Organizer urges voters to back ‘watersheds bill of rights’ in Lane County

Michelle Holman, a chief petitioner for a proposed county initiative, told River Road residents that Measure 23-73 would create a Lane County Watersheds Bill of Rights and give legal standing to watersheds so residents or the county could sue to stop or remedy contamination. "If you harm the watersheds, you will be taken to court, and you will have to pay to make them whole again," Holman said during the meeting.

Holman framed the measure as part of a global rights-of-nature movement and said it is targeted at corporate harms to water quality rather than homeowners using garden products. She described the measure as a practical tool to "shift governance away from policies that allow voluntary compliance or directly permit pollution," and urged neighbors to help with outreach, endorsements and fundraising. Holman announced a public event on Feb. 18 (First United Methodist Church, 1376 Olive) and encouraged supporters to attend an upcoming utility hearing and other forums; she also said organizers plan a May 19 vote.

Attendees asked about likely consequences for industries such as timber and for local jobs. Holman cited Lincoln County's experience with a spray ban and acknowledged legal challenges are likely: "The timber industry filed suit…for two years while it languished in the courts," she said. She described the initiative as a heavy legal lift but argued it could compel change even if the first cases are contested. Holman closed by inviting volunteers for field teams, social-media work and an endorsement campaign, and left printed materials and FAQs for attendees to take.