MRFHA Blog Spot

CFA Update and Call to Action!

2011-12-02T09:57:00.000-08:00

Recent events in Washington are very encouraging. House bill H.R.3397 was favorably reported out of the House Natural Resources Committee. Also, our companion Senate bill S.1906 was introduced by Sen. Tester (D-WY) and is being considered for an early hearing. Links to both bills are available on the NFH website.http://www.nationalforesthomeowners.org/ With good fortune, the prospects for Cabin Fee Act (CFA) passage in 2011 or by early spring 2012 are bright.

That said, the Cabin Program still faces a big challenge in 2012 if our bill does not pass in 2011 or another form of fee relief for 2012 fails. Fully 15% of our cabin neighbors (yes, people just like you and me) across the country face 2012 CUFFA permit fees that exceed their ability to stay in the Program. Attempts at selling are anticipated. Some family cabins will sell, but most will not, given the obstacles of untenable fees and the bleak real estate market. Determined efforts to address this problem are ongoing. In a recent face to face meeting, Forest Service Chief Tidwell acknowledged the urgent need to resolve the cabin fee issue and the potential challenging impact of 2012 fees. Similar discussions have occurred with many Congressional members, as well. However, at this point, the outcome is not clear.

To support these cabin owners and defend the long term viability of the Program,

grassroots action is needed NOW! Please contact your Senators listed below

urging them to cosponsor and support S.1906, the Cabin Fee Act of 2011.

Send the message by email or through each Senator's website. Phone calls are even better. Personalize your message. Direct contact information is available at: http://www.senate.gov/. Another great contact information website is http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml.

All Senators, in all states should be asked to support S.1906. However, key Senators sit on the Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) committee and the Public Lands and Forests (PLF) subcommittee and are listed below by seniority. All these people should be contacted, but the Senators denoted with a "*" are a must! It should be noted that Senators Barrasso and Risch are original cosponsors of S. 1906 and should be thanked by their cabin owner constituents. Let's stand firmly united behind all cabin owners and get the CFA passed NOW! Please act today.

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Members

Democrats	Republicans
*Jeff Bingaman (NM) - Chairman	*Lisa Murkowski (AK) - Ranking
*Ron Wyden (OR) (PLF, Chairman)	*John Barrasso (WY) (PLF- Ranking)
*Tim Johnson (SD) (PLF)	*James E. Risch (ID) (PLF)
Mary L. Landrieu (LA) (PLF)	*Mike Lee (UT) (PLF)
*Maria Cantwell (WA) (PLF)	Rand Paul (KY) (PLF)
Bernard Sanders (I-VT)	Daniel Coats (IN)
*Debbie Stabenow (MI)	Rob Portman (OH) (PLF)
*Mark Udall (CO) (PLF)	John Hoeven (ND) (PLF)
Jeanne Shaheen (NH) (PLF)	*Dean Heller (NV) (PLF)
*Al Franken (MN) (PLF)	*Bob Corker (TN)
Joe Manchin (WV)
Christopher A. Coons (DE) (PLF)

Finally, a plea for additional fund raising:

Below is a summary of C2 revenue and expenses over the past 4 years. As we enter a fifth year lobbying, travel and communication expenses continue and additional funding is needed. We are projecting $100,000 will be needed in 2012. Please consider making a personal donation to the C2 effort ($50, $100 or more would be appreciated). Also, urge your tract association to contribute, as well. Once we get the bill passed, we will still need to monitor the development of the Rules and Regulations that will implement the law. That too will require funding.

Cabin Coalition 2 Financial Summary

(Jan. 1, 2008 through Oct. 31, 2011)

REVENUE		EXPENSES
Individual Donations	$148,922	Advocate Contracts	$281,670
Tract Donations	$124,451	Travel & Lodging	$55,544
NFH Contribution	$100,000	Printing & Postage	$29,833
Partner Donations	$43,350	Conference Calls	$22,114
		Legal/Professional Fees	$7,882
TOTAL	$416,723	TOTAL	$397,043

Please write C2 donation on the memo line and send your donation to:

Ms. Barbara Warnock, NFH Database Mgr., 541 West Santa Clara Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92706

(Work) 714-836-7442, (Fax) 714-547-1774, (Email) bjfmjaj@ix.netcom.com

Thank you for being engaged in this challenge. Working together we will achieve success!

Best to All,

Pete Bailey
C2 Legislative Contact chair

Cabin Fee Act of 2011 Introduced to the House of Representatives

2011-11-12T11:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, November 10, 2011, House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (R-WA) introduced H.R. 3397, The Cabin Fee Act of 2011 (CFA). This historic legislation received a positive hearing by the Natural Resources Committee on September 9th, where cabin owner Pete Bailey of Tacoma, WA, testified on behalf of National Forest Homeowners (NFH) and the Cabin Coalition (C2).

H.R. 3397 is very similar to the 2010 Cabin Fee Act, which was also introduced and championed by Chairman Hastings. Like last year's bill, H.R. 3397 is expected to receive strong bipartisan support. The new bill will replace the flawed appraisal-based fee system mandated by the Cabin User Fee Fairness Act of 2000 (CUFFA). Nine value tiers would be established, ranging from $500 to a maximum of $4500. The NFH believes this will mean a much more equitable and balanced fee structure that will more truly reflect the true value of the cabin use than the gross fee disparities under CUFFA. Assignment to value tiers, that will establish individual cabin fees, will be determined by a rank order of all appraisals following the completion of the final CUFFA appraisals - the last use of any appraisals. During the transition period from CUFFA to the CFA, fees will be the lesser of $4500 or the current CUFFA fee, provided that the CUFFA fee cannot result in more than a 25 percent annual increase over the previous year's fee.

H.R. 3397 will also provide a "cabin transfer fee" based on the selling price when a cabin changes ownership and a new permit is issued. This transfer fee will be a flat $1,000, plus 5% of the sales amount in excess of $250,000 up to $500,000 and an additional 10% of the sales amount in excess of $500,000.

NFH President Geoff Anderson, of Lincoln, CA, hailed the new legislation. According to Anderson, "Passage of this legislation will mark a new day for cabin owners. It will do away with the inconsistencies and excessively wide range of fees resulting from the current appraisal system. It will result in fairer and more reasonable fees that more accurately reflect the actual
value of the cabin use. It will enable families who have built and maintained their cabins for generations to continue to use and enjoy them. The NFH and the C2 Coalition is deeply grateful to Chairman Hastings for his leadership and we look forward to working with him to get this needed legislation enacted into law."

A copy of H.R. 3397 will be posted on this NFH website as soon as it is available.

Aubrey King, NFH Washington Representative

Survey Deadline this Sunday

2011-11-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

Please ask you fellow cabin owners to complete the 2012 Cabin Fee Survey this weekend, if they have not already done so. The deadline is this Sunday. Please follow this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/T7YYH25

Many Thanks,
Pete

Cabin Fee and Sales Survey -11/13/11 Deadline for Completion

2011-11-02T17:29:00.000-07:00

Efforts to move the Cabin Fee Act forward in 2011 have been stalled. Several matters have impeded progress. First, a Senatorial request for an annual cap on potential increases necessitated significant language changes. Second, the declining real estate market impacted our revenue projections, necessitating a restructuring of CFA fee tiers which required a second review by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Third, we have been frustrated by the slow response of the CBO due to the relative low importance of our issue compared to larger issues facing Congress.

That said we are optimistic about both House and Senate bills being introduced this fall. Passage of the CFA this fall is possible, but the odds are against us, given such limited time. Passage in the spring is more likely. Furthermore, the prospect for a 2012 Fee Moratorium is also dim because a $5M offset (CBO determined) would be required and the source of such funds is problematic. Without the CFA passing or a Fee Moratorium many cabin owners face daunting fees in January, since the Forest Service could bill full fees according to CUFFA legislation. What options exist for those of us that cannot manage these fees?

NFH and C2 leadership will be preparing our thoughts on how cabin owners may choose to respond to high fee billings in the next few weeks. These will be shared broadly by email and posted on the NFH website, so please stay engaged. In the meantime, we want to understand the extent of the problem and how you, the affected cabin owner, may decide to respond. A brief 10 minute survey, with easy instructions will help us better define the current state of affairs and the best options for response, while helping us better inform our Congressional sponsors of the likely outcomes of inaction. We need your help.

Follow this link to the 2012 Cabin Fee and Sales Survey (11/13/11 deadline for completion). https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/T7YYH25

PLEASE DO YOUR PART NOW and COMPLETE THIS SURVEY TODAY! THEN FORWARD THIS NOTE AND LINK TO ALL CABIN OWNERS YOU KNOW.

Our Sincere Regards,
Cabin Coalition 2 and NFH leadership

Please contact
SurveySupport@NationalForestHomeowners.org with questions or concerns.

Annual Meeting

2011-06-29T17:08:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow MRFHA Members ~

Please join us on Saturday, July 2nd for our annual meeting, 1:00 PM at the Camp Sherman Community Hall. We hope to see you there!

Best,
MRFHA Board

Happy New Year to All - The latest from C2 via Pete Bailey

2011-01-24T09:15:00.000-08:00

Greetings Cabin Owners,

We have come far, but we still have much work to do in the new 112th Congress. Mr. Aubrey King, our Washington DC Representative, has provided an update (below) on the status of the Cabin Fee Act in Congress. The update is also provided as an attachment that includes the email addresses for all the co-sponsors of H.R.4888 and S.3929 for reference.

Two other thoughts. We will be requesting continued grassroots support from you and your cabin neighbors in the next few weeks and months. Broad participation remains essential to ultimate success this year. Please be ready to do your part when requested. Also, you will be receiving another request for financial support of Coalition 2 and NFH efforts.

We offer a sincere thank you to all those who have made recent donations. Our success depends on our combined work together, and your involvement is much appreciated! Please share this document with all your cabin friends.

Pete Bailey
NFH Director & C2 Legislative Contact chair
253-383-2388 Home Office

Aubrey’s Report:

The Cabin Fee Act made significant progress in the 111th Congress following its initial introduction as H.R. 4888 by Representative Doc Hastings (R-WA) March 19, 2010. Following a successful hearing by the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands in April and a favorable mark-up by the full Natural Resources Committee in July, the bill received a critical positive verdict of "zero budget impact" from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) in November. A companion bill was introduced September 29, 2010, by Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) as S. 3929. Unfortunately, time ran out before the CFA could be enacted into law. Both House and Senate bills received strong bipartisan support. Concurrent efforts to obtain a legislative moratorium on 2011 cabin fee increases were frustrated when Congress failed to pass comprehensive appropriations legislation for FY 2011 and instead approved only a "clean" (no amendments) short term Continuing Resolution to fund the Federal government until March 4, 2011.

With the start of the 112th Congress, there is reason to believe the prospects for the Cabin Fee Act are very good. In the House, last year's CFA champion, Rep. Hastings, is now the chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, and is committed to give the CFA early and positive consideration. The important House Interior Appropriations Committee is now chaired by Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID), who is a strong supporter of the bill. In the Senate, we expect Senator Tester to introduce a CFA companion early in the year and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), chairman of the Senate Public Lands and Forests Subcommittee, to support the bill and hold an early subcommittee hearing.

In the meantime, the Forest Service has decided not to send out cabin fee bills for amounts greater than those paid in 2010 until more is known about what the new Congress wants to do. This means that there will be no higher fee bills until at least after March 4th. The NFH and the C2 Coalition is working to ensure that Congress either enacts a moratorium or other legislation before March 4th to block higher 2011 fee bills and to advance the Cabin Fee Act measurably towards passage and enactment into law.

The key major steps for the CFA in 2011:

(1) Have Congress enact a 2011 fee moratorium or, at least direct the FS not to send out higher fee bills until after mid-year to provide time for the CFA to move through Congress;

(2) Work with Chairman Hastings to obtain early passage of the CFA in the House of Representatives, including holding a successful House hearing if necessary;

(3) Work with Senator Tester to introduce a companion CFA early in the session and work with Chairman Wyden to obtain a successful Senate hearing on the CFA as early in the session as possible;

(4) Work to get a favorable Senate Energy and Natural Resources mark-up of the CFA with Senate passage by the fall and subsequent enactment.

A strategy of success will include at least the following elements:

(1) Obtain as many as possible of the 28 House cosponsors of H.R. 4888 (listed below) to cosponsor the new 2011 CFA (only Representatives George Radanovich (R-CA), who retired, and, most tragically, Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), are not available to cosponsor the bill in the 112th Congress);

(2) Obtain more Senate cosponsors beyond the six who cosponsored the bill when it was introduced late in the 111th Congress (listed below);

(3) Avoid if at all possible any changes in the 2010 bill that would require a reanalysis by the CBO, which could delay the bill for month;

(4) Continue to obtain strong grassroots cabin owner support to communicate to Congress the absolute need to enact the CFA in 2011 or risk dramatically escalating cabin fees that will forever reduce and transform the cabin program so that it will no longer be the outstanding provider of multi-generational, middle-class family recreation that it is now and has been historically.

Metolius River Fish Habitat Project will Temporarily Close Recreation Areas

2010-10-14T17:41:00.000-07:00

Deschutes National Forest Media Release

Sisters, OR - Several popular recreation areas along the Metolius River will be closed to the public from October 19 – 22 while a helicopter place trees into the River.

A five-mile stretch of the Metolius River from Jack Creek to Lower Bridge will be closed to the public for safety during the helicopter placement of over 100 trees to restore fish habitat without disturbance to the stream bank.

The Forest Service is closing the work area to all public access including hiking, boating, and fishing on the river while the project is in operation. The helicopter used in the placement of logs will create downdrafts that can be hazardous to people in the area. Lower Canyon Creek Campground, Allen Springs Campground and Lower Bridge Campgrounds will also be closed during this time. Although there is private land in the area, the helicopter will not fly over houses when placing the trees, and there will be no restrictions on access to private lands.

Trees and logs will be placed along three reaches of the river near Canyon Creek, Allen Springs Campground and Pioneer Ford Campground approximately 3 miles north of Camp Sherman. “The project will restore large tree structure to this section of the Metolius River and will create pool habitat and cover for redband trout, bull trout and Chinook salmon,” says Mike Riehle, project lead and Fisheries Biologist for the Sisters Ranger District. “Compared to historic conditions, the Metolius River is low in the number of large logs. This habitat restoration will improve the rearing habitat for rearing juvenile salmon as they are reintroduced above Pelton Round Butte Dams,”

The project is also sponsored by the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council. The Council has partnered with the Forest Service to restore fish habitat in the Metolius basin using grants from the Forest Service, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, Portland General Electric and the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon.

Call to Action: ONCE AGAIN IT IS TIME TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE CABIN FEE ACT of 2010!

2010-10-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

Below you will find a verbatim message from Pete Bailey, NFH Director & C2 Legislative Contact chair. This message indicates a strong sense of urgency on the importance for civic action around the Cabin Fee Act of 2010. Thank you in advance for hearing and acting upon your call to duty. If you desire ease in action, please contact: meganprince@me.com for a letter requiring minimal personalization aimed to reach representatives on both the House and Senate levels. Keep in mind - if not you, than who?

Best,
Megan Prince and the MRFHA Board

LETS EACH DO OUR PART TO GET EVERYONE ON BOARD WITH THIS EFFORT! PASSAGE OF THE CABIN FEE ACT HANGS IN THE BALANCE AND THIS MAY BE OUR LAST OPPORTUNITY!

All Representatives and most Senators are home in their Districts and States between now and the elections. It is a timely opportunity for cabin owners to communicate with them expressing, as strongly as possible, the urgent need to enact the Cabin Fee Act (CFA) this year in the 111th Congress or, if necessary, to extend the moratorium.

We hope to encourage and secure passage of the Cabin Fee Act during the Lame Duck session that will follow the elections. THEREFORE WE MUST ACT! To secure the backing of your Senators and Representatives, cabin owners must demonstrate their support for the Cabin Fee Act. Send emails and make phone calls to your local offices. Better yet, go visit the office with your request for support. But, make it your message of support and request for their vote to pass the Cabin Fee Act. Personalized messages are most effective.

To assist you, attached are sample letters that you should edit, personalize and email or fax to your Senators and Representatives. You can find DC contact information by state athttp://www.nationalforesthomeowners.org/. Write a letter to Congress.

The message is straightforward, but please put the message in your own words. Points that you can include are:

(1) Too many cabin owners are now faced with unjustified, dramatically escalating fees for their cabin use, making a growing number of cabins unaffordable and even impossible to sell at any reasonable price. The continuation of the Cabin Program as a source of middle class, multi-generational family recreation is in jeopardy. The current appraisal-based fee system is inherently flawed and must be replaced.

(2) Cabin owners, working with bipartisan supporters in both Houses of Congress, have developed a solution. This solution is embodied in the Cabin Fee Act of 2010 (H.R. 4888 and S. 3929) which is expected to be found “revenue neutral” by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Cabin owners throughout the country have studied, discussed and support the Cabin Fee Act of 2010.

(3) Senators should be urged to co-sponsor S. 3929 and support its passage. Encourage them to contact Senator Tester’s office to express their support. Representatives should be urged to support an early vote of approval for H.R. 4888 in the Lame Duck session. The entire Congress should then pass the CFA into law before the Lame Duck session adjourns.

(4) If the passage of the CFA must wait until 2011, a moratorium on 2011 cabin fee increases is essential. Ask for their support of a Moratorium.

If we do not secure passage in the Lame Duck session, we face a new Congress in January. The entire process could be set back considerably. There is no assurance we will enjoy the same level of support in the next Congress. Let’s get it done NOW! Please do your part and ask your cabin neighbors to do their part, too. IT IS TIME TO ACT!

Pete
Peter D. Bailey
NFH Director & C2 Legislative Contact chair

Tester introduces legislation to rein in cabin fees on Forest Service Land

2010-10-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

Senator’s bipartisan bill would cap fees, set deadline for completion of appraisals

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Senator Jon Tester today introduced legislation to rein in skyrocketing fee increases for cabins on U.S. Forest Service land.

Tester’s bipartisan Cabin Fee Act would address the appraisal system for cabins that has led to the significant increases in cabin fees.

A law passed in 2000 set up appraisals for cabins on Forest Service land. But unexpectedly high values from the appraisals slammed cabin owners with new fees as high as $18,000.

Tester’s measure would change the law and assign cabins to a tiered system according to appraised value, setting user fees at between $500 and $4,500. The legislation also would require that current appraisals be completed within three years.

“These cabins are passed down in hardworking Montana families from generation to generation
—and the idea of leasing these cabins was never meant to make them a commodity for only the privileged few who can afford suddenly outrageous fees,” Tester said. “My legislation would bring some relief and, finally, predictability for these families.”

Senators Max Baucus, John Barrasso, R-Wyo., and Jim Risch, R-Idaho, have cosponsored Tester’s bill. “This bill is common sense when it comes to preserving Montana's outdoor way of life,” Baucus said. “It will help make life easier for Montana families who have used these cabins for generations.”

“The U.S. Forest Service’s fee system is clearly broken,” Barrasso said. “Folks with family cabins in our part of the country deserve to know that they will be charged a fair and predictable fee. Our legislation will deliver increased transparency and common sense.”

Tester led the bipartisan effort last year that resulted in a one-year cap of 25 percent on cabin fee hikes while he explored legislation for a more reasonable fee structure.

A similar measure to Tester’s legislation is being considered in the House of Representatives. However, the House measure would add millions of dollars to the national deficit. Tester’s bill is expected to be “deficit-neutral” and not increase the national debt.

The Cabin Fee Act of 2010: A Statement on some Tough Issues

2010-10-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

September 30, 2010

As volunteer leadership, representing all cabin owners across the country, the Cabin Coalition 2 group has had to address many subtle complexities and political realities in framing the Cabin Fee Act (CFA) under the direction of Congress. Frankly, the CFA is not a perfect solution, but it is intended to ensure the viability of the Cabin Program well into the future by keeping the Program affordable for most current cabin owners by maintaining a fee range of $500 to $4000 (Raised to $4500 in S.3929). If we are not successful in replacing CUFFA as the basis for our use fees, we believe that we will lose over 2000 cabins in the next 3-5 years because of the inability of families to pay those high fees or to sell their cabins in the face of those unsustainably high fees. As cabins are lost, the overall Program suffers and future appraisal cycles will likely add to those losses. As the program shrinks, the viability and survival of the entire Recreation Residence Program becomes doubtful. Please consider the following points.

Revenue Neutrality: The CFA must meet the ‘revenue neutral’ requirements of Congress. ‘Pay-as-you-go’ legislation in Congress makes this unavoidable. Unfortunately, we are being compared to the projected revenue amounts that CUFFA appraisals would have generated over the next ten years, a projection that we believe is unfair and inaccurate to begin with. Fortunately, we have already successfully argued that the Forest Service CUFFA revenue projections are seriously flawed. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has reduced the Forest Service estimate of revenue under CUFFA by over 15% in their analysis. While we believe that further CUFFA revenue reductions were warranted and supported by the information we submitted, the political reality is the final determination of revenue neutrality by the CBO is the standard we are required to meet by Congress. The CBO will render their final decision very soon and we believe the revised CFA fee structure will meet the requirement.

Fee Retention: The Fee Retention proposal, as specified in the “Mark-up” version of H.R.4888, would have provided the Forest Service additional revenue of $500 per cabin per year, specifically designated to fund the administration of the Program. However, this provision has been removed, with the advice of Cong. Doc Hastings’ staff, because it would increase the revenue needed under the CFA, thus also raising the need for higher fees across the board. The CBO has forced this point by interpreting this provision as an increase to the Forest Service budget, thus increasing the revenue needed to cover that increase.

CFA Fees: Because the $34 million revenue scoring is reality, the original proposed fee structure needed to be adjusted upward. Fee tiers at all levels are sharing that burden. Under the CFA, as represented by Senate bill S.3929, we are projecting that 20% of all cabins will see a modestly higher fee than they will under CUFFA initially. (Modest means between $50 and $500 annually). This is not an outcome anyone has wished for. However, that is only the short term view, because these folks and everyone else will continue to face potentially much higher fees in the future, with subsequent appraisals every ten years, if CUFFA does not get changed. Also, remember that the minimum fee of $500 was set so that even the lowest fees would cover the FS costs to administer the Cabin Program. This is fair to the US taxpayer, too. Support for and passage of the CFA will secure future affordability of the Recreation Residence Program.

Tier Assignments: The assignment of a given cabin into a specific fee tier will not be known with certainty until all appraisals under CUFFA are completed and ‘normalized’ (adjusted for inflation) to a common date of value. This normalization will span the period from 2006, when the first appraisals were completed, to the completion of all appraisals. This will produce the rank order (from lowest to highest) of all 14,000 cabins, from which the tier assignments, by percentages, will be made. We believe that the final fee determination for a given cabin will probably not occur until the end of 2013. The CFA transition period provisions will apply in 2011 through 2013, at least.

Fairness for All: To address the thought that ‘some lower appraised cabin owners are being asked to subsidize the higher appraised cabin owners’, please consider the following. Among the problems with CUFFA, which we believe the CFA in large part corrects, is not just that some cabins have high appraisals, but that unfairness and appraisal variability occurs cross the CUFFA fee spectrum, including the low end, the middle and the high ends of the spectrum. Most folks conclude that low fees equate to fair fees, however, there are many examples that refute this conclusion. There is variability and unfairness across the cabin fee spectrum under CUFFA. The CFA is a solution that moves us overall in the direction of fairness, while maintaining affordability of the annual fees and the marketability for those who must sell. We are all in this together if we want to guarantee the future viability of the Recreation Residence Program.

Positive Outlook: While some compromise by Cabin Owners and the Forest Service was necessary to achieve Congressional support for the bill, the CFA remains a far superior solution compared to the many problems of CUFFA. It is important to recognize the many positive benefits retained and addressed by the CFA.

• Lower average fees ($2400 vs. $3500) compared to CUFFA, leading to much lower fees over time.
• No unexpected or unrealistic future fee increases due to a flawed appraisal process.
• Predictable and modest future fee increases, limited to the annual IPD-GDP index.
• Fee stability that maintains marketability of cabins and retention of cabin values.
• Affordable fees keep the program within reach of the typical American family.
• Simpler to administer by the Forest Service and cabin owners, alike.
• A fair range of user fees where the highest fee is less than 10 times the lowest fee, acknowledging some variation due to location.
• Predictable and affordable fees lead to retention of cabins and survival of the Forest Service Recreation Residence program for future generations.
Cabin Coalition 2

Cabin Fee Act Questions and Answers: National Forest Homeowners & Cabin Coalition 2

2010-08-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

The following Q and A has been compiled by C2:

Questions specific to the CFA Transfer Fee (additional questions for the CFA General Q&A document):

1. What constitutes a “Transfer” under the CFA?

A transfer fee applies when two standard are met, 1) a change of cabin ownership occurs, and 2) a new permit is issued due to a change of permit holder.

2. I recently changed my legal name and will require a new permit issued; is this transaction subject to a Transfer Fee?

No, a change of cabin ownership has not occurred so a transfer fee does not apply. While the transfer fee does not apply for simple name changes, the USFS may charge a reasonable administrative fee to handle this transaction.

3. If we transfer ownership of our cabin into a family trust, will a Transfer Fee apply?

Yes, a transfer fee of $1,000 would apply because a new permit would be re-issued and a transfer of ownership has occurred from your personal estate to the family trust, a separate estate. (discuss & verify this understanding)

4. If beneficiaries of our family trust change in the future, will this be subject to a Transfer Fee?

As a general rule, a transfer fee would be assessed only if the permit holder changes. If the trust beneficiaries other than the permit holder change, the permit is not re-issued, therefore a transfer fee is not assessed. If the permit holder (Trust?) name changes, a permit would be re-issued and a transfer fee of $1,000 would apply. (discuss & verify this understanding)

5. We inherited our cabin from our parents, will a Transfer Fee apply? Y

es, a change of ownership has occurred and a new permit is required, so a transfer fee of $1,000 would be assessed.

6. If we sold our cabin to a family member, would a transfer fee apply?

Yes, a change of cabin ownership has occurred and a new permit is required, so a transfer fee would apply. A fee of $1,000 applies to all transfers, plus an additional surcharge amount is assessed for sale amounts greater than $250,000.

7. When cabin is sold, how will the USFS verify the sales price?

The USFS will determine the final administrative process. We anticipate this process would require the cabin seller to submit a signed affidavit stipulating the cabin sale amount and that the stated sale amount represents the full cabin sales value conveyed, subject to fine or prosecution under federal law. In addition, a proof of sale such as a Bill of Sale, Deed, or Closing Statement with the sales amount listed may be required.

Questions regarding Fractional Cabin Ownership:

The following questions attempt to deal with fractional cabin ownerships. The USFS requires a permit to be held by a single party, which suggests the USFS does not recognize fractional cabin ownership and likely doesn’t want to deal with it. With this in mind, we need the transfer fee administration to remain simple and be closely aligned with this position. The permit holder has full responsibility for the permit terms and conditions, even though there may be extended family or non-family ownership of the cabin. (discuss & verify this position)

8. While I am listed as the permit holder, another family member is a 50% co-owner of our cabin. If the co-owner sold their interest to another party, would this transaction be submit to a Transfer Fee?

No, a new permit is not required because the permit holder did not change in this example.

9. (follow-up to question #8) If, at a later date, I sell my 50% interest in the cabin to another party, would this transaction be subject to a Transfer Fee?

Yes, a change of cabin ownership has occurred and a new permit is issued to in the name of the new permit holder, so a transfer fee would apply.

10. (follow-up to question #9) Is the transfer fee assessed against the sale amount of my 50% interest, or the full sales value of the cabin?

The intent of the CFA is to assess transfer fees against the full sales value of the cabin. In this case, the full sales value could be imputed from the sale amount of your 50% interest. If you sold your 50% interest for $60,000, the imputed full sales value of the cabin would be $120,000. Because this amount falls below the $250,000 threshold, a transfer fee of $1,000 would be assessed. If the imputed full sales value of the cabin exceeded $250,000, a transfer fee surcharge would be assessed, in addition to the base $1,000 transfer fee.

A CRITICAL TIME: CABIN OWNER CONGRESSIONAL COMMUNICATIONS NEEDED NOW

2010-08-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

A message from Peter D. Bailey,
NFH Director & C2 Legislative Contact chair

The next six weeks, including August and early September, 2010, will be a critical time for the Cabin Fee Act (CFA), which has been so strongly supported by cabin owners everywhere as a solution to the excessively high fees resulting from the Cabin Users Fee Fairness Act (CUFFA). Congress will be “in recess” for District and State work periods and most Members of Congress will be home for constituent meetings. Cabin owners will likely have more than one opportunity in August and September to ask their Senators and Representatives to support our cause. If cabin owners cannot meet personally with their Senators and Representatives in their State or District offices or at local events, they should try to meet with their staff or phone, e-mail or write to their local offices.

Following the recess, Congress will reconvene in Washington, D.C., on September 14^th with only sixteen legislative days before the targeted adjournment date of October 8^th so the Members can return home to campaign for the November elections. Although there will likely be a “lame duck” session as long as two or three weeks following the elections, the agenda for that session will be very crowded and the outlook uncertain. This all means that we do not have much time to achieve our legislative goals this year. This is why August and September are so important. We simply do not have much time left to let Congress know how much cabin owners have at stake and how determined we are to achieve our goals: First, to enact the Cabin Fee Act. Second, if that cannot be done this year, to extend the moratorium on cabin fee increases for 2011.

The CFA (H.R. 4888 in the U.S. House of Representatives ) has been well received in Congress and moved at a rapid pace since its introduction in early March, with a successful April 22^nd Hearing by the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests and then, full Natural Resources Committee approval on July 22^nd. Now Congress and cabin owners are awaiting a report on the budget impact of the CFA from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) – a prerequisite for final passage. The necessary letter requesting this CBO analysis was co-signed by Representatives Doc Hastings (R-WA), Jim Costa (D-CA) and Peter DeFazio (D-OR), all of whom should be thanked for that effort. (NOTE: Members of Congress can be told that cabin owners are confident that the CFA can be modified if necessary to accommodate any changes required by the CBO.)

In the meantime, key Senators are being asked to introduce and pass a Senate CFA . If enactment cannot be accomplished in the limited time left for this Congress, then cabin owners will need an extension of the moratorium on cabin fee increases Congress passed last year.

So, following are the main points to be stressed by cabin owners to their Senators and Representatives:

For Senators:

Support introduction and passage of the CFA in the Senate

If necessary, support an extension of the current moratorium on cabin fee increases for 2011

For Representatives

Pass the CFA on the floor of the House

If necessary, support a moratorium extension

ALL Senators and Representatives should be contacted if possible, with the following Members key because of:

(1) Their positions on committees/subcommittees that have vital jurisdiction over the CFA and/or the prospects for a moratorium; and/or

(2) A large number of cabin owners in their State or their Congressional District.

Senators and Representatives who have clearly indicated their support for cabin owners are noted in the following list and should be thanked, while urged to continue that support through final enactment of the CFA into law. The 27 bipartisan cosponsors of the House CFA (H.R. 4888) should be especially thanked. Also to be especially thanked are the cosponsors of the Senate Resolution in 2009 that established the moratorium on cabin fee increases for 2010. The list also includes the Senate and House Democratic leaders , Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who could determine whether the CFA receives floor votes in the respective chambers.

For convenient reference, Senators and Representatives are grouped alphabetically by state.

Abbreviations are:

SA – Senate Appropriations Committee

SIA – Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee

ENR – Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee

PFL – Senate ENR Public Lands and Forests Subcommittee

HA – House Appropriations Committee

HIA – House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee

NR – House Natural Resources Committee

NPFPL – House NR Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands

“Ranking” identifies the top Republican on a committee or subcommittee.

ALASKA

Senators

Lisa Murkowski (R) Ranking, ENR – Member SA

Mark Begich (D)

Representative Don Young (R) NPFPL

ARIZONA

Senators

Jon Kyl (R)

John McCain (R) PLF

Representatives

Gabrielle Giffords (D-8^th District), Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

Raul Grijalva (D-7) Chairman, NPFPL

Jeff Flake (R-6), NPFPL

Ed Pastor (D-4), HIA

CALIFORNIA

Senators

Barbara Boxer (D)

Diane Feinstein (D), Chair, SIA

Representatives

Joe Baca (D-43)

Ken Calvert (R-44), HIA

Lois Capps (D-23), NR

Dennis Cardoza (D-18)

Jim Costa (D-20), NR, Cosponsor, H.R. 4888, Co-signed necessary letter requesting CBO analysis)

Anna Eshoo (D-14), Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

Sam Farr (D-17), HA, Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

Elton Gallegly (R-24), NR

Wally Herger (R-2), Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

Mike Honda (D-15), HA

Duncan Hunter (R-52), Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

Jerry Lewis (R-41), Ranking, HA

Zoe Lofgren (D-16), Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

Tom McClintock (R-4), NR, Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

Jerry McInerney (D-11), Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

George Miller (D-7), NR

Grace Napolitano (D-38), NPFPL

Devin Nunes (R-21), Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

Nancy Pelosi (D-8) , Speaker of the House

George Radanovich (R-19), Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

Adam Schiff (D-29), HA

Jackie Spier (D-12), Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

Mike Thompson (D-1), Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

Lynn Woolsey (D-6), Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

COLORADO

Senators

Michael Bennet (D)

Mark Udall (D), NPFPL

Representatives

Mike Coffman (R-6), NPFPL

Doug Lamborn (R-5), NPFPL

IDAHO

Senators

Michael Crapo (R), Cosponsor, 2009 Moratorium Resolution

James Risch (R) NPFPL, Cosponsor, 2009 Moratorium Resolution

Representatives

Walt Minnick (D-1)

Mike Simpson (R-2), Ranking, HIA, Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

IOWA

Senator Charles Grassley (R), Cosponsor, 2009 Moratorium Resolution

MICHIGAN

Representative

Dale Kildee (D-5), NPFPL

MINNESOTA

Senator Amy Klobuchar (D), Cosponsor, 2009 Moratorium Resolution

Representatives

Collin C. Peterson (D-7) (Chairman, Agriculture Committee) (SPECIAL NOTE: It is possible that the Agriculture Committee could assert jurisdiction over the CFA and insist on a hearing. This would hold up progress on the bill, possibly delaying it until too late. Minnesota cabin owners should ask Chairman Peterson to agree to waive Agriculture Committee jurisdiction over the CFA.)

Michelle Bachmann (R-6)

Keith Ellison (D-5)

John P. Kline, Jr. (R-2)

Betty McCollum (D-4), HA

James Oberstar (D8)

Erik Paulsen (R-3), Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

Tim Walz (R-3)

MONTANA

Senators

Max Baucus (D), Cosponsor, 2009 Moratorium Resolution)

Jon Tester (D) Introduced 2009 Moratorium Resolution, Prime prospect to introduce CFA in Senate

Representative Dennis Rehberg (R), HA, Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

NEVADA

Senators

John Ensign, (R)

Harry Reid (D), Majority Leader of the Senate

Representatives

Shelly Berkley (D-1)

Dean Heller (R-2)

Dina Titus (D-3)

NEW MEXICO

Senators

Jeff Bingaman (D), Chairman, ENR

Tom Udall (D)

Representatives

Ben R. Lujan (D)

Harry Teague (D)

Martin Heinrich (D-1), NPFPL

NORTH CAROLINA

Senators

Richard M. Burr (R), ENR

Kay R. Hagan (D)

Representatives

Virginia Fox (R-5)

David E. Price (D), HA

Heath Shuler (D-11)

NORTH DAKOTA

Senators

Kent Conrad (D)

Byron Dorgan (D), Cosponsor, 2009 Moratorium Resolution

Representative Earl Pomeroy (D)

OREGON

Senators

Jeff Merkley (D)

Ron Wyden (D), Chairman, PLF

Representatives

Earl Blumenauer (D-3)

Peter DeFazio (D-4), NPFPL (co-signed necessary letter requesting CBO analysis)

Kurt Shrader (D-OR)

Greg Walden (R-2), Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

David Wu (OR-1), Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

TENNESSEE

Senators

Lamar Alexander (R), Ranking, SIA

Bob Corker (R), PLF

Representatives

Lincoln Davis (D), HA

John Duncan (R), NPFPL

Zach Wamp (R), HA

UTAH

Senators

Orrin G. Hatch (R)

Robert F. Bennett (R), SIA, PLF

Representatives

Rob Bishop, (R-1), Ranking, NPFPL, Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

Jason Chaffetz (R-3), NR, Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

Jim Matheson (R-2)

VIRGINIA

Representative James P. Moran (D), Chairman, HA

WASHINGTON

Senators

Maria Cantwell (D), PLF

Patty Murray (D)

Representatives

Norman Dicks (D-6), HIA

Doc Hastings (R-4), NR, Introduced and championed H.R. 4888, Lead signer of CBO Letter

Jay Inslee (D-1), NPFPL

Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-5), Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

WISCONSIN

Senator Herb Kohl (D), SIA

Representatives

Tammy Baldwin (D-2), Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

Ron Kind (D-3), NPFPL

WYOMING

Senators

John Barrasso (R), Ranking, PLF, Cosponsor, 2009 Moratorium Resolution

Michael B. Enzi (R)

Representative Cynthia M. Lummis (R-1), NPFPL, Cosponsor, H.R. 4888

HR 4888 passes the Natural Resources committee!

2010-07-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

The following report was provided this morning by Pete Bailey, C2 Chair. C2 is making great progress on the Cabin Fee Act. Read on... Sharon Karr

Greetings,

Other life challenges have not allowed a more timely communication, so if you are a regular visitor to the NFH website you have probably already read the following notice and related blogs regarding the Cabin Fee Act of 2010 (CFA). Though many hurdles remain to be encountered, positive progress continues to be made.

This week, Thursday, July 22^nd, the House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources approved H.R.4888 by unanimous consent. The committee approved bill included revisions to the original bill introduced by Cong. Doc Hastings (R-WA) last March. The National Forest Homeowners and the Cabin Coalition 2 strongly support the revised bill. This action sets the stage for a final floor vote on the bill, pending a positive report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) regarding its budget impact. A positive budget report from the CBO is essential for all legislation. A CBO report is expected within a few weeks. In the meantime, cabin owners are now turning their attention to passing companion legislation in the Senate. The bill is attached for your review.

C2 leadership has provided the CBO with a strong financial evaluation of the fiscal impact of the CFA and CUFFA. We have made every effort to ensure a positive response from them. Though we are very encouraged about the scoring issue, their conclusions will be key going forward. Additional modifications to the fee structure may be needed to address the scoring, however, we believe that those potential changes would be relatively minor overall. So stay tuned.

In the meantime, enjoy your slice of heaven, while sharing your thoughts about and support for the CFA with your cabin neighbors. Your continued moral and financial support remains key in our progress.

Best Wishes to All,

Pete

Peter D. Bailey

NFH Director & C2 Legislative Contact chair

C2 Update from Pete Bailey

2010-07-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

With small, but significant steps, we continue to move the Cabin Fee Act of 2010 (CFA) forward. The work being done by Cong. Doc Hastings’ staff, as well as several other engaged Congressmen, remains instrumental in this process. The ‘mark-up’ of H.R.4888 has been scheduled for this coming Thursday before the House Natural Resources Committee. Cabin Coalition 2 will be sending two of your representatives, Geoff Anderson and myself, to be present for the session and available to answer questions and monitor suggestions and/or proposed changes.

In addition, Congressional office visits are being planned for the two days prior to the Thursday ‘mark-up’. These visits are important because the educational/clarification process with staff continues. We must make every effort to ensure a positive, long-term solution to cabin fees is the outcome. Though the political process is cumbersome and challenging, it can work. The support of cabin owners from across the country has driven our current successes to date. Please stay informed and engaged, and ready to communicate with your state’s delegation in DC.

I’ll try to give a brief update of our Congressional office visits on Tuesday and Wednesday. Of course, we will be reporting on the outcome of the ‘mark-up’ session itself. So check the NFH website blog for the latest news.

Enjoy the summer sunshine!

Pete Bailey
NFH Director & C2 Legislative Contact chair

Attempt to Challenge the Metolius Protection Act of 2009 Emerges

2010-07-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

Alert from Erik Kancler, Executive Director of the Central Oregon LandWatch

One year ago today, Governor Kulongoski signed the Metolius Protection Act of 2009 into law, finalizing a multi-year process to prevent destination resorts and other inappropriate development in the Metolius area and designating more than 400 square miles of land as Oregon’s first-ever Area of Critical Statewide Concern.

One week ago, the first real attempt to challenge the act emerged with a proposal for 15 units of “fishing accommodations” on the Metolius arm of Lake Billy Chinook that not only runs afoul of the legislatively approved management plan for the Metolius, but amounts to a perverse interpretation of land use statutes that would pose new threats for significant rivers throughout the state.

The proposal is for a 15-unit subdivision of privately-owned single family detached homes up to 1,600 square feet in size.

The issue in regards to the Metolius is that the area’s management plan prohibits the approval of developments with greater than 10 residences. Do the single-family dwellings in the proposed development count as residences? If not, then the limitations of the ACSC may be substantially weaker than intended and the potential for new development opportunities in the Metolius area may re-emerge.

The statewide issue is that thus far, “fishing accommodations” (which are a conditional use allowed in forest zones within a quarter mile of Class 1 waters) have been understood to be a single “guest rooms” to be used “for sleeping purposes”. To our knowledge, no one’s ever attempted to call privately-owned detached dwellings with kitchens, bathrooms, etc. “guest rooms.”

If allowed to stand, such a precedent could ultimately lead to hundreds, perhaps thousands of new residences along the Metolius and other Class 1 rivers throughout the state such as the Umpqua, the McKenzie, the John Day, or the Illinois.

As I wrote above, this is Jefferson County’s first real test in regards to how it plans to enforce the requirements of the ACSC at the local level. Staff has recommended approval – provided the cabins are limited further in size and not constructed in riparian areas – but the planning commission has yet to vote. There’s still time for them to do the right thing.

Central Oregon LandWatch and Friends of the Metolius have jointly challenged this proposal and are urging the county to do the right thing. The public record is closed for now, but may be re-opened if the matter as taken up by the County Board of Commissioners. We’ll let you know if there are additional opportunities to comment.

Thanks for your support and stay tuned.

Very Truly Yours,

Erik Kancler
Executive Director, Central Oregon LandWatch

Cabin Coalition 2: Progress Update from Pete Bailey

2010-06-25T06:54:00.000-07:00

Following the many requests you received for grassroots support, that we made this past winter and spring, we felt giving everyone a break was okay. Getting legislative change during this very challenging time requires a long term commitment from us all. This modest break in the action however, did not mean that the Cabin Coalition 2 has been resting on their laurels.

Since the Natural Resources committee hearing in late April, we have gained many new bill sponsors. You can follow the bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-4888. We now have a total of 24 co-sponsors, in addition to our champion Rep. Doc Hastings. The Cabin Fee Act (CFA) is a truly bi-partisan bill as 12 Democrats and 13 Republicans have signed on. Recent grassroots efforts in California have been very successful, with the addition of Reps. Woolsey, Eshoo, Farr, Lofgren, McNerney, Speier and Thompson (all Democrats). Special thanks to all of those folks in the Bay Area that have been engaged!

C2 is working with Mr. Jim Streeter, Minority staff for Natural Resources, and their legal counsel, developing a letter to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) requesting a preliminary evaluation (or scoring) of the revenue impact of the CFA. We seek a neutral scoring that implies no revenue loss to the Treasury from the legislation. We have explained that the FS projections fail to include several market realities, i.e., the decline in the real estate market, the potential loss of cabins (and fee revenue) due to inability to sell given high fees, the 30% lower valuations in second appraisals and the cost savings of eliminating the appraisal process and its inherent headaches. Several documents have been developed and will be attached to the CBO letter supporting our positions. A CBO response may take another few weeks. A July report is expected or hoped for.

We have made a few clarifying recommendations to House Natural Resources that address the transition from CUFFA to the CFA and expanded the review and appeal section of the act. These recommendations could be considered at mark-up. A mark-up session for H.R.4888 (which is held by the full committee, rather than the sub-committee) has not been scheduled, but we are hoping for a July date. The Natural Resources committee may wait for the CBO opinion before committing to a date. So we are in a waiting pattern, with the CBO scoring and the mark-up session both in play.

We have also been active on the Senate side. A draft companion bill has been developed. Key Senators are being approached in hopes of finding a potential bill sponsor, while also further expanding our lobbying and educational efforts. Please anticipate a request from C2 for you to call, email and write your Senators concerning this potential companion bill. Once again, we will need grassroots support from all states and cabin owners everywhere. Our success to date is clearly due to previous support. More will be needed!

Our progress gives us hope of success, however, a moratorium for 2011 fees remains on the table. We expect to more aggressively pursue this possibility early in the fall if any delays in the passage of H.R.4888 occur. Our best bet is for the CFA to be attached to an appropriations bill or omnibus Lands’ bill in the lame duck session late in the fall. So we will remain vigilant concerning the moratorium timing and need.

Remember The National Forest Homeowners website is a great source for information and Cabin Fee Act updates, too. We are found at http://www.nationalforesthomeowners.org/.

Best Wishes as we enter the Cabin Season across the country! Happy Re-Creating!

Pete Bailey, NFH Director and C2 Legislative Contact Committee, Chair

Cabin Coalition 2 Report from Sharon Karr

2010-06-25T06:49:00.000-07:00

Oregon Update – June 24, 2010

C2 continues to work closely with Oregon’s political delegation, asking for their support of the Cabin Fee Act (CFA), H.R. 4888, the legislation replacing the CUFFA appraisal method of setting permit fees. Just this week, another Oregon co-sponsor has signed on, Rep. Wu from Oregon’s 1^st district! This brings the bill’s co-sponsors to 25, already including Rep. Greg Walden. Walden has 756 cabins in Oregon’s 2nd district, many belonging to tracts with the highest appraisals in Oregon such as the Lake of the Woods, Rocky Pt., Odell Lake and Crescent Lake. Although Rep. Wu does not have Forest Service cabins in his district, many cabin owners live in this geographic area extending from the west-side of Portland, to the coast, and south into Yamhill County.

Throughout the spring, meetings have been held by C2 and cabin owners with the staff of Oregon representatives DeFazio, Schrader, Wu, and Blumenauer, along with Senator Merkley’s office. The focus of each meeting is answering their remaining questions, addressing revenue from permit fees and asking for their support. Assisting C2 in Oregon is the firm Ball Janik, thus engaging the support of local lobbyists. Ball Janik’s involvement is beneficial to bringing focus to political meetings by briefing cabin owners on the interests and agenda of politicians and their staff beforehand, helping us address the important issues.

One comment I found particularly interesting in a May meeting with political staff was the staff recommends a second appraisal when cabin owners call in and comment on their high appraisal result. What was not understood by the staff was the second appraisal date is the same as the first appraisal. The staff thought the cabin owner could pick a current date, thus benefiting from the impact of the economic downturn and lower real estate values we’re experiencing across Oregon. Addressing misunderstandings and explaining the long-term benefits of the CFA is an important aspect of these meetings, while emphasizing the affordable continuance of Oregon tracts like Lake of the Woods, Rocky Pt. and McKenzie River where permit fees will exceed $6,000 per year.

Without the letter writing by, and generous support of tracts and cabin owners across Oregon, C2 would not be on the cusp of change. C2 has received donations from many Oregon tracts and individuals, some donating multiple times. Thank you for your continued support.

All Oregon Cabin Lot Appraisals Completed

All appraisal results of typical lots for Oregon tracts are published. The following table summarizes the disparity in results for tracts appraised in 2008 versus the appraisals completed in 2009.^[1] Permit fee revenue projections C2 has obtained from the Forest Service are pre-2009 appraisal completion. It is clear from this table, in Oregon alone, original revenue projections based on 141% average increase per cabin permit was not upheld by the 2009 Mt. Hood appraisal. Thus revenue collected from permit fees will be less than projected by the Forest Service’s early estimates. The importance of this revenue issue is described in Pete Bailey’s national report on the next page.

Appraisal Year	Oregon Tracts	# of Cabins	Average % Increase per Cabin
2008	31 tracts across the state	1117	141%
2009	10 Mt. Hood tracts	553	22%

Enjoy the July 4^th holiday,

Sharon Karr
NFH Treasurer & C2 Representative/Oregon C2 Political Liaison – Diamond Lake Tract

Interpretive Walks

2010-06-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

Summer, 2010

Interpretive Walks

Sponsored by the Friends of the Metolius.

Everyone is encouraged to participate, at no charge.
Children are welcome. Dogs are not really all that appropriate; sorry.
Wear sturdy footwear.
Bring water and sunscreen.

July 3, Saturday. Metolius River Walk - Store to Allingham Bridge. 9:00 to 11:00 AM. Learn about the unique riparian habitat of the Metolius ecosystem, enjoy summer wildflowers, and observe changes to the river to enhance fish habitat on a walk from the Camp Sherman Bridge to Allingham Bridge and back. Meet near the Camp Sherman Bridge fish viewing platform at 9:00 AM - Leaders: Susan and Megan Prince. For information call 541-595-6910.
July 10, Saturday. Suttle Lake - Camp Sherman Trail. 9:00 to noon. Walk 4.5 miles downhill from Suttle Lake to Camp Sherman along the basin’s newest trail. The trail parallels the north fork of Lake Creek through fir, larch, and ponderosa forest and will take you through the northern portion of the Deschutes Land Trust Metolius Preserve. Meet at Black Butte School at 9:00 AM to carpool to Suttle Lake. - Leader: Kent Gill. For information call 541-595-2269
July 17, Saturday. Birds, Butterflies, & Plants along the Metolius. 8:30 to 10:30 AM. Follow the West Metolius River Trail below the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery to the Nature Conservancy site. Observe wildflowers and birds with a knowledgeable and keen observer of the Central Oregon outdoors. Meet at the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery Kiosk at 8:30 AM - Leader: Norma Funai. For information call 541-549-2104.
July 24, Saturday. Metolius River - Store to Riverside Campground. 10:00 to noon. Explore the upper river from the Camp Sherman Bridge to the site of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps camp at the Riverside campground while learning about the natural and human history of the Camp Sherman area. Meet near the Camp Sherman Bridge fish viewing platform at 10:00 AM. - Leader: Scott Blau. For information call 541-595-6439.
July 31, Saturday. Head of Jack Creek. 10:00 to noon. Walk a mile to the magic world of the springs that feed Jack Creek. Our way will take us through a ponderosa forest, along the creek, to a pine plantation, and back through an area charred by the B&B fire. Mostly a flat walk. Meet at the Black Butte School bus barn, west of the Camp Sherman Store at about 10:00 AM to carpool to the trailhead. A trail parking pass or fee is required. - Leader: Kent Gill. For information call 541-595-2269.
August 7, Saturday. Birds, Butterflies, & Plants along the Metolius. 8:30 to 10:30 AM. Follow the West Metolius River Trail below the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery to the Nature Conservancy site. Observe wildflowers and birds with a knowledgeable and keen observer of the Central Oregon outdoors. Meet at the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery Kiosk at 8:30 AM - Leader: Norma Funai. For information call 541-549-2104.
August 14, Saturday. Forest Walk. 10:00 to noon. Walk on an informal trail for about two miles in the area north of the school to observe interesting forest phenomena and specimen plants. Meet at the Black Butte School bus barn at 10:00 AM - Leader: Kent Gill. For information call 541-595-2269
August 21, Saturday. Birds, Butterflies, & Plants along the Metolius. 8:30 to 10:30 AM. Follow the West Metolius River Trail below the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery to the Nature Conservancy site. Observe wildflowers and birds with a knowledgeable and keen observer of the Central Oregon outdoors. Meet at the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery Kiosk at 8:30 AM - Leader: Norma Funai. For information call 541-549-2104.
August 28, Saturday. Metolius River - Store to Riverside Campground. 10:00 to noon. Explore the upper river from the Camp Sherman Bridge to the site of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps camp at the Riverside campground while learning about the natural and human history of the Camp Sherman area. Meet near the Camp Sherman Bridge fish viewing platform at 10:00 AM. - Leader: Mark Dohrmann. For information call 541-595-2150.
September 4, Saturday. Metolius River - Store to Allingham Bridge. 10:00 to noon. Learn about the unique riparian habitat of the Metolius ecosystem, explore early Camp Sherman history, and observe changes to the river to enhance fish habitat on a walk from the Camp Sherman Bridge to Allingham Bridge and back. Meet near the Camp Sherman Bridge fish viewing platform at 9:00 AM - Leader: Scott Blau. For information call 541-595-6439

* FREE FREE Clean up in the Forest Tracts *

2010-06-16T17:43:00.000-07:00

Yes well it's late notice if you didn't see this in the newsletter already but like last year the FIREFREE group has funding to do a pine needles pick up and will make rounds sometime beginning (but not before) June 26th. To participate all you need do is put your needles out at the head of your driveway, near but not IN the main roadway. It takes them several days to get ALL of the tracts, but once your group has it's pickup that's it>...The Forest Service is no longer letting us use the dump site we had used for so many years.

Last year the largest amount of needles ever removed from the tracts was collected. Our properties (and the Forest) are that much safer when we do this. Hope you can work it in...

C2 & Cabin Owners Attend Wyden Hearing ~Message from Sharon Karr~

2010-06-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

June 6th, 2010 at 21:10

Last Friday, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) was in Bend, OR to hold the second hearing on his bill, S. 2895, to overhaul management of Central and Eastern Oregon forests. With him were the Energy and Natural Resources Public Lands and Forests subcommittee, which he chairs, his D.C. and Oregon staff, and Frank Gladics, minority staff member of the subcommittee.

The national forests included in this bill also include eleven cabin tracts with a total of 424 cabins, with fees ranging from $350 to $5,500. The tracts I’ve visited exist in forest conditions where cabins have burned in forest fires and permits were lost when rebuilding wasn’t allowed. The forest conditions need attention and this seemed like an opportunity to hear both sides of the debate and see Senator Wyden at work, perhaps learning a little about his style of chairing a hearing.

When C2 has a companion bill (to H.R. 4888) in the Senate, the hearing will be held before Wyden and this subcommittee. Wyden knew his topic well. His questions and dialog with the 11 witnesses was a no-holds-barred style, demanding answers and when the answer wasn’t forthcoming, asking the witness to get back to him with the information. All sides of the debate were presented, from the timber industry, the conservation and environmentalist movement, and the Native Americans who reside and work within the east-side reservations surrounded by national forests.

What was very interesting to me was the timber industry is divided internally as are the environmentalists. This deeply perplexed Senator Wyden. He asked repeatedly why one timber operator hasn’t spoken with the opposing timber operator; why one conservationist group opposes what other environmental groups support. He wanted everyone at the table to communicate, with one another, with him, and with his staff.

I find a valuable lesson in Wyden’s insisting everyone communicates in all directions. C2 has followed the model of communicating and sharing information since the beginning. Continuing to talk, meet, answer questions and educate the agency and political staffers in a bi-partisan way is to C2’s advantage and will appeal to Wyden.

Thanks to the local cabin owners from Crescent Lake, Diamond Lake and the Metolius who attended the hearing, showing your interest in Senator Wyden’s proposal for central and east-side Oregon forests. By simply signing in as a cabin owner on USFS land lets Wyden, his staff and the committee know cabin owners and C2 are organized, still working and serious about a solution. Although the hearing lasted almost three hours, your time was well spent, using this as an opportunity to let Wyden know cabin owners are united and are vested in the health of the forests and the future of our cabins.

Upcoming Community Events

2010-06-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

MRFHA ANNUAL JULY MEETING
Saturday, July 3rd, 1:00 PM at the Camp Sherman Community Hall. We will nominate a new board member. Board meeting to follow afterward.

FIREFREE PARNERSHIP
The FireFree Partnership will be facilitating another pick up starting June 28th. Be sure your material is placed curbside along the tract road.

ADOPT A RIVER WALK
Sunday, September 6th, 9:00 AM at the Camp Sherman Store. Groups will be designated by Tract. Come enjoy a lovely morning walk while helping to maintain the pristine quality of our beloved Metolius River.

MRFHA ANNUAL PICNIC
Sunday, September 9th, 4 to 5 PM Social; 5-6:30 PM Potluck at the Johnson Cabin near the Head of the Metolius. Bring your cabin guests, a favorite dish, plates and eating utensils. Non-Alcoholic beverages will be provided by MRFHA.

Call to Action: HR 4888 Needs Your Support!

2010-05-05T12:34:00.000-07:00

~To All Oregon Cabin Owners: C2 Update from Pete Bailey~

Greetings All,

We are enthused. The Cabin Fee Act (H.R. 4888) is definitely attracting interest and support in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bipartisan bill, introduced by Congressman Doc Hastings (R-WA), now has 16 cosponsors and received a very positive hearing on April 22nd from the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, chaired by Representative Raul Grijalva (D-AZ). All cabin owners are urged to continue to let their U.S. Representatives know how important this bill is to the future of their cabin ownership and to the continuation of the cabin program as a source of affordable, family recreation. If your Representative is a cosponsor of H.R. 4888 (listed below), please be sure to thank him or her. If not, ask your Representative to become a cosponsor. We will provide updates on future cosponsors.

No comparable legislation has yet been introduced in the U.S. Senate and our supporters there are looking for further progress regarding H.R. 4888 in the House. We urge all cabin owners to continue to ask their Senators to support this bipartisan legislation. They should be asked to support companion legislation in the Senate.

If your Senator is a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests or the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, they should be asked to consider introducing this historic legislation. A list of those members is included below. While primary attention is now being focused on the House, cabin owner leaders and representatives have visited and are keeping in touch with key Senators and their staff to encourage bipartisan legislation in that body. Early introduction of a Senate bill similar to H.R. 4888 will facilitate early action there. We request your help in keeping the Cabin Fee Act "top of mind" for Senators, as well as Representatives.

Thanks for your continuing engagement and support. Let’s keep this moving forward.

Please, tell your Representative to cosponsor and support HR 4888.

Please, tell your Senators to support introduction of identical or similar legislation in the Senate.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES

SUBCOMMITTEE ON PUBLIC LANDS AND FORESTS

Democratic Members:

Ron Wyden, OR, Chairman

Email: http://wyden.senate.gov/contact/

Portland office phone: 503-326-7525 Portland office fax: 503-326-7528

Tim Johnson (SD)

Mary Landrieu (LA)

Maria Cantwell (WA)

Bob Menendez (NJ)

Blanche Lincoln (AR)

Mark Udall (CO)

Jeanne Shaheen (NH)

Jeff Bingaman (NM) (Committee Chairman and ex officio member of all subcommittees)

Republican Members:

John Barrasso (WY) (Ranking Subcommittee Member)

Jim Risch (ID)

John McCain (AZ)

Bob Bennett (UT)

Jeff Sessions (AL)

Bob Corker (TN)

Lisa Murkowski (AK) (Ranking Committee Member and ex officio member of all subcommittees)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES

Democratic Members:

Diane Feinstein (CA), Chair

Robert Byrd, (WV)

Patrick Leahy (VT)

Byron Dorgan (ND)

Barbara Mikulski (MD)

Herb Kohl (WI)

Tim Johnson (SD)

Jack Reed (RI)

Ben Nelson (NE)

Jon Tester (MT)

Daniel Inouye (HI) (Committee Chairman and ex officio member of all subcommittees)

Republican Members:

Lamar Alexander (TN) (Ranking Subcommittee Member)

Thad Cochran (MS) (Ranking Committee Member)

Bob Bennett (UT)

Judd Gregg (NH)

Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)

Susan Collins (ME)

A Message from Peter Bailey ~ NFH Director & C2 Legislative Contact Chair

2010-04-25T21:58:00.000-07:00

It was a full three days in DC, but the results have been very worthwhile! In addition to preparations and a successful Hearing, we made 11 Congressional office visits Thursday afternoon and Friday.

The Hearing was very well attended with 10 Representatives making appearances. This was acknowledged as very positive, as much lower attendance is the norm. Deputy Chief of the Forest Service, Joel Holtrop, was asked hard questions. The audio says it all. All of our written testimonies and an audio of the Hearing can be found at http://republicans.resourcescommittee.house.gov/Calendar/EventSingle.aspx?EventID=181123

A tone of cooperation was heard from the Forest Service in testimony and by personnel attending the meeting. The FS apparently will not oppose the bill, but did raise some issues that will need to be better clarified. We agree these issues need discussion and that mutually beneficial solutions should be sought.

1. Revenue projections, to meet the ‘pay-as-you-go’ concerns of the Congressional Budget Office ( CBO), are the most demanding. Suggestions were made to consider different tier levels and/or percentages per tier. We believe the CFA, as written, addresses these issues already and is comparable and defensible.

2. There is a need to reduce FS administrative costs of the Program going forward. Certainly the adoption of the CFA will be a big step in this direction.

3. A plan to address a transition period before full implementation of a new law will be necessary. Right now fees are being determined from three different appraisal cycles, adding to the need for clarifying discussions about any transition.

4. The FS requested support for studying those cabins situations that are adjacent to and possess characteristics of urban areas.

With the guidance of Congressman Doc Hastings and the Subcommittee, we hope to address these concerns with constructive dialogue over the next few weeks. Any ‘markup’ session in the Committee will be facilitated if cabin owners and the Forest Service are working together to solve problems with mutual understanding.

Additional reports and timely updates will be on the NFH website blog. A special Thank You to Sharon Karr for reporting much of the blow by blow at: http://nationalforesthomeowners.org/leadership/

Though much remains, the forward movement is very encouraging.

Pete

Peter D. Bailey

NFH Director & C2 Legislative Contact chair

253-383-2388 Home Office

253-312-0777 Cell

HR 4888 SubcommitteeHearing

2010-04-25T18:41:00.000-07:00

The subcommittee hearing for HR 4888, the Cabin Fee Act of 2010 or C2, occurred on Thursday, April 22^nd. Sharon Karr was present in Washington, DC. She kindly posted on the NFH website a link to an audio recording and text from Thursday’s hearing. Click on the following link to access either option: http://resourcescommittee.house.gov/index.php?option=com_jcalpro&Itemid=54&extmode=view&extid=347

Sharon also indicated that Congressional members are hearing from cabin owners about the importance of supporting C2. If you would like to write a letter to be included in the public record for HR. 4888, please send it via email to emily.lande@mail.house.gov. United, active voices are imperative to usher this bill to success! Stay tuned for further updates.

A Message from Peter Bailey ~ NFH Director & C2 Legislative Contact Chair

2010-04-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

Email meganprince@me.com to obtain the Problem Overview and Public Benefits of the RRP that will be used as informative pieces for Congressional staff and others. Please read and digest. These papers represents the best effort to date to state the problem simply and comprehensively on just a few pages and tout the public value of the Program. We hope they contribute to everyone’s understanding and appreciation of the Cabin Fee Act of 2010 and why we believe it is the best answer to our cabin fee problems.

A Congressional Hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, April 22nd by the National Parks, Forests and Public Lands subcommittee of the Natural Resources committee. We are sending a six person delegation. At least 3 will be witnesses. Our preparations have been extensive and will continue.

The chair of this subcommittee is Cong. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) and Rob Bishop (R-UT) is the Ranking Member. We expect Bill Co-sponsor, Cong. Jim Costa, to participate. Also, on this subcommittee from cabin states are the following:

Dale E. Kildee, Michigan
Grace F. Napolitano, California
Martin Heinrich, New Mexico
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon
Diana DeGette, Colorado
Ron Kind, Wisconsin
Lois Capps, California
Jay Inslee, Washington
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, South Dakota
Nick J. Rahall, II, West Virginia (ex officio)
Don Young, Alaska
Elton Gallegly, California
John J. Duncan, Jr., Tennessee
Jeff Flake, Arizona
Henry E. Brown, Jr., South Carolina
Bill Shuster, Pennsylvania
Mike Coffman, Colorado
Cynthia M. Lummis, Wyoming
Tom McClintock, California
Doc Hastings, Washington (ex officio)

Action Request: If you are a constituent of their district, please make the effort (once again) to phone, email or fax your Congressperson with the request for their positive support of the Cabin Fee Act and participation in the Hearing. Feel free to include the two documents as well for their review. Grassroots action works and is needed. Please do it today!

In just a few weeks, we will be convening in Reno, NV for the 2010 NFH Convention, April 15-18. We hope that everyone makes the effort to attend during this challenging time. Please review the latest NFH newsletter for details.

Pete

Peter D. Bailey
NFH Director & C2 Legislative Contact chair
253-383-2388 Home Office
253-312-0777 Cell

Call to Action: HR 4888 Needs Your Support, Send Your Message Today!

2010-03-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

The Cabin Fee Act of 2010, HR 4888, is available on the OFHA website by selecting, "Click here to Review HR 4888” at www.oregonforesthomeowners.com

An urgent request has been released for every cabin owner to contact his or her Congressional Delegation. Please see the list of Oregon Senators and Representatives below. If you live out of state, you can locate FAX, email and phone numbers for other offices or other Congressional delegates at: http://www.contactingthecongress.org. Make sure that every representative hears from us, Democrat and Republican alike. Please contact meganprince@me.com to obtain an electronic template to guide your correspondence or devise your own message.

Step 1: FAX, email or even phone your Representative asking them to become a co-sponsor to HR 4888.

Step 2: FAX, email or phone both your Senators asking them to support a companion bill in the Senate.

Senators:

Ron Wyden (D)

Email: http://wyden.senate.gov/contact/

Portland office phone: 503-326-7525

Portland office fax: 503-326-7528

Jeff Merkley (D)

Email: http://merkley.senate.gov/contact/

Portland office phone: 503-326-3386

Portland office fax: 503-326-2900

Representatives:

Peter DeFazio (D)

Email: https://forms.house.gov/defazio/IMA/contact.html

Eugene office phone: 541-465-6732

Eugene office fax: 541-465-6458

Earl Blumenauer (D)

Email: http://blumenauer.house.gov/index.php?option=com_email_form&Itemid=206

Portland office phone: 503-231-2300

Portland office fax: 503-230-5413

David Wu (D)

Email: http://www.house.gov/wu/email.shtml

Portland office phone: 503-422-4003

Portland office fax: 503-326-5066

Kurt Schrader (D)

Email: http://schrader.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=7&sectiontree=47

Salem office phone: 503-588-9100

Salem office fax: 503-588-5517

Greg Walden (R)

Email: http://walden.house.gov/ContactGreg.Home.shtml

Bend office phone: 541-389-4408

Bend office fax: 541-389-4452

Cabin Fee Act of 2010 assigned to the House Committee on Natural Resources as bill HR 4888

2010-03-21T19:36:00.000-07:00

~A Message from Sharon Karr~

HR 4888

Title: To revise the Forest Service Recreation Residence Program as it applies to units of the National Forest System derived from the public domain by implementing a simple, equitable, and predictable procedure for determining cabin user fees, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Rep Hastings, Doc [WA-4] (introduced 3/19/2010) Cosponsors (11)

Latest Major Action: 3/19/2010 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

11 Co-sponsors:

Rep Bishop, Rob [UT-1] - 3/19/2010

Rep Chaffed, Jason [UT-3] - 3/19/2010

Rep Costa, Jim [CA-20] - 3/19/2010

Rep Herger, Wally [CA-2] - 3/19/2010

Rep Lummis, Cynthia M. [WY] - 3/19/2010

Rep McClintock, Tom [CA-4] - 3/19/2010

Rep McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [WA-5] - 3/19/2010

Rep Nunes, Devin [CA-21] - 3/19/2010

Rep Radanovich, George [CA-19] - 3/19/2010

Rep Rehberg, Denny R. [MT] - 3/19/2010

Rep Simpson, Michael K. [ID-2] - 3/19/2010

If you reside in the district of any of these co-sponsors please consider sending an email or fax, thanking them for their support.

We will be asking everyone to re-engage his or her Congressperson. We will need as many additional co-sponsors as possible, with an emphasis on the Democrats. We will be contacting everyone early next week with the C2 plan for soliciting more co-sponsors. Your efforts in your local districts will be the difference in our success or not. Critical mass comes from your involvement.

Thanks for your support.

Sharon Karr

C2 Representative - Diamond Lake

2010 National Forest Homeowners Vote-By-Mail Election ~ Insights by Sharon Karr

2010-03-04T13:50:00.000-08:00

The NFH annual election is in process. The ballot and candidate statements are included with the spring NFH "Call to Convention" newsletter that is arriving in your mailbox this week. There are multiple candidates for each of the NFH positions that are open.

The Pacific Northwest has a strong slate of candidates. I'm requesting that you review the Oregon, Washington and Idaho candidate statements. I have either worked with or reviewed work by each candidate over the past two years on Cabin Coalition 2. I can personally recommend their commitment and steadfastness to NFH and the cabin program. Among the strongest, and a proven and able leader within NFH and C2 is Pete Bailey, candidate for NFH President. Pete deserves your vote.

Oregon cabin owners have not had NFH representation for several years. Oregon is second only to California in the number of cabins within its borders and we need representation. Brad Aspell with life-long roots at Lake of the Woods, is running for a NFH Director position, and myself, Sharon Karr from Diamond Lake, is running for NFH Treasurer. I ask for your support of fellow Oregonians.

I also highly recommend Barry Davis and George Cardinet as exceptional candidates. I believe equal geographic representation is imperative in understanding and addressing the issues before cabin owners nationwide. And don't overlook the Nominating Committee. They locate, meet, interview and bring forward the very candidates I'm asking you to vote for. Again the Pacific Northwest has able leaders up for election to this important committee.

If you have questions for any of the above candidates, I can put you in touch via email or phone. If you have your NFH ballot and do not know your NFH member number, there will be a postcard containing the number in your mailbox within days. Also, your ballot will be counted if it is received by the April 2, 2010 deadline even if you don't have your NFH number. So with or without your member number, VOTE!

Your vote counts and is IMPORTANT!

Sharon Karr
sekarr@asktechwriter.com
C2 Rep. - Diamond Lake tract, Oregon

CUFFA 2 Update (AGAIN)

2010-02-10T17:51:00.000-08:00

Well folks reform takes time, but doing it right is almost always more important than doing it fast. To that end we've received a blurb telling us that the proposal to amend the fee structure and bring it back down to earth is still in the formation stage, but soon to be introduced for discussion in Washington.

There had previously been an announcement from Congressman Doc Hastings that he would be introducing the revised approach to the cabin user fee fairness act. It's advisable that interested parties visit the National Forest Homeowner site to to familiarize themselves with the proposal, rather than be surprised later. We've written about it here a bit and will cover it again (and again) as the 'cement begins to firm up'. You'll find a link to the NFH at this site.

The introduction of the new CFA has not yet taken place, yet. The delay is due in part to concerns about which committee the Bill would be assigned to. Focus has been on the Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Park, Forests and Public Lands. Mr. Jim Streeter, who is working for Cong. Doc Hastings and is the minority Staff Director for the Natural Resources Committee, believes that the bill, as written, would probably be referred instead to the Agriculture Committee and then assigned to a sub-committee that has few members representing cabin states. There is concern that this subcommittee's interest level in our concerns would be less than with the Forests Subcommittee. Therefore, a few slight changes have been made that MAY encourage the House Parliamentarian, who refers all bills to designated committees, to send the CFA to Natural Resources.

None of the substance of the bill will be changed, only that we are suggesting a study to include Bureau of Reclamation cabins and targeting cabins on the Forest Reserves because the Natural Resources Committee has that jurisdiction. These are minor technical and/or temporary revisions to the bill that hopefully will influence the assignment in our favor.

A tentative hearing date was set for February 25. However, with the question about committee assignments and the total shutdown in DC due to record snow and the Congressional recess (just like in grade school) planned for next week, it's likely there will be a change in that date. Regardless, C2 has been pressing ahead with planning and organizing for that hearing date. Testimony is being written, supporting documents are being finalized and organized and potential witnesses are being identified. Our NFH is doing their best to present a clear, concise picture of the problem to Congress and present a solid defensible solution in the CFA.

As we are updated we'll share what news we get here. In the meantime, you can be preparing your next appeal to your Congressmen and women to support and co-sponsor the CFA.

Questions or concerns? The best contacts are either of these hard working folks....

Peter D. Bailey
NFH Director & C2 Legislative Contact chair
253-383-2388 Home Office
253-312-0777 Cell

Aubrey C. King
NFH Washington Representative
11914 Grason Lane
Bowie, MD 20715-4012
O 301.464.8060
F 301.464.5232
C 202.251.6845
aubking@aol.com

Desparately Seeking Sponsors! Cabin Fee Act of 2009

2010-01-06T21:06:00.000-08:00

In the next few weeks, Representative Doc Hastings (R-WA), Ranking Republican on the House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee, will introduce in Congress the Cabin Fee Act (CFA) that has been developed by cabin owners to replace CUFFA and establish a much more equitable and reasonable basis for determining cabin permit fees. We believe the following Representatives, who have many cabin owners in their Districts, should be willing to join Representative Hastings in introducing this historic legislation.

Cabin Owners and your Families, please make every effort to communicate with your Representative (and any others you may know) and urge him or her to join in introducing the Cabin Fee Act.
Your Representative's staff can contact Jim Streeter, Minority Staff Director of the Natural Resources Committee, at 202.226.2311, for information about the new bill and when it will be introduced. As always, let us know about your efforts and what you hear from your Representative.

Though we still have much work to do, let's hope that this is the year that results in a long-term solution to cabin fees. Many continuing thanks to you, your contacts and your communication network for getting us to this point.

In Oregon contact:

Republicans --
Greg Walden
843 E. Maint St. Suite 400
Medford, OR 97504
541 - 776-4646
http://walden.house.gov

Democrats -
Peter DeFazio
405 E. 8th Ave #2030
Eugene OR 97401
(541) 465-6732
http://www.defazio.house.gov/
Washington DC Office:
2134 Rayburn House Office Bldg
Washington DC 20515
(202) 225-6416

Earl Blumenauer
729 NE Oregon St. Suite 115
Portland OR 97232
(503) 231-2300
http://blumenauer.house.gov/
Washington DC Office:
2267 Rayburn House Office Bldg
Washington DC 20515
(202) 225-4811

David Wu
620 SW Main Suite 606
Portland OR 97205
(503) 326-2901
http://www.house.gov/wu/
Washington DC Office:
2338 Rayburn House Office Bldg
Washington DC 20515
(202) 225-0855

Kurt Schrader
112 8th Street
Oregon City, OR 97045
(503) 557-1324
http://schrader.house.gov
Washington DC Office:
1419 Longworth House Office Bldg
Washington DC 20515
(202) 225-5711

Metolius River Basin & Destnation Resorts

2009-12-28T13:19:00.000-08:00

It was brought to our attention that the Jefferson County Commissioners was rumored to be contemplating INCLUDING the two proposed sites in the Metolius River Basin in their mapping of destination resort designations in defiance of the recent 'ban' signed by the Governor of Oregon. No one really knew what this might mean.

NOW comes word that this will NOT happen, but rather the following statement has been issued:

"The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to remove the two contested Metolius Basin sites from the County's Destination Resort Eligibility Map. The Commission directed staff to prepare an ordinance for adoption that provides the Comprehensive Plan basis as well as the necessary zoning standards to regulate any future proposals however no map will be adopted identifying resort eligible sites. This action provides the framework for resort proposals outside of the Metolius Area of Critical State Concern to be reviewed for compliance with state and county requirements in the future. The first reading of the ordinance will be January 13, 2010."
John Skidmore, AICP Planning Director/CDD Manager, Jefferson County

This may finally slam the door on the issue, but can one ever really be sure?

LCDC Public Hearing Notes from 12/3

2009-12-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

Last night's LCDC public hearing in Camp Sherman offered clarification on the proposed changes to the Area of Critical State Concern (ACSC) Management Plan. Three changes are proposed:
1. Implementing a process requirement for changing the management plan in the future.
2. Altering the clustering or row system for the limited development granted to the Ponderosa property east of Green Ridge and north of Black Butte.
3. Clarification of wording regarding average annual water consumption, meant to apply to all usage, which was accidentally ommitted in one area.

On January 21st in Salem, the LCDC will hold a full commission meeting to take action on the proposed changes to the ACSC.

The two (2) areas of land covered under the ACSC Management Plan offer varying degress of protection. The hydrologic area, Area 1, holds the highest degree of protection. Area 1 prohibits large scale development and places a limit on the number of homes (10) and limits the average annual water use, which corresponds directly to the number of dwellings. Area 2 protection is not as stringent, allowing 20 dwellings.

The Poderosa property straddles Areas 1 and 2, entailing approximately 320 acres of land. Small scale development is granted for this property. A hearing to map the 320 acres of Ponderosa land will be held in Camp Sherman Community Hall on December 9th at 6:00 PM.

Two Public Hearings Concerning the Metolius Basin

2009-11-25T14:06:00.000-08:00

Hearing I

Department of Land Conservation & Development

Public Hearing on the Area of Critical State Concern

When: Thursday, December 3rd at 5:30 PM

Where: Camp Sherman Community Hall

The Metolius Protection Act, passed in June, requires the Department of Land Conservation & Development ro establish rules for managing the Area of Critical State Concern. The public hearing is the vessel to listen to public testimony regarding adopting and incorporating terms of the management plan.

Written statements may be submitted electronically to: casaria.r.tuttle@state.or.us.

Hearing II

Do Destination Resorts Still Threaten the Metolius Basin?

Public Hearing on Destination Resort Mapping

When: Wednesday, December 9th at 6:00 PM

Where: Camp Sherman Community Hall

The Jefferson County Commission has intentions to finalize a map of land appropriate for destination resorts in the county. One may ask, "How is this possible?"

Jefferson county is expected to adopt changes in response to issues raised by the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) under the Oregon Supreme Court. Upon the June passing of The Metolius Protection Act, the state Supreme Court reverted the case to the Court of Appeals, which will revert the jurisdiction of the case to Jefferson County.

Oral and written comments will be accepted at the hearing. Written statements may also be sent to: Jefferson County Community Development Department. 85 SE D Street, Madras, Oregon 97741.

Fees Moritorium and it's Impact on Oregon FS Cabin Owners

2009-11-11T11:08:00.001-08:00

Quite a few will be asking 'What does the bill recently passed in Congress temporarily altering cabin fee increases, do for ME?'

This e-mail we received from the Oregon Forest Homeowners attempts to clear it up. Please read the excerpt below:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Sharon Karr [sekarr@asktechwriter.com]
Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 9:32 AM

Subject: C2 Update for Oregon

To all,
Below is the latest information from C2 which may help answer some of the questions I am receiving about the impact of the new moratorium for Oregon permit holders. Although Oregon permit fees are not impacted by the moratorium, it is important that cabin owners understand this is a symbolic victory that included both Senator Wyden and Representative Walden as supporters.

Below Pete Bailey's message, I have copied in another email that describes the fee savings for Lake Owens, Wisconsin, provided by the moratorium. There are a number of cabin owners nationwide that are facing very high fees and the moratorium is a significant solution for the short term while C2 works toward a long-term fix to CUFFA.

Don't forget to check the NFH Blog and the OFHA website to obtain current information on C2 activities. http://nationalforesthomeowners.org/leadership/
http://www.oregonforesthomeowners.com/OFHA%20C2%20Report.html

Thanks,

Sharon Karr
----------------------------------
Begin forwarded message:

From: "Pete Bailey"
Date: November 6, 2009 9:18:16 AM PST
Subject: C2 Update 11.6.09

Greetings C2 State and Regional Coordinators,
Securing the support of Congress for the 2010 Cabin Fee Moratorium was a huge step forward in achieving our overall goal of permit fee reform. Our success was due to the efforts of individuals in every corner of the country. A gracious Thank You to all cabin owners who wrote, called or emailed their Legislators. You made a difference!

Though the moratorium does not fully address the most egregious situations, it does help considerably, but more importantly indicates that Congress recognizes that we have a serious problem that needs to be resolved. The initial Senate version held 2010 fees at the 2009 level, but created a $3.9M offset (reduction) in the Forest Service recreation budget. The House/ Senate conference version that was signed into law capped any potential increase at 25%, reducing the offset by about $1M. The hard budget times in DC clearly impacted our situation. The actual moratorium language follows for your interest.

SEC. 433. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none of the funds made available by this or any other Act may be used by the Secretary of Agriculture to increase a recreation residence user fee for calendar year 2010 by more than 25 percent of the recreation residence user fee applicable to the recreation residence for calendar 2009.

We are not resting with this initial success with Congress, but continue to push forward. Coalition 2 has developed 1) draft legislation language and 2) a summary of the intent of the draft legislation. We have tried to capture the principles and structure of the User Fee/Transfer Fee (UF/TF) idea as proposed. You have informed us that you agree with the UF/TF Proposal, in fact, 92.7% of all those responding to the Sales Data and Appraisal Survey, just completed, support replacing CUFFA with the UF/TF concept. Thanks for this clear affirmation of support. Congress and the Forest Service wanted to know what degree of support existed. Now we can answer their question.

Our Washington Representative, Aubrey King, now is tasked with ‘shopping’ the draft bill in Congress. We are seeking sponsorship for the draft legislation among several likely candidates. They will be approached in the next few weeks. We’ll keep you posted on the results.

Other challenges remain. Once the draft bill is submitted to Congress, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) will be asked to assess the revenue impact of the proposed legislation. We are preparing to defend our assertion that the Proposal is ‘revenue neutral’. This is a key issue if we expect to keep the fee tiers in the affordable range. We also expect negotiations with Congress and the Forest Service to include other issues, e.g., the final percentages and the exact tier assignments with their related fees. Leadership believes that the proposal, as written, fairly addresses these complicated issues. Be assured that leadership will remain fully engaged in this process. The hard work begins now.

Overall support has been great! But, we have not crossed the goal line. Your continued moral and financial support will be required going forward. I ask that you stay informed and engaged as much as your life demands allow.

Pete Bailey, C2 Legislative Contact chair

FYI:
You have all heard me talk about Lake Owens, WI and how they are facing a similar situation as Lake Wenatchee. Here are their fee numbers. The 2009 fee is a one third phase in of their 98 appraisal. Without the moratorium, they would face another big jump in 2010 when their 2008 CUFFA appraisal ($320,000 or a $16,000 annual fee) gets phased in ($9062), 2011 ($12,531) and 2012 ($16,000). The 25% moratorium helps by reducing the 2010 obligation to ($6992), approximately a $2070 savings. These are approximate numbers, as I ignored the IPD-GDP inflator. But, you get the idea...

Pete

Copy of NFH Letter on Cabin Fee Freeze

2009-10-04T13:19:00.000-07:00

The Senate passed the Appropriations bill with an amendment that sets 2010 cabin fees at the 2009 fee level, that is no increase of any kind and no inflationary increase either for any cabin permit, regardless of where in the appraisal/fee cycle they are at or which appraisal cycle is being applied. This includes all cabin permittees. No cabin owners are excluded. Most have paid '09 fees based on their 90's appraisal value, which in many cases includes a 3 year phase in period. Others have paid '09 fees based on their more recent CUFFA appraisal value, which may also include a 3 year phase in period. This may be characterized, by some, as somehow unfair. But, given the complexity of cabin fee implementation across the Nation with many varied permutations, a simple freeze was determined by the Senate as most reasonable. No national database is kept that informs us of which cycle is being applied where, because it is administered locally, rather than regionally or nationally.

The process of moving this bill to final signing is important to understand, too. From an affirmative vote in the Senate, the bill goes to a House/Senate conference committee to work out any differences that may exist. When the committee is in agreement with all language and aspects of the bill, it is returned to both the Senate and House for a final vote. Language is often changed in this committee. It is here that concerns about the use of the term 'levied' will be addressed to be sure that the amendment says what Senator Tester intended as explained above. Contact with the appropriate Congressional staff has already occurred. There is no concern about who the amendment applies to or when. The date you receive your billing should not effect whether this moratorium applies to you or not. After an affirmative vote from both houses, the bill is sent to the President for his signature. We have been told, that because the Appropriations bill is so critical, this process should play out over the next week or so. But, while no major opposition is expected, it’s not done until it’s done.

Setting the moratorium based on 2008 fees was considered. But, the required offset was a much higher hurdle to get over. Let me explain. Because the moratorium eliminates any revenue increase, their is a shortfall based upon the revenue that would have been collected with no moratorium. That is the offset. The Congressional Budget Office determines this number. The offset for the moratorium, as passed by the Senate, is $3.9M. If fees were set back to the 2008 year, the offset would have been, at least, $9M to $10M. Senate passage of a moratorium with such a high offset was considered very unlikely. So the Tester amendment, using 2009 fees, was put forth. To say that the Senate rejected a moratorium based on 2008 fees mischaracterizes the process.

The source of those offset funds was another major concern and not a simple issue in the Senate or for the Forest Service. The $3.9M will come from the approximate $12M increase in the Forest Service Recreation budget. The FS will probably comment about this loss of Recreational funds. So you can see that the likelihood of a $9M+ offset gaining traction was quite miniscule.

This moratorium is meant to provide fee relief for only the next billing cycle (2010) while we pursue a legislative solution to replace the current faulty CUFFA fee determination process. So current appraisals will proceed under CUFFA. You need to remain fully engaged with that process, too. If second appraisals or appeals are in process, stay with them to their conclusion.

Most importantly, the moratorium brings credibility to our issue with members of Congress, the Forest Service, and others which hopefully translates into action to solve this issue once and for all. We are already working on the next steps to achieve legislative change. Congressional staffers in key offices are ready to work with us too.

We are encouraged with the progress. Stay engaged.

Pete Bailey
NFH Director & C2 Leg. Contact chair

URGENT Survey Request!

2009-10-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

Fellow Cabin Owners

Some of you may have already received this request. We apologize for the repeat email. This note is a reprint from one sent by the National Forest Homeowners and forwarded to some by the Oregon Forest Homeowners. This information and other pertinent info can be found at the MRFHA Blog site online http://mrfha.blogspot.com/

ACTION IS VERY IMPORTANT.
There is a limited time for participation in the survey linked below. Please respond to the survey by October 15 if can.

Recent developments require that the NFH expand and improve their knowledge of Cabin Sales and Appraisals in cabin tracts across the country. First, alarming appraisal results continue to be reported from most Forests. Second, our new Fee Proposal, (available by clicking here for the Alternative Fee Model Proposal from the C2 Coalition ), has been introduced to cabin owners, Legislators and Forest Service personnel, as widely as possible. Questions are being asked that this new survey addresses head on. The results will help inform discussions with Congress about our Fee Proposal and the impact of CUFFA on National Forest cabins throughout the country.

YOUR HELP is urgently needed!
Please complete this new Survey today!

This is important! Your contribution to a national database is essential to the future of the Recreation Residence Program. Your answers will help us understand the national appraisal and cabin sales picture better.

The cabin isn't just about us. It is about generations before us and more importantly about the generations to follow, our kids and grandkids. What are you doing to ensure this legacy lives on?

Your contribution is critical.

Reach out to your fellow cabin neighbors. Encourage them and provide them a way to complete this vitally important survey. Print a copy for them to complete and mail in, or suggest they sit down with a family member and complete the survey online. Every Cabin Counts!!! Help us paint this picture!

Survey response deadline of October 15, 2009.
Remember one response per cabin, too.

COMPLETE THE SURVEY ON-LINE OR BY MAIL
NOTE: The survey is by Forest and NOT by tract so select OR-Deschutes as your location

By Internet:

Click here to take the survey online:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=X4tioBYaT21M4GSVjskIJQ_3d_3d

By Mail:

1. Obtain a print version of the survey: available at http://nationalforesthomeowners.org OR use the attached PDF File (same thing)
2. Complete it:
3. Mail it to: NFH Survey, c/o: Meredith Randall, 410 Powers Court Ave, Milton, GA, 30004

Please direct support questions to nfhsurveysupport@cableone.net.
One of our NFH survey specialists will get back to you shortly.

Copyright © 2009 , National Forest Homeowners
Contact Details
Mary Clarke Ver Hoef, NFH Executive Director
1-800-669-9971 / FAX: 916-359-5271

News Updates from the NFH On Cabin Fees

2009-09-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

As a result of work by many including those who have contacted their legislators AND our Cabin Associations the Congress will consider a moratorium on the upcoming fee increases related to the most recent appraisals for a year or until such time as they have had a chance to review the issues related to amending/ changing the CUFFA rules. This is by no means certain and only notice by the Forest Service should be considered final, but its not bad news and gives cabin owners hope that their pleas will get a fair hearing.

In order that the Cabin Coalition 2/NFH is properly armed to carry our message to Congress they ask all cabin owners NATIONWIDE to complete a survey. Please follow the link if you are a cabin Permittee ...
NFH Cabin Survey

CUFFA Review Cabin Coalition 2 with OFHA & NFH Links

2009-09-09T11:54:00.001-07:00

C2 has been extremely busy this summer working toward obtaining a hearing. No new news yet, but we remain hopeful. Important meetings are taking place in California and Oregon this week and next, with Senator Feinstein's staff and Senator Wyden's staff.

The following week, Sept. 23-25, a key group of C2 representatives will return to Washington D.C. to introduce the C2 fee model proposal to the Forest Service and key politicians.

In tandem, we are working on gaining political support for a moratorium to save cabins in peril this next season when high 2010 permit bills become due.

Click to see added recent newspaper articles to the OFHA web site

In these articles the distinction between a lease and a permit were made to the reporters. It seems the news can't quite distinguish between the two.

Calls and emails with your feedback on the C2 fee model proposal, participating in regional Think Tanks and providing support have all been appreciated. It is gratifying how many Oregon cabin owners are engaged and closely watching the C2 efforts, hoping for a resolution to the current CUFFA appraisal situation.

An update of the activities in Washington, D.C. should be emailed to us in late Sept.

Check out the NFH Blog as it contains the latest NFH information.

The Station Fire in southern California has consumed a number of cabins. A sad end to summer for those folks.

VERY LATE NOTICE of IMPORTANT MEETING affecting Cabin Owners and Camp Sherman Property Owners!

2009-09-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

This message is intended as notice for anyone checking this site that might be in Camp Sherman and have an interest in attending an important meeting scheduled by the Jefferson County Commissioners to hear what we guess is a description of some VERY IMPORTANT land use changes they wish to impose on property owners in the Metolius Basin.

We'd have posted this earlier had we known

The meeting is scheduled for 6PM tonight, Sept 2nd, at the Camp Sherman Community Hall.

You may check with the Camp Sherman Store to verify the time has not changed.

PS: After the fact it turns out the Commissioners intended this session as a 'meet and greet' during which they wished to get a flavor of what the Camp Sherman people would like to see in an implementing management plan, following the designation of the Metolius Basin as an "Area of Critical Concern".

More on this meeting in a subsequent article. Check back later.

Clarification on Newsletter Article!

2009-08-11T10:12:00.000-07:00

Recently we published the MRFHA August/Sept Newsletter and in it an article entitled "MRFHA Membership Unraveled". Unfortunately the article was NOT factual, misstating the conditions for membership in the Cabin Owners Association and who could vote. What the article SHOULD have said is...

Regular membership includes persons who meet the following conditions: they hold special use permits, or are cabin co-owners and/or are family members of permittees or co-owners . . . and . . . have paid all dues.

Associate members are those who have been designated as such by a majority vote of the board of directors and have paid the annual dues. (Currently there are none)

Other member classes may be determined by the board. (Currently there are none)

MRFHA Bylaws do not allow proxy voting. To have a vote a member must be present when a vote is called. Therefore, by way of an example, a family member, friend or cabin co-owner who is present at a meeting but NOT a member of the association may NOT vote when a vote has been called for.

Having said all this our practice regarding a these issues has always attempted to follow the intent of the by-laws.

Comming Events!

2009-07-23T16:48:00.000-07:00

Several Events coming on the river that you won't want to miss include:

1. The pancake breakfast on Sunday the 6th, at th4e Camp Sherman Community Hall.
This year the event is sponsored by the Camp Sherman Historical Society. Hours are 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

2. The Camp Sherman Historical Society is sponsoring the showing of a Luther Metke video and an ice cream social on Saturday, August 15 at 6:45 PM at the Community Hall. A 27-minute documentary was produced several years ago about pioneer Camp Sherman log home builder Luther Metke. It was nominated for an Academy Award. The maker of the video will be there to talk about its production and relate stories of working with Luther. A small donation is requested.

Hope you can make one or both!

Eradication of Non-Native Plants

2009-07-20T17:58:00.000-07:00

**Feedback Opportunity Ends August 10**

The Forest Service has developed a plan to control existing infestations of invasive plants. A Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) has been issued suggesting three (3) potential courses of action and disclosing the expected environmental consequences of the plan.

The three alternatives analyzed in this DSEIS are:

1. A No-Action Alternative.

2. The Proposed Action, prescribing a combination of herbicides with mechanical, manual, and cultural control methods.

3. An alternative designed in the same manner as the Proposed Action, with an emphasis on reducing the risk of herbicides entering the water.

Comments will be accepted by various means:

Electronically to comments-pacificnorthwest-deschutes@fs.fed.us. Electronic comments will only be accepted at this e-mail address, and may be part of the e-mail or in an attachment using only Microsoft Word, rich text format, or Adobe PDF. The subject line must read, Invasive Plant Treatment Project.

Phone: 541-383-4769

Fax: 541-383-5531

Written comments may be mailed to:

Deschutes National Forest Headquarters

1001 SW Emkay Drive, Bend, OR 97702.

·Please identify the comment with the Invasive Plant Treatment Project.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/invasiveplant-eis/site-specific/DES/info/DSEIS/

Or, contact Beth Peer at 541-383-4769.

Nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity

'Wood in the Stream'

2009-07-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

The Forest Service Fish Biologist, Mike R. confirms the FS intention to place large logs & trees in the Upper River of the Metolius near Riverside Campgrounds this September...'before the Kokanee arrive to spawn'. This effort is part of the fish habitat restoration project in the hope of creating a stronger fishery and making the river more inviting for the return of native fish species long since absent. Much has already been done down stream as part of the project.

We plan to photograph it now in its present state and AFTER, in what the Forest Service calls 'it's more natural state'. We hope to publish those photos so all can judge. We expect they'll do a good job.

The upper river is magnificent in its view towards the headwaters with Black Butte in the distance. We can all hope the new view doesn't suffer.

So What's New With You?

2009-07-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

So...what are YOU doing with your 'summer vacation', such as it is? And are you getting to the River anytime soon? We certainly HOPE so. It's been a marvelous summer so far.

And what's happened since we last wrote here? Oh, not much...unless you count:

1. Permits Reissued
2. Lot Appraisals done and new Permit fees set for 2011
3. CUFFA challenges accelerating, in an attempt to make the FAIRNESS part work
4. Metolius Basin protected by an act of (State) Congress as Governor signs law
5. More yard debris picked up (at your driveway) that EVER before at no new cost
6. Trees in Metolius for fish habitat program advances, working its way toward Tract C
7. MRFHA Annual meeting was held, and well attended considering it was on July 4th.
8. Forest Service struggles to adopt workable procedures for Trusts to hold Permits
9. Black Butte, North East Side, lightening fire burns over 550 acres, though only a modest threat to the Basin at any time
10. People return to the River to enjoy and recreate with families and friends

Ok, there was lots more that has happened, but that's a good thumb nail. Check here at this blog regularly to get breaking news updates of consequence to cabin owners on the Metolius.

If you need to know more about any issue listed here, or have a general question about the Metolius and the MRFHA Cabins contact us at info@mrfha.org

* Danger Danger Will Robinson! *

2009-06-10T20:40:00.000-07:00

Some important news for viewers who raft the Metolius!

Please see the map showing the location of a log that is spanning the Metolius River adjacent to Candle Creek campground and a picture of access from the campground. The water is very swift in this section and the log is not visable until you are almost on top of it. In addition the log is easy to access from the campground side and might be considered an Attractive nuisance.

Michael Riehle, Fishery Biologist, Sisters Ranger District
PO Box 249, Sisters, OR 97759, email: mriehle@fs.fed.us
Phone (541)549-7702

Beware your New Permit Language!

2009-06-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

The Oregon Forest Homeowners have alerted us and now we alert all of you...READ your new permit, and compare it to your old one ... See below the parsed e-mail message from OFHA; then and do the right thing to protect yourself.

"Hey, when did cabin ownership get so COMPLICATED?"
Answer: "It's a twenty year Permit Renewal thing!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> To all Oregon Tract boards,
>
> A couple of calls have come from tract representatives concerning the new phrases and terminology included in our new permits. As a reminder, OFHA and NFH recommend the following action concerning your new permit.
>
> 1. Compare your old permit to the new permit. Look for differences, errors and omissions. (For example, our cabin has suddenly gained an outhouse. It appeared on our compliance inspection last summer and I was instructed to tear it down and now it is on our new permit. It wasn't on our old permit nor on any inspection in the years prior to last year.) Now is the time to fix errors.

> 2. Read the permit information on the NFH web site: http://www.nationalforesthomeowners.org/ on the left side of the home page, below "News Flash", click on "Reserving Your Rights." The information from NFH is thorough and should be understood by each permit holder before signing and returning your permit. This information will help you protect your rights as a permit holder. The web site also addresses what to do if you have already signed and returned your permit and paid your permit fee.
>
> Sharon Karr
> OFHA C2 Rep.
> O: 541.549.8592
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

More on Cabin Coalition 2 - CUFFA Revisited

2009-05-11T15:53:00.000-07:00

The National Forest Homeowners Association has on their website info about two possible ways of amending CUFFA to add the fairness in and get cabin fees under control. We recommend you visit that site, let the folks there know what you think and let us know too, while you're at it.

Either option would change the current appraisal model. You WANT to know this stuff.

Visit the site by clicking NFH

Metolius and the Great Resort Ban Debate!

2009-04-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

Many ask us for updates all the time on the efforts to ban new Destination Resorts in the Metolius Basin. We are including two links to Bend Bulletin articles on the subject for those interested; Note: these links will only be operable for as long as the Bend Bulletin chooses to maintain them:

Bend Bulletin Article 4-22-2008

Bend Bulletin Article 4-23-2008

Ok so we got Appraised....NOW what?

2009-04-10T18:32:00.000-07:00

Getting asked quite a bit by permit holders in the MRFHA Tracts what we might recommend about the recent lot appraisals. If you could see me shrug my shoulders I suppose that isn't much help, huh?

Most of us don't really understand the whole fee appraisal process to begin with. When it's explained most of us can just feel our eyes glaze over after a minute or so and everything after that sounds a lot like 'Blah, blah...blah'.

The story out of the nutshell is that 6 lots were chosen by our association to represent the 108 cabins. Those 6 lots were appraised by a FS selected contractor as though they were for sale 'fee simple' lots in the private world, WITHOUT improvements or buildings and with similar features/value as OUR lots would be as bare land; a value is estimated that a reasonable person in 'current' market conditions would pay to BUY the lot(s). Then 'appropriate' adjustments are made and a value is recommended to the FS. This appraised value establishes out BASE FEE (appraised lot value times 5%) beginning in 2011; that fee will be escalated each year after, most likely upward.

So...is your lot worth the appraised value? No? Yes? Maybe? It IS tough for the lay person to tell. But, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT to request in writing a full copy of your lot appraisal. Contact Jeff Sims right away.

DO THIS TODAY The clock is running for you to get this document.

Only after you've read the appraisal and reviewed the comparable sales can you have a PRAYER to judge if you lot was appraised high or not. You have 60 days from the date of the announced appraisal results to let the FS know if you intend to contest the appraisal.

For a more thorough understanding of your rights reread your note that came with the announcement. We'll try to have a notice out here within another 20 days reviewing what folks can expect should they go the route of challenging the appraisal.

Cabin Coalition 2 Update..and why you should care!

2009-04-06T08:27:00.001-07:00

Folks who keep telling us that they can't BARE the changes coming in fees by 2011 sould be following and participating in the process known as Cabin Coalition 2.

Below is a link to the OFHA site with various sublinks to more information. Below the link is a verbatim article written by those who recently went to Washington DC to lobby on behalf of rethinking the cabin fee calculation methods to make them fair and affordable to more than just the very wealthy. Yes, all this is THAT important, so if you hold a cabin permit, even on another forest, read this stuff and follow your heart!

Important Cabin Coalition Link(s): OFHA

Letter/Update on Cabin Coalition efforts reprinted for our readers here:

"In an effort to keep you apprised, those of us who went wanted to let you know the trip to Washington DC this week on behalf of cabin owners nationwide was a success and to report a few key facts along with conclusions from the journey. We went with two goals in mind: first to drive home the point that CUFFA is irretrievably broken and fees are starting to cause some families to abandon their cabins over high fees and second to float our ideas about the final two solution sets that are being considered while listening for advice about how to proceed. Naturally we were attuned to any messages that might have suggested we were wasting our time or that cabin permit fees were not on anyone's radar screen, but we did not hear that feedback from anyone.

To begin, a brief description of the trip follows. There were six of us plus lobbyist Aubrey King: Geoff Anderson, President of NFH, Mary Clarke Ver Hoef, ED of NFH, Sharon Karr, Secretary of Oregon Forest Homeowners, Pete Bailey, NFH Board member and his wife Barb Bailey, co-president with Pete of the Quinault Cabin Association, and Dick Almy, C2 member and Lake Wenatchee Summer Home Association. This meant there were two from California, one from Oregon and three from Washington. We had meetings all day Monday, all day Tuesday and 1/2 day Wednesday. Dick could not be gone the full time, so he left late afternoon Tuesday to return home.

Monday opened with a breakfast meeting with former Under Secretary Mark Rey (he was the one who issued the administrative moratorium on fee increases for 2009 that was later reversed by the new Agriculture Secretary). Mr. Rey remains sympathetic and offered several thoughts about dealing with the Forest Service. This was followed immediately by a 2 hour meeting with the Forest Service, including Joel Holtrop, Deputy Chief, Gloria Manning, Associate Deputy Chief and two others including a Legislative Affairs staffer. That meeting went about as expected, meaning we were received politely and our concerns were accepted mostly without comment or enthusiasm. We left having made only one visible impact on the attendees over the issue of the significant language changes to the permit that the FS seems to be totally unaware that permittees were not advised was pending. Our comments took the Forest Service aback because it was clear they did not know this feedback loop had not occurred. They promised to look into how and why that happened, but did not actually agree to revisit the changes even though that is exactly what we asked them to do. Otherwise the only other meaningful outcome was that we also tasked the Forest Service with determining if it would be possible for them to issue an administrative stay on implementing the fee increases for 2009 if a permittee were to file an appeal over the fee amount. Joel Holtrop agreed to have his people look into that possibility, but he was very clear that the Forest Service is of the opinion they have no choice but to implement CUFFA as they interpret it. This means that, even if it is possible to secure an administrative stay on the fee increase if there is an appeal of the fee, unless there is a change in the law, all other fee increases are going into effect. The Forest Service never made it clear when they plan to send the rest of the 2009 fee invoices out. Some parts of the country have received their invoice weeks ago. Therefore, we have no guidance about when others could receive their 2009 fee invoices.

In the afternoon of Monday we met with legislative staffers for a) Senior Majority Counsel (David Brooks) and Majority Counsel (Scott Miller) for Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Public Lands and Forests Subcommittee, b) Senator Jon Tester, MT (who has been very helpful thus far) c) Senator Maria Cantwell, WA (who has also been very helpful), d) Senator Jim Risch, ID (freshman, but we think inclined to help as his Legislative Assistant was very receptive, used to be on Senator Larry Craig's staff and so knows cabin issues very well) and e) Senator Ron Wyden, OR (Wyden remains a key figure for us because he is the Chair of the Public Lands and Forest Subcommittee and it is in this committee that Coalition 2 believes the first hearing would occur if we can get enough steam built to move forward on a change in the law). All these meetings went relatively well. We pushed for a hearing and in very general terms outlined the two key methods being discussed: first, the appraisal approach that would explicitly value all permit restrictions and limitations before applying a multiplier (call this modified CUFFA) and second, a non-appraisal method that would pair a fixed base fee of some kind with a transfer fee if and when a cabin is sold. We have more work to do on both of these concepts, but both were received with interest by the staff folks we spoke to.

Tuesday meetings included legislative staffers for a) Senator John Barrasso, WY (another significant supporter of cabin owners), b) Senator Diane Feinstein (who is at least as important to the future course of change as Senator Wyden; her staffers asked great questions and gave us some homework to do) c) Representative Jim Costa, CA (Chair of Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources; d) Representative Devin Nunes, CA, who is also a supporter of the program and who's Legislative Director knows about as much about our issues as any staffer we met and who said "just tell us what you want us to do and we will do it") e) Representative Mike Simpson, ID (his Legislative Director is also a major supporter and the Congressman himself is no fan of the USFS). The only actual member of Congress we met was Representative Norm Dicks who met with us for 15 intense minutes and who knows little about the program or the issues, but who concluded the meeting by standing and saying to his staffers in attendance, "Lets see if we can help these people". The final Tuesday meeting was with Frank Gladics, (Minority Professional Staff Member, Senate Public Lands and Forest Subcommittee - Note: this is the same subcommittee as David Brooks and Scott Miller are counsel too for the Democrats).

Wednesday included meetings with staffers for a) Representative Tom McClintock, CA who made a welcome personal appearance half way through our meeting (Member of House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands), b) Doc Hastings, WA (Ranking Minority member of House Natural Resources Committee) and c) Senator Lamar Alexander, TN (Ranking Minority member, Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee; note - there are cabins in Tennessee and some of the permittees are really getting engaged with issues for the first time so Alexander may prove to be important too). The group also dropped by unannounced to see Misty McGowan, of Senator Crapo's staff, ID on Wednesday. We were received warmly and assured that Senator Crapo is also on board.

As you can see this was a full agenda and we made the rounds as efficiently and with as much energy as we could muster. All of us honed the ability to provide the 30-second sound bite to make certain points or to transmit important information and we believe that we reinforced the support that already existed for cabins and expanded it somewhat too. We were taken seriously (or at appeared to be!) by everyone even as Congress is being overwhelmed by economic issues. Having said that, we were told in no uncertain terms that we still have a LOT of work to do and that the legislative fix will take time and a favorable outcome is not certain. Still we were encouraged to keep working towards a hearing (first in the Senate - in Wyden's Public Lands and Forest Subcommittee - and then probably in the House). We were advised to keep both sides of the aisle involved and to work parallel between both houses of Congress lest we find irreconcilable differences at the end that become a problem. The central tendency for timing seems to be a Senate hearing late May or this summer, followed by the House later in the summer, with draft legislation being drafted into the summer and fall once there is clarity over our desire to push either the appraisal-based methodology or the non-appraisal method or some hybrid. More trips to Washington DC will be required.

Conclusions we have reached:
1. We need to resolve our final strategy with respect to which fee-setting approach to push hardest and to develop a timeline for all that has to happen, chose participants for hearings and arm them with data and statements, to create new legislation and manage that through Aubrey King.

2. NFH/Coalition 2 Washington Representative (aka Lobbyist) person Aubrey King is more important than ever to the success of our endeavors.

3. Remaining work is substantial and will eat-up the rest of 2009, it will likely be 2010 before we can legislative relief if it happens at all.

4. It is critical we stay in touch with Congressional staffers and keep them up to date on our thinking and our activities.

5. If we are to get a legislative fix, it will be because the DEMOCRATS want it to happen (notably Wyden and Feinstein). We heard repeatedly that the minority Republicans believe they have pushed as hard as they can already.

6. We will not have the FS on our side as we pursue a legislative fix. The best we can hope for is that they are not active opponents.

7. The results of the Economic Impact Study will be critical to our success (we discussed preliminary results in every meeting and, without exception, staffers were interested and tuned-in).

8. Near term help on 2009 fees will not be forthcoming from Congress.

9. Our only remaining hope for deferring the implementation of 2009 CUFFA-mandated fees is the slim reed of asking the FS for an administrative stay for those permittees who appeal the new fees on the grounds of inability to pay. There is no assurance they will provide such a stay, but the FS did seem interested in at least determining if they thought they could legally do it.

10. We need to continue to raise money for legal fees, trips to Congress and to pay costs of Coalition 2.

By comparison this trip was more productive than a similar trip in 2002. We had more and better meetings this time and our message was more complete and focused. If you read this report and are depressed by its tone and all the cautions included, also know that we came home more optimistic than when we left. The group really does believe there is enough interest in our plight and a genuine interest in keeping the Recreation Residence Program going because of all the good it does, that if we remain persistent and united we can reach the holy grail of a permanent fix to fee-setting that will allow the vast majority of families to retain their cabins. We have a lot of work to do, but we think it can be done.

Finally, as we stay "top of mind" by writing letters and e-mails to Congress, please ask for a hearing followed by legislation. Our suggestion is to work a few family-oriented themes into your e-mails too. We did not tell 107-year old Gretchen Minard's Lake Wenatchee family story to everyone we met, but when we did her longevity and risk of cabin loss attracted immediate interest and concern. Also know that FS Chief Gail Kimball has a personal hot-button: "reconnecting kids to the natural world" by getting youth into the forests. If you have anecdotes that prove your cabin is a tool to kindle this reconnection, write them and send this information on to your Senators and Congressmen.

Hopefully if you are still reading you have a better appreciation of what we tried to achieve by going to Washington DC and how we did moving toward those goals. Stay-tuned, each of you will remain important to the cause at the appropriate time.

Regards,

Dick Almy, Geoff Anderson, Pete & Barb Bailey, Mary Clarke Ver Hoef and Sharon Karr"

Mad as HELL? ... Not gonna take it ANY MORE?

2009-03-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

If you are a MRFHA cabin owner and you just got your lot appraisal/fee notice for 2011 and you're THRILLED about it there's no reason you'll wanna read this post. But if it makes you want to sell or scream...or something....well...here is something you can do. Oh, don't tell us you already did this once. Hey, if you didn't get the response you wanted obviously ONCE was not enough.

Visit the NFHA Site and read about 'Cabin Coalition 2'...and stay informed. There may be something we can do to make cabin ownership affordable again.

Survey participants needed! Read this post!

2009-03-23T17:11:00.000-07:00

The National Forest Homeowners Assoc is doing an important survey and your participation is very VERY important. Data is being gathered regarding CUFFA rules and the Cabin Coalition's efforts to alter the rules to comply with their intent...and to NOT push cabin owners out with crazy exorbitant fees that miss the intention of the program altogether.

If you are a cabin permittee please take a second and follow this link to complete the survey on line...
NFH Cabin OWNERS Survey

Thank you...you'll be glad you took the time.

New Appraisal results starting to arrive....

2009-03-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

Some members are beginning to report they are receiving results of the latest lot appraisals conducted in 2008 on the Metolius Cabin tracts. If you got yours we'd like to hear from you. Be sure to include the appraisal amount and your Tract and Lot # and lets us know if you are expecting us to contact you.

At least ONE member in Tract O received notice that the market value of their leased lot is $90,000. The past value 10 years ago was 55,000. Since that was the HIGHEST value 10 years ago we'd expect that 90k is the highest we'll see. That'd be a 63% increase over the last appraisal.

A $90,000 value brings a $4,500 annual permit fee in 2011, when the new fees are expected to go into affect, assuming CUFFA law isn't altered. That's about $1,300 MORE than was JUST billed in 2009, about a 36% increase.

If you aren't happy with your fees then you had better explore what you can do to support the national group looking to apply pressure to re-examine the fairness of the Cabin Fee Fairness Act. We can help put you in touch with those folks if you Email us at info@mrfha.org

Update on Fees - There seems to be NO end to it!

2009-02-18T08:14:00.000-08:00

The FS has notified us that

Despite the Under Secretary of the Interior's direction to charge 2008 fees plus 2%
Despite all the Press saying we homeowners are 'cutting a fat hog', because fees aren't being implemented per CUFFA
Despite the fact the the FS has already collected fees at CUFFA rates from most (if not all) of us

The FS NOW maintains that there was 'inefficient authority' to charge anything LESS that what CUFFA provides for; thus, our fees as billed and paid stand...at least for the time being.

The matter will be referred to the NFH Association for guidance. So if you are a periodic reader of this site AND a permit holder, stay tuned and keep reading this blog. We'll post any chages when we're made aware of 'em.

So what's NEW?

2009-02-09T14:23:00.000-08:00

Well, what's NEW is that the OLD battle for the right(s) to build Destination Resorts in the greater Metolius Basin goes on and on, ad nauseum. People are lining up, taking sides, making friends (and enemies) on this hotly contested issue. Even the Governor seems to finally be waking up to the issue and making plans for action. It's just hard to tell from those plans which side of the issue (and of the Basin) he is on.

Just a clue: It's NOT about Betsy Johnson..or the Johnson Family Trust or any of that diversionary stuff. It IS about water, property rights, public interests and truth, justice and the American way. Stay tuned. Or contact your legislators if you want to know REAL confusion on the issue.

One click-able source of information (and hey, ALL sources have a bias, so don't beat me up) is Save the Metolius

Another on the other side of the issue might be The Metolian

Or, if you like fantasy, anything written by the Bend Bulletin but ESPECIALLY this piece :Metolius basin may become off-limits

Bottom line? Form your own opinion(s) and let them be heard. This is an issue that WILL impact the users of the Metolius, even if we can't all agree on just how.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Something OLD in the news department would be the lack of clear direction on the over-billing - over payment of lease fees for most if not virtually ALL of the Metolius tract. We wait...but we don't LIKE it. Good thing for the FS that interest rates are so low.

...

HOT OFF THE PRESSES from the NFH

2009-01-11T12:26:00.000-08:00

"It is now official: the Department of Agriculture, at the request of Congress, has ordered the Forest Service to temporarily suspend the increase in 2009 fees.

On January 5th, 2009, the Secretary of Agriculture sent the Chief of the Forest Service a directive that cabin owner fees due in 2009 are to be the same as the 2008 fees, with a 2% inflation adjustment. The Washington Office is now working on a directive to this effect to send to all the regions.

The directive will clearly state that this action is being taken in expectation of Congressional action in 2009 to revisit and revise/reform/replace the Cabin Users Fee Fairness Act (CUFFA).

If Congress does not take action regarding CUFFA in the next twelve months, the 2009 fee increases are to be collected retroactively by the FS.

In response to the question, Undersecretary of Agriculture Mark Rey said that any cabin owner who has already received a 2009 fee bill should ignore it and wait for a new fee in accord with this policy.

We still do not know what will happen to those whose fees were set to go down. As to those who have already paid their fees, we anticipate they will probably get a credit. The prospect of a refund in the current economic environment is unlikely unless Congress directs it in new legislation.

Those whose fees were scheduled to go up were to be billed on the basis of appraisals that were performed before CUFFA became effective.

As we understand it, no fees based on appraisals performed post-CUFFA were set to go into effect in 2009. Unless Congress fixes the fee setting issue, those fees will be implemented in the billing cycle that falls after one year has elapsed from the acceptance of the appraisal. So many could see fee rises in 2010 without the help of Congress. "

Fees 'Rolled Back'

2009-01-09T17:04:00.000-08:00

With NO announcement or notification from the Forest Service and AFTER the 2009 Fees had been billed at the NEW rate (an 85% increase for the Metolius Tracts) our research tells us that 2009 fees will be 2008 level, plus 2%. That would seem to mean that lot permittees who payed the billing they got in mid December are due a return for over-payment.

Can all this be right? As of this writing we are a little confused ourselves. Aubrey King, NFH association representative in Washington, DC tells us he checked and the correct rate, FOR NOW anyway, should be 2008 rate plus 2%. We'll be verifying this soon with the Sisters Ranger District and post a followup for if it IS correct the FS owes some folks some money (plus interest).

'...Curiouser and curiouser....'

New Fees...

2008-12-22T16:15:00.000-08:00

All the Metolius Cabins have their new fee by now and it's a bit of a hefty boost. We'd expected it, and dreaded it...but here it is.

The FS is just following procedure....and the rules of CUFFA set the formula for fees, so we're sort of stuck with it unless the rules can be changed. You're encouraged to support the CUFFA II group which seeks to modify CUFFA rules. If you need to know more visit the NFH link at this site or at the www.mrfha.org site for the NFH link.

And be prepared. It's gonna get worse...probably by 2011...That's when the NEW appraisals that just were done go into affect.

Permits ISSUED!

2008-12-07T12:30:00.000-08:00

If you are a permitee on the Metolius you should have just revceived your 20 year Permit renewal. For god's sake read it right away and read it carefully! If you see anything that gives you trouble and you want the MRFHA Board to know about it send us an e-mail or call 503-530-6623 and ask for Mark.

This is the most important thing you've done about your cabin in the last 20 years so give it the importance it deserves. No surprises is OUR motto.

New Design Guidelines

2008-10-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

The Forest Service, in an effort to keep the HISTORIC look and feel of cabins on/in the Deschutes National Forest, Camp Sherman AND the Metolius Cabins, have initiated a new set of rules they are calling guidelines. It would be wise for every permitee cabin owner in the Deschutes National Forest to know these rules; the size, lot location and exterior appearance are all GREATLY impacted. Hey, you've been warned.

Announcing the MRFHA Website

2008-09-20T12:14:00.000-07:00

The Metolius River Forest Homeowners Assoc has been working these past years towards having a Internet presence and we finally launched our 'primitive' first formal attempt Sept 2008.

Over time we'll use BOTH this Blog site AND the Website as a means of staying in touch with out members and their guests. The Metolius and Camp Sherman, OR are magical and if you've been there you know why anyone would crave news of what is going on there.

Annual Meeting July 5th at 1PM

2008-06-03T16:36:00.000-07:00

The MRFHA annual meeting will be Saturday, July 5^th 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM, at the Camp Sherman Community Hall. Don Ratliff, senior fish biologist for PGE, will make a presentation, regarding fish restoration efforts and activities at Round Butte dam and the headwaters.

Additionally, Michael Riehle, Fishery Biologist, Sisters Ranger District, will speak (Article in this issue)

Jeff Sims will also be there to discuss permit renewals and the lot appraisal process, amongst other matters.

Finally, Oregon Senator Ben Westlund is expected to join us to discuss LUBA's recent decision and where the issue on destination resort development in the Metolius River area stands. Senator Westlund is a candidate for State Treasurer; historically State Treasurers have been effective in protecting special and unique places.

Call to LOT Appraisals Meeting!!!!

2008-06-03T16:21:00.000-07:00

The MRFHA Lot Appraisals will occur as requirred every 10 years, on July 13th 2008.

At 10 AM to Noon on July 12th at The Deschutes Forest Supervisor's Office, 1001 SW Emkay, Bend, the appraiser will meet with cabin, and discuss the process and answer questions. We encourage lot Permit holders on the Metolius River to attend this important meeting if at all able! Make sure the appraiser understands that, as a minimum:

There is a public right-of-way between our lots and the Metolius, which effectively defines the lots as NOT River-Side Lots...Extremely important!
Major market impacts have reduced values on lots in Jefferson and Deschutes Counties, which the market as recognized as 'Over-Valued' and these drops MAY not be reflected in any sales used as comps expect the very recent ones within the last 4-6 months.
Though the forest service directs the comps be of bare lots at FAIR MARKET VALUE the FS lots have restrictions that greatly reduce the lot 'fair market value' and these restrictions vary from Forest to Forest; thus it is appropriate and reasonable that the restrictions on Metolius permits must at least be understood by the appraiser during his process.

Try to make this important meeting on the 12th, then if you are able you can meet with the appraiser on the 13th as he inspects the 6 Typical Lots.

Update on Call to Help

2007-11-29T09:18:00.000-08:00

Well, for the MRFHA cabin owners the process of having our cabins reappraised is rapidly approaching. When they were last appraised the adjusted fair market value as $45-55,000. Raise your had if you think it will be lower this next time? I see.....no one with their hand up! Go to the head of the class.

We'll try to see if we can locate comparable private lot sales that have occurred in the past 24 months that might be used to help establish the new value but this is tough to do. We have a small group working on this but could really use help from any cabin owner/user on the Metolius that might want to get involved; especially if you have Real Estate experience (but a desire to help is most important). Contact us through mrfha.c-17@comcast.net

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT POST (EIP)!

2007-07-06T18:04:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen, we badly need to form a group of interested cabin owners to do a review of lots and locate compariables we can live with to supply the FS's lot appraisers when they begin the process very soon. If enough of you step forward there will be less work for all. If you don't care what fees you pay for your lot then you may not want to be involved. If you DO care, call Mark (503-224-2262) or write me at mrfha.c-17@comcast.net. I'll give you the details then. Hey, if you have any Real Estate experience thats a plus, but not at all required.

And on a different, but related matter, if your Metolius River FS lot has two 'cabins' on it, (I'm not talking about a utility shed of 130 sqft or less, but a second building you use), then WRITE me right away. There is a matter of VITAL importance we need to discuss. Trust me, you'll want to hear about this.

Possessory Intrest Tax - Update!

2007-07-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

If you went to the anual meeting you know that a tax we cabin owners have NEVER paid, but have always had hanging over our heads has finally gone away, forever (we hope). The Oregon legislature just ending voted to repeal a tax we cabin owners have been trying to defeat for years! So that at least can be one less concern for all of us. Kinda nice to have some good news to report, now and then.

Annual Meeting Recap - MRFHA

2007-07-01T21:51:00.000-07:00

A lot, and I mean A LOT, of good stuff was covered at the Annual Cabins Owners meeting this past June 30th; if you missed it it may be wise to check here often as we periodically add excerpts and content to fill in between now and the Picnic on Sept 2nd at the Johnson property.

We lost two valuable 'public servants as Carol Enyart and Don DeFrancq retired from the board. Don actually completed a 9 year service to MRFHA, for which we should all be most grateful. He's guided us through some perilous mine fields with nary a mark....no small trick. Don, we are all indebted to you.

Water, and our access to it was discussed. Those not holding a certificate to access Metolius surface (stream) water will NOT be able to secure one, as they are not being issued any longer. There ARE other ways to assure you have access to water. Get a hold of a MRFHA board member if you have concerns.

Fire protection and defensible space was again a topic. We can't imagine and day that it won't be. Don't be lulled into complacency. I mean, its not like a matter of life and death...No, its more important than that!

Yes it really has been almost 10 years since the last cabin lot appraisal, the basis for determining fees. We expect that within the next 9-12 months our lots will be re-appraised. We sorely need volunteers to contact us to help with the process of finding comparibles that reflect the values we'd like to see assigned. To put it into someone else's hands is just plain risky. Please contact ANY MRFHA board member and say you want to be involved. If you happen to have real estate experience we love you even more!

Possessory Tax

2007-06-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

The State of Oregon, quite some number of years ago, levied a tax on cabin owners, then has twice temporarily waived the tax with the idea that it might be an unfair double taxation. Cabin owners would like the law that established the taxing authority be repealed, once and for all.

The Bend Bulletin, in a recent editorial opinion piece stated that Cabins on FS land might NOT be paying their 'fair share' and as such should probably be taxed by the state of Oregon beyond the taxes paid to Jefferson County for the Cabin improvement, and beyond the Forest Service permit user fee, of which a portion is remitted to local gov't. Over the years, the legislature has set aside that tax, agreeing that it is double taxation.

At issue is whether the 5% of fair market value permit fee system adequately reflects MARKET value. The example was an arbitrary 60,000 value Metolius lot..the question being, how can a lot on the Metolius be worth so little? Good argument, on the surface; I mean, if we choose to disregard the restrictions that a FS lease includes, when comparing to a private property lot. But how can that be ignored? And why should it be?

The restrictions we operate under compromise value...there is no doubt of that; and, we are arriving at a LEASE value, not a sale of the property. The goal is a fair and reasonable formula for a lease of the land, for which, really, true Market value comparibles are difficult to be found. .

The Bend Bulletin commonly writes opinion pieces for which they have inadequately researched their starting places. They forget that they are in the reporting business, not the entertainment business. Wait...maybe they ARE in the entertainment business. Yes, of course they are. Silly me. What was I thinking?

TWO BBQ's back-2-back Weekends at the Camp Sherman Store

2007-06-02T21:23:00.001-07:00

The Saturdays before AND after July 4th the Store will have a BBQ and Music, this year. That should be fun. See your friends and neighbors there.

June 30th MRFHA Annual Meeting...Don't miss it!

2007-06-02T21:13:00.000-07:00

The annual meeting should have plenty of content this year; maybe more so than usual. It's the next to the last meeting before permit renewal; that's big. And an issue effecting cabin owners with regard to permit fees is facing us. Also, we'll have some guest speakers address water issues in the basin in the years ahead. Maybe we'll know the future of destination resorts in the basin, by then, too.

Lots to talk about. See you all there.

Comparible Lots and Your Cabin on the Metolius

2007-06-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

Every lot in cabin groups along the Metolius has been assigned a Typical Lot; one that most closely imbues the elements of the cabin lots it represents. This 'Typical' lot will be surveyed this Oct (or about) and COMPARIBLES will be used to establish a value for the TYPICAL. The value of the TYPICAL will then determine what your fees will be going forward. Remember, the valutaion is for land as though it were BARE land and unimproved.

As you might imagine, the importance of that COMPARIBLE plays a HUGE part in your fee calculation (which the FS has determined to be Value of Typical * 5%). The MRFHA will play a role in finding reasonable COMPARIBLES and attempting to be sure the ones selected fairly represent the cabin groups.

Any member of the MRFHA who would like to help should contact a board member. This is a big task and folks, particularly those who may have relevant experience are so sorely needed. Contact a MRFHA Board member, or mrfha-c-17@comcast.net

Senate Bills and Destination Resort Ills

2007-06-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

I know there are LOTS of opinions about whether legislation to keep Destination Resorts out of the Metolius Basin is appropriate, or an excess of governmental power. Recognizing this, the MRFHA has NOT taken a position as an association on this matter. Keep in mind, it was legislative maneuvering by the Jefferson County Commissioners that made it all this even possible; prior to very recent zoning changes the sort of resort mapped on Green Ridge and the smaller project for the other side of the basin could not have been allowed.

All the same it is for each to decide if the Basin needs protecting. It MAY just be a private property rights issue; or is it a PUBLIC lands protection issue? Are there people who are actually sad that Yosemite Valley, or the Gorge are protected? I imagine there are...though a pretty small group.

Would the extra folks in the basin actually cause a threat? Is the water needed for that a resort larger than Black Butte Ranch water that could be diverted from the Basin? Some say YES and some say NO. Well, suppose we are wrong, what then? What's the worst that could happen?

First Post *** This site was created to ......

2007-06-01T10:08:00.001-07:00

This site was created to inform members of the MRFHA of things that might otherwise be missed in between periodic newsletters and meetings. Check here often to see what has happened since last you checked. We'll make all the efforts we can to be current, but invite you to add posts of your own.

Steve Prince, Icon of the Metolius

2007-06-01T10:06:00.000-07:00

By Sister Bear Brown (O-22)

Steve Prince passed peacefully on Sunday, May 20, 2007. He was in his 80s, young at heart till the end. Steve was an icon of the Metolius - an enduring symbol. His The Skylight Cave Mystery, a delightful book in many of our cabins' libraries, draws upon his life-long love of the Metolius Basin.

I learned of Steve's death from his next-door neighbor on the Metolius for some 70 summers, Frances Beckwith Hogan (Fran). Their parents built the cabins when the two were children in the 1930s. According to Fran Hogan, "He was such an intellectual, compassionate, and interesting man, and such a good friend."

My mom, Leslie Tooze Brown (Pootie), knew them both growing up. In the 1980s, Fran, Steve, and my mom were leaders in the early years of the Metolius River Forest Homeowners Association. In later years, at least one adult child of each has served on the MRFHA board. Steve and Joan also led efforts in the 1980s to "Save the Metolius" from ill-considered logging schemes. Those efforts eventually spawned "Friends of the Metolius." Thank you, Steve, for your enduring contribution to the Metolius.

MRFHA Blog Spot

CFA Update and Call to Action!

Cabin Fee Act of 2011 Introduced to the House of Representatives

Survey Deadline this Sunday

Cabin Fee and Sales Survey -11/13/11 Deadline for Completion

Annual Meeting

Happy New Year to All - The latest from C2 via Pete Bailey

Metolius River Fish Habitat Project will Temporarily Close Recreation Areas

Call to Action: ONCE AGAIN IT IS TIME TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE CABIN FEE ACT of 2010!

Tester introduces legislation to rein in cabin fees on Forest Service Land

The Cabin Fee Act of 2010: A Statement on some Tough Issues

Cabin Fee Act Questions and Answers: National Forest Homeowners & Cabin Coalition 2

A CRITICAL TIME: CABIN OWNER CONGRESSIONAL COMMUNICATIONS NEEDED NOW

HR 4888 passes the Natural Resources committee!

C2 Update from Pete Bailey

Attempt to Challenge the Metolius Protection Act of 2009 Emerges

Cabin Coalition 2: Progress Update from Pete Bailey

Cabin Coalition 2 Report from Sharon Karr

Interpretive Walks

*** FREE FREE Clean up in the Forest Tracts ***

C2 & Cabin Owners Attend Wyden Hearing ~Message from Sharon Karr~

Upcoming Community Events

Call to Action: HR 4888 Needs Your Support!

A Message from Peter Bailey ~ NFH Director & C2 Legislative Contact Chair

HR 4888 SubcommitteeHearing

A Message from Peter Bailey ~ NFH Director & C2 Legislative Contact Chair

Call to Action: HR 4888 Needs Your Support, Send Your Message Today!

Cabin Fee Act of 2010 assigned to the House Committee on Natural Resources as bill HR 4888

2010 National Forest Homeowners Vote-By-Mail Election ~ Insights by Sharon Karr

CUFFA 2 Update (AGAIN)

Desparately Seeking Sponsors! Cabin Fee Act of 2009

Metolius River Basin & Destnation Resorts

LCDC Public Hearing Notes from 12/3

Two Public Hearings Concerning the Metolius Basin

Fees Moritorium and it's Impact on Oregon FS Cabin Owners

Copy of NFH Letter on Cabin Fee Freeze

URGENT Survey Request!

News Updates from the NFH On Cabin Fees

CUFFA Review Cabin Coalition 2 with OFHA & NFH Links

VERY LATE NOTICE of IMPORTANT MEETING affecting Cabin Owners and Camp Sherman Property Owners!

Clarification on Newsletter Article!

Comming Events!

Eradication of Non-Native Plants

'Wood in the Stream'

So What's New With You?

*** Danger Danger Will Robinson! ***

Beware your New Permit Language!

More on Cabin Coalition 2 - CUFFA Revisited

Metolius and the Great Resort Ban Debate!

Ok so we got Appraised....NOW what?

Cabin Coalition 2 Update..and why you should care!

Mad as HELL? ... Not gonna take it ANY MORE?

Survey participants needed! Read this post!

New Appraisal results starting to arrive....

Update on Fees - There seems to be NO end to it!

So what's NEW?

HOT OFF THE PRESSES from the NFH

Fees 'Rolled Back'

New Fees...

Permits ISSUED!

New Design Guidelines

Announcing the MRFHA Website

Annual Meeting July 5th at 1PM

Call to LOT Appraisals Meeting!!!!

Update on Call to Help

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT POST (EIP)!

Possessory Intrest Tax - Update!

Annual Meeting Recap - MRFHA

Possessory Tax

TWO BBQ's back-2-back Weekends at the Camp Sherman Store

June 30th MRFHA Annual Meeting...Don't miss it!

Comparible Lots and Your Cabin on the Metolius

Senate Bills and Destination Resort Ills

First Post *** This site was created to ......

Steve Prince, Icon of the Metolius

* FREE FREE Clean up in the Forest Tracts *

* Danger Danger Will Robinson! *