This morning concerned citizens will gather at the Anne Basker Auditorium in Grants Pass to voice opposition to the auction of the “Pipe Fork” forest land in Williams Valley. The Josephine County Board of Commissioners plans to auction this land on November 14, a decision that has alarmed local residents, conservation groups, and advocates of sustainable land use.
The auction proposal has raised fears of potential clear-cutting, which could harm the region’s agricultural economy and impact water resources. Local activists argue that clear-cutting would not only disrupt the ecosystem but could also pose long-term consequences for the area’s farmers and water sources. With Williams Valley being heavily dependent on the natural resources and ecological health of its forests, the sale could jeopardize both livelihoods and local sustainability efforts.
The community group “Williams Community Forest Project” is leading efforts to rally residents for today’s 9 a.m. meeting, urging all concerned citizens to attend and make their voices heard. “The more local residents who stand up and oppose this measure, the stronger our chances of preventing a detrimental situation for our community,” reads a statement from the group. The meeting offers a critical opportunity for the public to engage directly with county commissioners and express their concerns about the auction’s potential impact.
By attending, citizens can push for alternative solutions that prioritize the long-term preservation of the forest over short-term profit. Advocates emphasize that collective action at this morning’s meeting could influence the commissioners to reconsider or halt the auction altogether.
This gathering serves as a pivotal moment for the Williams Valley community to protect its resources and ensure that local decision-making aligns with the values and interests of its residents.
