Speakers available to present May 2026 watershed measure

Presenter: Voters will get a chance to protect Lane County watersheds. Measure 20-373 will be on the ballot in the spring. Nov. 25 at the Neighborhood Leaders Council, public comment mentioned an opportunity for neighborhood and community groups: 

Public commenter: Folks in the county managed to get enough signatures and have a measure on the ballot this coming spring, Measure 20-373. And it’s regarding a campaign to give actually legal standing to our waterways.

[00:00:32] I’ll read directly from their campaign statement:

[00:00:36] ‘This is an exciting time for Lane County voters to become more educated about our watersheds’ health, and in turn, the health of all living beings. If successful, this measure will provide all watersheds in Lane County legal standing in court.’

[00:00:53] Maybe some of you’ve heard about the rights of nature. It’s around that. And it’s truly a grassroots effort. This was initiated by a number of folks from the Coast Range who have experienced pesticide oversprays from clearcutting, just the degrading of water quality for decades.

[00:01:12] So thanks for your time and listening. And the group, they’re a lot more articulate and knowledgeable about the whole issue, and they would be happy to come to any of your neighborhood associations to speak further about this, answer questions, and if anybody’s motivated to help with the effort to encourage volunteer help, it’s truly a grassroots movement. Measure 20-373. 

[00:01:39] Presenter: Neighborhoods and community groups are invited to learn more about a grassroots campaign for a watershed bill of rights. You can arrange for a presentation through the campaign website, ProtectLaneCountyWatersheds.org.