What Will It Take to Get Wild Rogue Bill Flowing?

Coalition of conservationists, businesses, locals urge Congress to protect Wild Rogue.

The Wild Rogue could get a little wilder if conservation groups in Oregon get their wish. A new plan would expand federal protection for this portion of southwest Oregon by 58,000 acres, but it has yet to be introduced as legislation by the Oregon delegation. In May, a timber industry group dropped its opposition to the plan, which many thought would clear the way for a bill.

Meanwhile, tourism is booming in the region, and local raft company owner Brad Niva says it's important to protect not just the Rogue, but the Rogue River system.

"The river is being fed by tributaries, and there's fish habitat all up and down through that canyon, up into the little creeks. What we really want to do is make sure that every creek that fills into the Rogue River is inside the boundary."

Summer is the busiest tourist season of the year on the Rogue, adding major financial reasons to keep it unspoiled. Niva says a study of the river's economic impact shows almost 700 full and part-time jobs depend on it, and that the majority of people who use the river come from outside the area.

"The Rogue River has become a huge attraction for people to come, be it jet boat users, rafters, fishermen; just the normal, day-to-day people who want to go jump in the river and enjoy the beauty of the area."

The Rogue was one of the original eight rivers in the country to receive Wild and Scenic designation. The proposal adds similar protections for 93 miles of streams. Previous bills have contained only the Wild and Scenic river designation, while the new plan is the first to also include additional wilderness. Conservation groups are hopeful it can be introduced this year.

More information is available online at www.savethewildrogue.org.