these people that these forests will be divided and that there are plans to <br />develop most of the area into subdivisions, they are very angry and very <br />very sad. "Where do I write to?" "Who do I write to?" "What can I do?" <br />Most feel a sense of hopelessness. "Why don't we hear about these things?" <br />"Nothing will ever change." "City planners work with developers, they see <br />money." There is a sense of apathy. <br />I've walked these woods for years. The beauty and diversity are enormous. <br />The variety of trees, the bird calls, many hawks, osprey, tree bats, wild <br />flowers that I have never seen before. I have even seen the elusive Bob Cat. <br />Many native Oregonians never see a Bob Cat in their life time! I feel proud <br />that these elusive animals feel secure enough to stay. There is at least one <br />spring I hear that flows all year round. <br />I would like to ask every person on The City Planning Commission, all The <br />City Commissioners, The Mayor and the out of state developers, (why is this <br />happening?) to take an afternoon walk through this wild wooded area. I hope <br />that they will understand the importance of this proposal. <br />What will happen to the wild life if this area is broken up? The balance of <br />nature will be effected. The deer and plethora of raccoon and opossum will <br />over populate. Their natural predators will be forced to leave. Doesn't it <br />make sense that people will report seeing a cougar in their back yard and <br />deer eating their gardens? When habitat shrinks animals become pests to get <br />rid of. Who was here first? <br />Finally there is the very real danger of over burdening fire fighting <br />recourses. Read the USDA Fire Fighting Resources. Saving homes has <br />become as important, or more important than saving forest these days. "This <br />fire is not contained, but so far no structures have been damaged." You hear <br />it on the news almost every night during fire season. Every summer this <br />problem grows and grows as the wild fires increase, the climate dries, and <br />summers start sooner and end later. People, (usually with high incomes who <br />can afford building or buying a home in the woods) want to build away from <br />the city and look out their windows at the beautiful wooded landscape. There <br />is some illogical thinking going on here. Even though many in Eugene no <br />nothing of this proposal. After I explain it to them, they are outraged! I have <br />not met a person who doesn't feel strongly that their voices must be heard. <br />Something must change. Planners and developers must listen. Many in <br />Eugene and surrounding areas are working very hard to convince the City <br />Planners and Developers, that YES we can make changes ! Why do we find <br />it so easy to hear plans of developing new buildings, new shopping areas, <br />