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Riparian zone opponents get a breather BY JIM DAVIS Creekside Medford homeowners who oppose a proposed riparian corridor in their back yards will still have another chance to tell city leaders about their fears. A Medford Planning Commission hearing that extended until 1 a.m. Friday will continue before commissioners Thursday, Aug. 26. More than a dozen homeowners aired concerns about the proposal late Thursday and early Friday, saying they were worried they would be unable to cut weeds, fertilize lawns or sell property if the law goes into effect. "What it basically does -- and I think you can see this -- is it removes your right to enjoy your property as you see fit," said Tim Alford, who lives on Larson Creek Road. Medford planners, however, said that every use allowed today on the property would be allowed to continue: Landowners who use fertilizer today will be allowed to use fertilizer after the law goes into effect. "Anything that you were doing before the ordinance comes into effect, you can continue to do after it's in effect," said senior planner Mark Gallagher. The plan is aimed at future development, he said. The riparian corridor ordinance is a state requirement responding to the Endangered Species Act listing salmon and steelhead as endangered species in Southern Oregon. Larson, Bear and Lone Pine creeks downstream from Table Rock Road would be affected by the ordinance. They were determined to be fish-bearing creeks in an April study by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The 50-foot corridor would extend from each creek bank. After the hearing is closed, the Planning Commission will review the matter during several study sessions. It will forward an advisory vote to the Medford City Council, which is expected to take up the issue in November. At Thursday's hearing, Rob Patridge, representing the Rogue Valley Manor, said that the proposed ordinance was too broad and the city should consider public education and incentive programs to protect the riparian corridors. Patridge is a state legislator and former city council member. Neighbors worried about their ability to sell their property if the protection went into effect. "I personally wouldn't buy a house with that restriction on it," said Johnny Hubbard, who owns property along Larson Creek. They also worried that they would be unable to build add-ons to the property if their homes are in this zone. Not everyone was against the ordinance. Brad Prior, with the state Department of Environmental Quality, called the proposal a good first step and said that residents must realize that they are part of the problem and they must all be part of the solution. Mike Evenson, district fish biologist for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, said fish have been found up to North Phoenix Road in Larson Creek. "This type of protection is just hitting the urban area," Evenson said. "Out in the rural areas, they've been living with this type of protection for quite some time." Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA