Oregon lawmakers approve money to buy an iconic waterfall listed on Redfin
Oregon lawmakers have approved $2.1 million to purchase the iconic Abiqua Falls, which was listed for sale by a nonprofit supporting Benedictine monks on Redfin. This move ensures the waterfall's preservation and continued public access, delighting nature enthusiasts. The decision has sparked a lively debate on Hacker News about the priorities of state spending, alongside appreciation for geological formations and humorous regional gatekeeping.
The Lowdown
In a move lauded by nature preservationists, Oregon's legislative body has intervened to acquire a beloved natural landmark. Abiqua Falls, an iconic waterfall previously owned by a nonprofit supporting a community of Benedictine monks, was put on the open market, causing concern among those who cherished its beauty and accessibility.
- The property, including the waterfall and surrounding land, was listed on Redfin by its owner.
- The owner, a nonprofit foundation associated with Benedictine monks, put the property up for an open auction with no minimum or maximum bid.
- A bipartisan group of Oregon lawmakers stepped in during the legislative session.
- They approved $2.1 million in public funds to purchase the falls and its adjacent land.
- The state's offer was accepted, securing the site for public ownership and preservation.
This legislative action ensures that Abiqua Falls will remain a publicly accessible natural wonder, preventing potential private development or restricted access. The purchase reflects a commitment to safeguarding Oregon's natural heritage for current and future generations.
The Gossip
Public Purse Priorities
The use of public funds for a waterfall purchase ignited a debate about Oregon's state spending priorities. Some commenters criticized the expenditure, pointing to the state's low rankings in education, rising crime, and homelessness, arguing that $2.1 million could be better spent elsewhere. Others defended the purchase, emphasizing the value of preserving public lands and noting that public funds are often earmarked for specific uses, not a general slush fund, making comparisons to other budget areas potentially misleading.
Pacific Northwest Panegyrics (and Parodies)
A significant thread involved humorous, tongue-in-cheek warnings about the supposed terrible living conditions in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Commenters exaggerated the constant rain, depression, and lack of attractions in an attempt to discourage newcomers. This playful 'gatekeeping' meme, common for popular but increasingly crowded regions, contrasted sharply with genuine appreciation for the area's natural beauty, prompting discussion on its origins and effectiveness.
Basaltic Beauty & Geological Gushing
Many commenters expressed admiration for the distinctive basalt rock formations visible at Abiqua Falls. The discussion delved into the geology of the Pacific Northwest, particularly the widespread presence of columnar basalt due to ancient flood basalts and volcanic activity. Users shared personal anecdotes about encountering basalt in their homes and hikes, and recommended educational resources like Nick Zentner's geology videos, highlighting a shared geeky appreciation for Earth sciences.
Behind-the-Scenes Suspicions
Some users speculated that the sale wasn't a spontaneous open-market transaction but rather a pre-arranged deal or negotiation. They posited that the state likely had informal agreements or plans in place before the property officially hit the market, questioning the optics of an 'open auction' leading directly to a state purchase. This discussion touched on the practicalities of government acquisitions and the potential for off-record coordination in such transactions.