Local public lands being privatized by big farm

There’s an elephant in the room, and its name is Gebbers Farms or “Gamble et al” in court documents! Our public lands are once again under threat of privatization by Gebbers Farms — this time, over six miles of French Creek Road, which provides access to our public lands and an escape route from natural disasters for those who live in the area. But this appears of no concern to Gebbers Farms.

You may say that I do not live on, or even close by, to this road, but that is not the issue. In addition to public land access, French Creek Road has long been a county road, with deep Methow Valley history dating back to the late 1800s.

When will we say, “We’ve had enough!” We lost access to our public lands and an escape route in the Chiliwist to Gebbers Farms via the Three Devils Road earlier this year after a long, arduous and costly battle in court. Now French Creek?

Access to our public lands are under continual threats by Gebbers! What will they go after next? Let’s not be afraid to call out Gebber Farms. Show that you too have had enough! Join me and other neighbors at the superior court hearing on Friday, Dec. 21, at 2 p.m. at the Okanogan County Courthouse in Okanogan to show support for keeping our public lands public.

Gay Northrup