To Whom It May Concern:
We, the undersigned businesses, are writing to express our opposition to Josephine County’s land auction scheduled for November 14, which involves nine parcels located in Williams.
We represent a diverse group of certified organic farms, wineries, and businesses that rely on agricultural products grown in and around the Williams Valley. Many of us produce value-added products such as seeds, wine, and herbal extracts in addition to fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs, which are sold locally, nationally, and internationally. As employers, entrepreneurs, and community members, we are significant contributors to the economic vitality of Josephine County, not only through our business success but also by tending the agricultural landscape that attracts tourism to our region. Collectively, our businesses generate over $50 million annually in gross sales and employ more than 250 local residents.
The planned auction for county-owned properties in Williams jeopardizes the future of our businesses. It is highly likely that new private landowners will clear-cut the 1,800 acres of forested parcels, which would diminish both water volume and quality, directly impacting our operations. Contamination from post-logging herbicide applications could also degrade water purity levels downstream in the Applegate and Rogue Rivers, making it increasingly difficult for certified organic farmers to meet USDA standards for crop production.
Old-growth trees, with their thick bark and tall trunks, are significantly more fire-resilient than smaller, younger trees. Removing this important buffer during a period of unprecedented wildfires in southern Oregon will increase the threat to the safety of our employees and business infrastructure.
If this auction moves forward, business owners intend to hold both the bid winners and Josephine County accountable for any damages, losses, or negative impacts that affect our businesses and employees. The negative consequences of this auction could ripple through our entire community—and we will not stand idly by.
We urge you to cancel the land auction or, at the very least, delay it until you have engaged in a more transparent public process to thoroughly discuss the implications of this proposed sale on the economic well-being of all residents and businesses in Josephine County.
Sincerely,
Herb Pharm
Siskiyou Seeds
Sun Spirit Farm
Oshala Farm
Blue Fox Farm
White Oak Farm & Education Center
Flora Farm & Design Studio
Sunshine Natural Foods
Latigo Farm
Banyan Farm
Red Buttes Farm
Deep Travel, LLC
Bradfield Consulting
Crash & C-Mac Productions
Wooldridge Creek Winery
Warrick Vineyard
Calico Alchemy Organics
Troon Vineyard
Jefferson Farm Kitchen
Lazy Acres Farm
