All the emails mentioned are in one lump at the bottom, along with a sample letter you can modify to suit yourself.
The words you use matter less than the fact that you care enough to write and make clear that you want us to seize this truly once-in-100-years opportunity, creating a tremendous resource for the future.
Silverton to Stayton Rail to Trail
The railroad between Silverton and Stayton is only weeks away from being abandoned. After the application to abandon the line is filed with the Surface Transportation Board, we have only a few weeks to file an application with the STB to let them know of the intent to convert the railroad right of way to a trail.
Our application should come from a public agency such as Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The OPRD manages several rails to trails in Oregon.
Rocky Houston, state trails coordinator, said that he needs to see a large, grassroots effort in support of the trail in order to make this a priority for OPRD.
Action Item #1
Do This: Call or email Rocky Houston, OPRD trails coordinator, email is best: rocky.houston@state.or.us;or call 503 986-0750, leave a message since he is out frequently.
Just tell him that this is an important project and the Silverton to Stayton rail line should become a state park.
You may also want to contact Steve Kay, Recreation Grants and Community Programs Manager (Rocky's boss). 503 986-0705; steve.kay@oregon.gov .
Action Item #2
Call your state representative or senator and to say this is an important project and should be a state park.
The legislature can set the priorities for park acquisition if given enough encouragement.
Vic Gilliam and Kevin Cameron are the State Representatives for most of the trail,
Rep. Cameron is also running for Marion County Commissioner.
Rep. Cameron's phone is: 503 986-1419 and his email is: rep.kevincameron@state.or.us .
Rep. Gilliam's phone number is: 503 986-1418 and his email is: rep.vicgilliam@state.or.us
Jackie Winters and Fred Girod are the State Senators for this area.
Senator Winters phone number is: 503 986-1710; her email is Sen.JackieWinters@state.or.us.
Senator Girod's phone number is: 503 986-1709; his email is: Sen.FredGirod@state.or.us.
If we can get 100 people to send emails or make calls, we could convince the OPRD that this is an important project.
Please contact all these people this weekend (and ask your city council to submit a resolution in support too!)
All the emails mentioned above (though it wouldn't hurt to write your own state rep and senator, and the other Marion County Commissioners too)
Sample letter:
I am writing to you because it is urgent that we act quickly to submit our application for Rails-to-Trails conversion for the Stayton-Silverton Shortline RR that is being abandoned.
This creates a tremendous and unexpected opportunity to leave a wonderful lasting legacy that will be among the proudest things we will do for ourselves and our area. And you will be able to look back proudly and explain to your kids and grand kids and all your friends and neighbors how you were instrumental in helping make a great trail come to be.
Please do not let this once-per-century gift be squandered and lost! If this Rails-to-Trails application project doesn't get submitted and get strong public backing NOW, the moment will be lost, and will never be available again, as the rail right-of-way will revert into fragmented pieces.
Please do your part for a better future, make this a top priority for Oregon and Marion County.
Thank you,
(Your name and contact info)
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