We, the undersigned, pledge to boycott the Dollar General Store in Wallowa.  As residents and visitors who care deeply about the community and its future, we believe that the presence of Dollar General poses significant threats to our local economy, environment, and community well-being.

Specifically:

1. Impact on Local Businesses: Dollar General's business model undermines local businesses by undercutting prices and drawing customers away from locally-owned stores. This will lead to closures of long-standing establishments that are vital to the fabric of our community.
2. Community Character: Wallowa County is known for its unique character and charm, which is often represented by its locally-owned businesses. The introduction of a Dollar General store threatens to homogenize our community and erode its distinctive character
3. Traffic Concerns:  Access to this location is via a one-lane County Road and poorly aligned intersection with Highway 82. Dollar General proposes routing eighteen-wheeler semi-trucks through the town of Wallowa in order to make the turn into the store for deliveries.  RVs and other trucks and trailers will likely need to do the same, increasing traffic hazards within Wallowa.
4.  Impact on Public Health: Dollar General stores focus on providing highly-processed and packaged food items. The availability of inexpensive but nutritionally poor food options can contribute to health issues.
5. Environmental Concerns: The proximity of the development to Bear Creek poses the potential for adverse effects to the water quality and riparian habitat of the creek which is designated critical habitat for Chinook salmon, steelhead & bull trout listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.  Additionally,  Dollar General's reliance on cheap, disposable goods contributes to environmental degradation through increased waste generation and reliance on non-sustainable manufacturing practices.
6. Low-Quality Products: Dollar General is known for selling low-quality products that may not meet the same standards as those found in locally-owned stores. This can result in consumers purchasing items that are not durable or safe, leading to waste and potential health hazards.
7. Poor Labor Practices: While Dollar General provides jobs, these positions may be part-time with limited benefits. The company has faced criticism for its labor practices, including low wages. This can contribute to a low-wage job market in the community, potentially leading to financial instability for local residents.

Therefore, we, the undersigned, urge fellow residents and visitors to Wallowa County to join us in boycotting Dollar General and supporting our local businesses. By refusing to patronize Dollar General, we can send a strong message that our community values sustainability, local entrepreneurship, and community well-being over the convenience of a corporate chain.

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