The developer planned an English Style community on Hog Back with an English park-like environment with artificial lakes and streams.  It was out of character with our high desert climate and water resources were not used efficiently.  The committee helped defeat this plan with hearings before the City Council in Fall 1997.

PELICAN BUTTE SKI AREA

        We voiced our concerns in 1999 about the construction of a downhill ski resort on Federal forest lands. Hydrology and sewage disposal are a problem, as is traffic on only one road leading up to the resort. To date, no development has occurred.

CONGER HEIGHTS AREA

        We testified that the Conger Heights area above the Link River must be maintained as open spaces for public use rather than be sold for private development. As of June, 2007, this property was given City park status. Several of our members were then instrumental in creating the Klamath Greenways Foundation.

WASTE MANAGEMENT / RECYCLING

        Klamath County and the City of Klamath Falls changed garbage rates to a volume based, variable rate structure instead of a rate based on three 32 gallon cans. We worked from 1996 - 2004 with local elected officials, government staff, and our waste management company to achieve this change.

        In the 1990s, Klamath County's recycling goal was 15%. We worked with Waste Management of Oregon, who is licensed to pick up waste in Klamath County, to encourage more recycling in the Klamath Basin so that in 2006, it was up to 37%. We hope to raise that to 50% very soon.

        Since Spring, 1999, we have a Sustainable Communities member sitting on the Klamath County Solid Waste Advisory Board.

        Every year, since 1999, as part of Earth Day, we have disseminated recycling coloring books and informational material to every first grade classroom in Klamath County. Children take home the handout of recycling information. Their parents can then send in a coupon to enter our drawing for a bicycle. Every entry gets food coupons at fast food facilities in Klamath, thanks to the generosity of these businesses.

        We have 6 sites that disseminate recycling bags for computer printer cartridges and cell phones. Income from this source has helped to pay for our quarterly newsletter since 2001.

        Klamath County and the City of Klamath Falls changed garbage rates to a volume based, variable rate structure instead of a rate based on three 32 gallon cans. We worked from 1996 - 2004 with local elected officials, government staff, and our waste management company to achieve this change.

        In 2004 and 2005, we sold a total of 550 compost bins and handed out compost information.

        We have provided 2 elementary classroom presentations and 5 adult classes on worm bin composting.

EDUCATION / INFORMATION DISSEMINATION

INFORMATION KIOSK

        We have moved our kiosk to many locations and events throughout Klamath since its construction by Dwight Long and Ralph Opp in 2001. Locations include Klamath County Government Center, Chiloquin Community Center, Klamath County Library, Klamath County Museum, Oregon Institute of Technology campus, and Jefferson Mall. We have manned booths at the Winter Wings Festival at OIT in February, the Home builders show in March, Earth Day in Jefferson Mall and Klamath County Museum in April, and Migratory Bird Day at Veteran’s Park in May. The kiosk provides free information on sustainability issues from business practices to home composting.

        For more on the KSC kiosk, click KIOSK in the website menu in the frame on the left.

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

        We have provided, free of charge, a quarterly newsletter since 1999. Our distribution, as of October, 2007 included 300 addresses. Click on Newsletters in the website Menu for electronic versions.

        Would you like to receive the Newsletter? Send a request to Leslie Lowe at inharmony46@charter.net.

WEBSITE

        Our website was originally created in 1999 as a project of a web design class at OIT. Various talents in the Klamath Basin have combined to maintain it since then.

EMAIL NEWS

        Since 1998, we have maintained a growing email notification list. We have used this list to help people know what is going on in OUR community related to sustainability so that we can support local efforts. We have also used this list to help our members make contact with internet news and websites that relate to the topic of sustainability in other places as well as educate them about better choices for a sustainable lifestyle.

        Would you like to be added to our email list? Send a request to Leslie at inharmony46@charter.net

PRESENTATIONS

        Since 1996, made presentations to distribute Klamath Sustainable Communities materials and information at public meetings held by League of Women Voters, Klamath Basin Audubon, Kiwanis, Soroptimists, local garden Clubs, Master Gardeners, Unitarian Fellowship, Congregational Church-United Church of Christ, etc.

        In July 2001, made presentation to Klamath Falls City Council regarding the Principles of Sustainability and requested implementation of system development charges to the extent permitted by the state of Oregon. Also requested additional lobbying to include schools in system development charges.

        Want a presentation to your group? Contact Leslie Lowe at inharmony46@charter.net

KSC PUBLIC MEETINGS AND FORUMS

        KSC has held at least 3 public meetings each year since its inception in 1995. A great variety of topics have been discussed over the years. In 2007, the topics included Strawbale Construction and issues related to Measure 49. For issues discussed at Board Meetings, please see Board Meeting Minutes in Menu [COMING SOON].

RADIO

        Spring, 2007, Ryan Brown, KFLS radio talk show host, interviewed Leslie Lowe regarding the issues of sustainability.

        Beginning in November, 2007, Ryan Brown, KFLS radio, played weekly Tips for Living Sustainably, created and recorded by Leslie Lowe. See Menu item for Tips for Living Sustainably. [COMING SOON]

CREATION OF KLAMATH BASIN COALITION FOR A LIVEABLE FUTURE (KBCLF)

        In 2003, Klamath Sustainable Communities formally developed a 501 c 3 tax deductible organization named Klamath Basin Coalition for a Liveable Future (KBCLF). This new organization gave our members the opportunity to pay dues and have them be tax deductible. It also positioned us to receive and dispense grant money for our various projects.