Managing our natural resources

Crook County’s strength has always come from the land — from our forests, ranches, farms, and open spaces. Our natural resources are the backbone of our local economy and a vital part of our way of life. As your representative, I will fight to ensure these resources are managed with common sense, local control, and respect for the people who depend on them.

1. Local Control, Not Federal Overreach: The people who live and work here know how to care for this land better than bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. or Salem. I’ll stand up against one-size-fits-all mandates and fight to return decision-making power to local communities.

2. Sustainable Use, Not Lock-Up: We can protect our environment while keeping our land productive. That means responsible timber harvests, grazing, and resource development that create jobs while preserving the land for future generations.

3. Supporting Our Ranchers and Loggers: Our ranching, farming, and timber families are the original conservationists. I’ll work to cut red tape, improve access to public lands, and make sure their voices are heard in every policy discussion.

4. Fire Prevention and Forest Health: Decades of mismanagement have turned our forests into fire hazards. We need active management — thinning, grazing, and sustainable harvesting — to reduce wildfire risk and protect our communities.

5. Protecting Water Rights: Water is life in Central Oregon. I’ll defend private property and water rights, and work for balanced policies that keep our farms and ranches operating without punishing rural families.

Crook County deserves policies that respect both our heritage and our future. By trusting local people, using practical conservation methods, and keeping government in check, we can ensure our land remains healthy, productive, and free for generations to come.

This land has sustained Crook County for generations — and with the right leadership, it will continue to do so for generations more.