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Wild Watchings - Vol. 1
A look at the day's news from the "wild side": Waldo motors staying or going, PCT inspiration, Oregon's logging lore, and wild rivers.
One of the many clean and quiet recreation options on Waldo Lake - kayaks. Photo by Mark Timby.
Waldo Lake Ban Tries to Keep the Peace
With its clarity and tranquility, Waldo Lake is a magnificent example of the beautiful waters of Oregon. But the effort to protect it from pollution continues after a federal magistrate ruled in April that the Forest Service may not have the authority to create and enforce a ban on internal combustion motors on the lake.
The pristine lake has been the topic of this on-going debate for years now as many of the lake's visitors and supporters have worked to gain protection for its scenic beauty. A serene example of Oregon's natural beauty, Waldo Lake is mainly used as a place for camping, horseback riding, kayaking, and more. While the Forest Service may not have the authority, The Oregonian editorial board suggests that the state of Oregon should step up to keep the lake clean and pristine. With the previous movement halted because of the Forest Service's apparent lack of authority, the Oregonian proposes that the state step up to the plate and institute the gas motor ban once more.
Waldo Lake is a beautiful and remote spot that truly represents Oregon's naturally stunning geography. As one of the largest and deepest lakes in our state, Oregonians deserve to be able to enjoy such a special place free from water and noise pollution. Oregon Wild supports the proposal to prohibit internal combustion motors on the lake, and would welcome action from the Oregon Governor’s office to finally resolve this dispute. You can read more about Waldo Lake here.
Hiking for the Soul
An inspiring story in The San Francisco Chronicle about a woman who decided to slow down and hike the Pacific Crest Trail after being diagnosed with cancer.
When diagnosed with cancer, Suzanne Finney decided to take in the natural and simple beauty of the trail and its mountains, waters, wildlife, and more. She passed through Oregon experiencing Mount Hood, the Columbia River Gorge, Crater Lake, and the rest of the exciting trek on her way from Mexico up the trail to Canada. Click here to read her interesting story.
While her illness held her back occasionally, Finney was out to prove to herself, as well as to anyone who hears her story, that anyone can hike and everyone should. It is only yourself that holds you back. Her experience of simplicity helped her to value the small things and live her life to the fullest. Suzanne was able to discover herself while hiking through some of the most serene natural beauty, and you can see Oregon Wild hiking opportunities here.
A Cultural History of Logging
Today’s Oregonian featured an interesting bit of history on logging and the role of African-Americans in the 1920s. Gwen Trice, who recently created an Oregon Public Broadcasting documentary "The Logger's Daughter" on the subject, is vying for funds to create an interpretive center that explores the role of African-American loggers, in the eastern Oregon town of Maxville. You can read more of the story here.
Protected Rivers Get the Summer Spotlight
Check out Portland Monthly's new cover story on six protected rivers in Oregon. The story dives into the history, recreational opportunities, and local resources at six federally designated Wild Scenic Rivers.
Describing the natural heritage of each of the rivers, the article gives a good description of each river's history as well as geographic details, cultural histories, and recreational opportunities. It outlines the benefits of each river, such as describing the different fishing to expect at each. Supporting the natural preservation of each of these rivers, Portland Monthly describes in details ways in which we can enjoy them. The Deschutes River, for example, is cited as "252 miles of endorphin-inducing adventure," and the article leads you right to it. Whether you need fishing, hiking, or water sports, Portland Monthly's write-up on protected rivers shows the value of preserving our natural waterways. You can learn more about Oregon Wild's efforts and accomplishments in protecting Oregon's watersheds here.
Photo credits: Waldo Lake (Oregon Wild file photo), Rogue River (courtesy KS Wild)
Waldo Lake
Let's keep the debate focused
Thanks for the comment. I think there is definitely room to discuss all if the impacts that we humans have on our wild places (Waldo Lake and beyond). I think while we do that, we can be careful not to paint with too broad of strokes.
Sure, there are jerks who don't care for their vehicles and spill oil onto the ground that eventually runs into the lake. There are yahoos on kayaks and canoes that are disrespectful to other lake users. And, there are plenty of motor boat users who don't care for the lake and its cleanliness in the same way that you do.
I think we can separate the gas motor ban from the overarching shortcomings of humanity. The fact is that very few people use Waldo with a gas motor, and that almost every other sizable Cascade lake allows gas motor use. Waldo is unique, and the Forest Service and Oregon Wild agree that it should be treated so. Removing gas powered boats from the lake isn't the only thing that the new Forest Service rules attempted to do. They also are phasing out the use of generators near the lake, and closing campsites that had been deemed harmful to the ecologically integrity of the banks.
The Marine Board charging fees for kayaks and canoes is an idea that also deserves a thorough debate, but it is probably not one that Oregon Wild will wade into. Who knows, maybe if the Marine Board got money from kayakers and canoers they would be more responsive to their needs.
I think there is room for understanding and balance here. We're talking about one lake and the rights of future generations to enjoy it in as pure a form as it is in today.
Again, thanks for the comment.
Waldo Lake
I have been boating on Waldo even before the modern road and campgrounds were built. When using my motorboat (a four stroke outboard) at times I have to check to hear if it is actually running. Heck, I can hear the train from North Waldo and Charlton Lake, yet I can’t hear my own gas powered outboard motor when operating my own boat. I am un-aware of any empirical data that supports the “theory” that gas motorboats, snowmobiles etc. have in anyway denigrated the water quality of the Lake. The problem is more & more people, the steady increase in usage and popularity since the roads and campgrounds were built for EVERYONE to enjoy. You know the old Eagles lyrics, “call some place Paradise, kiss it goodbye”, seems to be especially true when access is modernized and paved to increase and guarantee access for all. There is a distinction between true wilderness and a developed camping/recreation area, they often share borders but the use of each specific type of area is very clearly defined by law.
My paralyzed uncle could never enjoy the Lake with me in my canoe, luckily gas powered motors allowed him the pleasure of quietly cruising the lake. The same access problems exist for my step-daughter that was born with Downs Syndrome, safety is also a factor. I have severe arthritis developing in my wrists, I fear my paddling days may be over before I'm ready to hang-up my paddle. As we get older physical limitations will eventually exclude even the most adamant paddlers and paddling advocates.
For these reasons I tend to agree with Mr. Toy's comments (above). The sensible solution is not exclusion; it is inclusion with clean quite modern Motors. I firmly believe that equal access to the lake is a guaranteed right, no different than the wheelchair accessible toilets, docks, trails and camp sites recently constructed at all three Waldo Lake Campgrounds. If one seeks real solitude and quite it will never be found at or near the three largest campgrounds in the entire Willamette National Forest, the very ones built on the shores of our beloved Waldo Lake. Also be careful when hiking around the Shoreline Trail, Mtn. bikers could take you out if you are not alert. The ruts left in the trails (and off-trail) from bikers seem to be more of a threat to water quality than gas motorboats.I agree with Sean Stevens, there is room for understanding and balance here. We are talking about rights, freedoms and ensuring future generations the benefit of enjoying Waldo Lake as many generations before them. Respect and understanding only happens via open dialog, both user groups value the very same attributes at Waldo Lake a common sense solution is available. Let's work towards a solution that everyone can live with. It boils down to respect. Respect the resource as well as each other.
Enjoying Waldo
While I understand that you may attempt to treat Waldo with the utmost respect, that is only part of the issue. You may feel that mountain bikes create more damage and a greater nuisance than your (very quiet!) motor. That may be true.
But that's a straw man argument. The question is, are we going to have some lakes in this state that we spare for recreation of a different sort. Or, should all lakes be open to gas motors.
Another way of looking at this debate is to ask if all mountains should have chairlifts, all fishing sport be accessible by ATV, etc.
Oregon Wild believes in the idea and the reality of Wilderness. Areas that are unique and should be treated as such and protected for future generations. Much of Waldo Lake's shore is Wilderness, and justifiably so.
Roderick Nash, author of "Wilderness and the American Mind" said that humans must treat Wilderness with restraint. We all want to enjoy the feeling of wandering along sandstone walls in the Grand Canyon as we hike to the depths. But, that doesn't mean we should build elevators to take people down there.
We believe that Waldo is one place where we can show restraint and enjoy the lake in a different way.
Mount Bailey adventure