Measure 34 debate sheds light on preservation issues

Kevin Hudson

The Advocate

The Mt. Hood Community College natural resources club hosted a debate Wednsday on Measure 34.

The debate took place in Room 1710 and was attended by a group of about 30 students and faculty.

Lyndon Ruhnke spoke in favor of the measure and is one of the people responsible for its conception.

Measure 34 would set aside 50 percent of the Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests for preservation. Ruhnke said that this is the only way to guarantee preservation of old growth stands.

Mark Labhart spoke in opposition of the measure. Labhart works for the Oregon Department of Forestry and is running unopposed for Tillamook County Commissioner. He said that the mixed management of all forests lands is working, and we should let it work.

Natural resources club president Vince Arthur said, “We were really lucky to get speakers this good on such short notice.”

Arthur said the club is divided over the issue and hoped this debate might help some members make their decision.