I have recently moved back to the area qand I am interested in buying some acreage. My concern is that Measure 37 properties will flood the market in the next few years and bring prices down. I have read that there are 25,000 acres under claim in Jackson County alone. I have asked many people about the situation and have gotten a wide range of responses leading to more confusion. I have not seen many articles on the subject and would appreciate some clarity.

-- Steve H., via e-mail

Even among officials, there is no clear-cut answer to your question, Steve. Right now there are approximately 60,000 acres on 1,010 lots that are subject to Measure 37 claims in Jackson County. Many supporters of Measure 37, including county commissioners, believe the impact will be negligible to farmland and open space. However, others, including environmentalists, say the long-term impacts won't be realized until 10 to 20 years from now. So far, only about 40 claims have made it through the planning process, and only a handful have building activity on their property.

Part of the problem with Measure 37 has been the question of transferability, but it appears the first major court decision just in recent days has sided against the ability of property owners to transfer a Measure 37 right to a subsequent owner.

And just for the record, since Measure 37 became law in December 2004, the Mail Tribune has published 213 stories and editorials with references to Measure 37.

Send questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by e-mail to youasked@mailtribune.com.