Walking the Applegate Valley Ridge Trail with Jimmy, looking down on the developing Rogue Valley on one side and the forested mountainsides and farmed bottomland of the Applegate Valley on the other, Jimmy envisions simultaneously both the past and the future. Maybe, just maybe, we can have an impact and paint a more sustainable future that reflects the natural beauty and open space we see. Jimmy, the cofounder of the non-profit land use advocacy group Rogue Advocates, has always been a dreamer and stout activist for generations to come. Now, many years later we pay homage to Jimmy as cancer has grabbed his soul and vanquished his boundless enthusiasm and energy.
Jimmy guided Rogue Advocates with a little help from his friends since the early 2000’s. Since day one RA’s mission has been to create a more sustainable and livable community in Jackson and Josephine Counties. Our non-profit monitors land-use developments in both Counties and often engages in public testimony to voice concerns about the impacts of developments or rule changes that adversely impact our communities and the environment.
Over the years RA has successfully challenged conversions of farm and forest zoned resource lands, put an end to river mining through stakeholder meetings facilitated by the Governer’s office, and supported protection of riparian areas. With Jimmy’s guidance we have prevented County wide changes to the Comprehensive Plan to prevent urban sprawl upon thousands of acres in Jackson County. Oftentimes our appeals are heard before the Land Use Board of Appeals in Salem as three judges weigh the facts and determine if local decisions comply with Statewide land use laws. Jimmy and Rogue Advocates always attempt to reach a win-win compromise through mitigation or settlement if possible. Occasionally Rogue Advocates has appeared in federal court bringing Clean Water Act violations of federal law to be successfully adjudicated. RA has also brought cases to the local Circuit Court and the Oregon Court of Appeals. We have prevailed in over ninety percent of our legal appeals in large part to Jimmy’s hard work and our incredible attorneys.
Jimmy would often talk with groups of neighbors to encourage their participation at local hearings to voice their concerns how proposed development might adversely impact the livability of their community. He was compassionate and caring, while also educating folks how land use rules supported their shared concerns. Jimmy would stress State Planning Goal One, public participation, as the most valuable tool to validate neighbors’ rights to testify for or against development.
Rogue Advocates most successful community organizing campaigns are those that last beyond the initial land use issue and result in an active group of neighbors who remain engaged in activities for the betterment of their community. These folks often become some of our supporting members who play forward their success for the next impacted neighborhood. Jimmy was a persistent fundraiser and I would be remiss not to encourage a visit to www.rogueadvocates.org to learn more about the organization and donate.
In gratitude we thank Jimmy’s efforts to create a sustainable non-profit that continues to grow and serve our communities. Over the years another land use watchdog group Friends of Jackson County has merged into Rogue Advocates. In the last few years RA has become an independent affiliate of 1000 friends of Oregon. When the spring flowers raise their heads on the ridge trail, I will walk in solitude in tribute to my good friend and mentor Jimmy Macleod. Jimmy’s life is in the past, and our responsibility to continue his vision lies in the future.
In gratitude,
Steve Rouse
President
Rogue Advocates