Measure 76 makes permanent the current dedication of 15 percent of state lottery proceeds for parks, beaches, wildlife habitat and protection of Oregon's watersheds. Of all the programs funded by this revenue, I am most familiar with the valuable work that the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council does in this region, including restoration projects on Tumalo Creek, Whychus Creek and other streams in the Deschutes and Metolius basins. These projects, managed as regional partnerships, are critical to protecting wildlife habitat and clean water and also promote the reintroduction of native steelhead and salmon.
Measure 76 has a wide coalition of supporters, including business, labor, environmental and educational groups. In fact, I counted 42 separate arguments in favor of Measure 76 in the voters' pamphlet, with zero arguments against. This impressive consensus represents the right way to go about long-term protection and restoration of what is most important to us as Oregonians.
Yes, it is easy to vote yes on Measure 76, and it is important to do so.
