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The story of ranching in Oregon
is one of the people who
settled the West, their relationship with the natural resources
they found here, and the capacity of the land. Its a story
that highlights change initiated with European settlement of
the area, the enthusiasm of invention and innovation, a vast
palate of awe-inspiring resources, courage and optimism of
heart and spirit, and lives carved out of the land. Yet its
also a story of displacement of native peoples, reduction and
elimination of native plants and animals, and nonsustainable
harvest of natural resources. Its a colorful story, and a
complicated one. The Oregon story of ranching is a story of
a resource that has changed as we used it, and of how it has
changed us.
Oregonians are known for their connection with the land, and
the face of Post-European settlement Oregon has been defined
largely by our relationship with the regions abundant natural
resources. These resources have provided the base of the states
economy. Yet increasingly Oregon is being defined by its urban
populations, and employment in the resource-based industries
that have supported Oregonians since statehood is giving way
to service, manufacturing, and professional positions.
Oregonians of all ages, both those whove lived here for
generations and those newly arrived, are acknowledging changes
have occurred in the resource base, and are accepting that
the face of Oregon as we now know it, the land and the people,
has been altered hugely by the use of that resource base.
Our task now is to consider how we use and manage our natural
resources in the next century. Our decision will affect Oregon,
economically, culturally and environmentally. This is our
challenge, and our opportunity, and will form the legacy we
leave to future generations.
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