Mt. Emily Recreation Area Coalition
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Thanks to all those that donated money last spring (2007) to help pay for Andy Lilly's appraisal. We successfully raised the necessary amount, and the appraisal was paid off. Way to go!
But.. to qualify for the Oregon Parks & Recreation grants we expect to provide the lion’s share of acquisition funds, we need a current (within 6 months), and more detailed (land AND trees), "Yellow Book" appraisal. The new appraisal's expected cost is estimated at $12,000, which we need to raise through donations and fund raising; leaving no direct cost to Union County.
So.. it's fund rasing time again. Any amount you can help with, small or large, will move us forward towards our goal. Details about how to make donations (and get a charitable tax deduction) are below.
As of April 11th we have collected $6342.76, about 53% of our goal. The very generous local chapter of the Wild Turkey Federation has committed $5000.00 in matching funds, so we are actually just $658 shy of our goal! Thanks to all those that have already contributed. And if you haven't, please follow the directions below to help us pay for this important appraisal.
The Blue Mountain Singletrack Trails Club (BMSTC) has set up an account to collect donations for the new appraisal. All donations are fully tax-deductible. For any contributions over $100.00, BMSTC will send you a tax-deduction letter at the end of the year to use for tax documentation. BMSTC is an Oregon Domestic Non-profit Corp: Oregon Registry Number 277277-91, Federal Employer ID 25-2252118.
Make your checks out to BMSTC and add a reference to "Mt. Emily Appraisal Donation" in the memo line. Send to:
BMSTC
P.O. Box 666
La Grande, OR 97850
An advisory vote on Union County's acquisition of the Mt. Emily Recreation Area property is on the May primary ballot. Any expenditures to provide information on and advocate for passage of the referral must be done by a political action committee (PAC) to conform to election law. A Mt. Emily Recreation Area PAC is being formed, but donations are needed to pay for the radio spots, newspaper inserts, mailings, etc. necessary to support passage of the Mt. Emily advisory vote. We are estimating that $3000 dollars will be needed to get the message out to the Union County electorate.
Again, any amount you can contribute, small or large, will move us forward towards our goal.
Although election results on this measure are non-binding, it is unlikely that the Union County Commissioners would move ahead on acquisition of MERA unless it passed handily.
Details about how to make donations are below.
Note: This donation is for political purposes and is not deductible as a charitable contribution.
However, the State of Oregon does allow an up to $50 credit ($100 for joint filers) on state income taxes for political contributions.
Check back for updates on PAC contributions.
A Mt. Emily Recreation Area PAC has been formed to advocate for passage of the Mt. Emily Recreation Area referral in the May 2008 primary election.
Make your checks out to MERA PAC. Send to:
MERA PAC
P.O. Box 666
La Grande, OR 97850