-reliant businesses depend heavily on clean and sufficient water supplies for irrigation. Should the auctioned lands be developed or logged, there is a significant risk of contamination from herbicides or reduced water flow to local farms. Organic farmers, in particular, face strict USDA standards for water quality, and any contamination could threaten the region’s agricultural production. A lapse in water quality or access could mean significant financial losses, decreased output, and potential job cuts. Business owners emphasize that the risk of such disruptions to water resources threatens not only individual businesses but the entire local economy.
Williams and its surrounding areas have long prided themselves on a sustainable, environmentally conscious economy. Many of the region’s certified organic farms and eco-friendly businesses have established a reputation that attracts tourists looking for unique rural and eco-tourism experiences. The sale of these lands, if used for logging or other high-impact activities, could mar the scenic appeal that draws visitors to southern Oregon. A downturn in tourism revenue would not only affect these organic farms but also the hospitality and retail businesses that rely on tourist spending, potentially leading to a local economic slump.
According to the owners of these organic farms and local enterprises, their combined revenue exceeds $50 million annually, with employment of over 250 local residents. Many of these businesses also produce value-added products, such as seeds, wine, and herbal extracts, which are sold nationwide and internationally, further amplifying their economic importance to Josephine County.
Another pressing issue is the elevated wildfire danger that could result from extensive logging or clear-cutting of these parcels. Old-growth trees, known for their thick bark and resilience, provide a natural firebreak that smaller, younger trees lack. The removal of these critical fire barriers could exacerbate fire risks in an area already vulnerable to intense wildfire seasons. Local business owners and residents urge the commissioners to consider the potential hazards to both residents and the local workforce, whose safety could be compromised by increased fire risk.
The sale of Pipe Fork and other properties has left many residents questioning the transparency of the county’s decisions. Concerns have escalated due to the involvement of County Commissioner John West, who has faced public scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest and what some describe as contradictory statements. The recent re-listing of the property at a price lower than its original listing has only fueled these concerns, leading residents to ask who stands to benefit and why more transparency has not been provided.
Local business owners have expressed their determination to hold any successful bidders, as well as Josephine County itself, accountable for any damage or losses incurred due to the auction’s impacts. They believe the auction, if executed without adequate public input and environmental assessment, could have far-reaching, negative consequences for the entire community.
Business owners and community members are calling on the Josephine County Commissioners to delay, if not entirely cancel, the planned auction. They argue that the community deserves an open dialogue and transparent evaluation process to ensure the long-term economic and environmental health of Williams and the surrounding areas.
“Canceling or delaying the auction would show a commitment to responsible decision-making and genuine concern for the residents, businesses, and natural resources of Josephine County,” reads a joint statement from several local businesses, including Herb Pharm, Siskiyou Seeds, and Wooldridge Creek Winery.
With the auction just days away, these residents and business owners urge the commissioners to act swiftly, preserving the delicate balance of Josephine County’s economy, environment, and water resources for future generations.
