Wilderness designation gains support

The Copper-Salmon Wilderness bill wins endorsements on coast

With the approval Wednesday by the House Natural Resources Committee, a bill creating a 13,700-acre wilderness in the Elk River drainage near Port Orford is on its way to the full House.

The legislation calling for the creation of the Copper-Salmon Wilderness is similar to one approved earlier this year by the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Supporters say wilderness protection is needed to preserve the headwaters of the Elk River known for its wild salmon and steelhead populations. The effort is supported by environmental and business groups.

But the presidential election year might hinder its progress, said Eagle Point area resident Mike Beagle, field coordinator for Trout Unlimited in Oregon and Washington, which has been pushing for its creation.

"We would like to get it to the full House and Senate in a few months but we've got the crazy season coming up," he said. "In these election cycles, it's hard to tell what will happen."

Located about 14 miles east of Port Orford, the proposed wilderness is in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The area is in the Copper Mountain roadless area between the Copper and Salmon mountains and immediately east of the 17,000-acre Grassy Knob Wilderness. That wilderness area was created in 1984 to preserve fish habitat in the Elk River.

In addition to creating the Copper-Salmon wilderness, the bill would protect 10 miles of the Elk River with a Wild and Scenic River designation.

The House bill was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Springfield. The Elk River is in his 4th Congressional District. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., sponsored the Senate bill, which was co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore.

Citing the boost the Elk River fishery gives to the local economy, supporters of the wilderness proposal include the Port Orford Chamber of Commerce, the mayor of Port Orford, the Curry County Board of Commissioners, more than 10 fishing and hunting groups and Gov. Ted Kulongoski.

"Protecting this salmon and steelhead fishery will enhance the livability of the region," said forester Jerry Becker of Port Orford. "It will go a long way toward maintaining and improving the local economy, today and for future generations to come."

Port Orford fisherman Monte Matheson agreed.

"Getting this bill through the committee is one more step in the journey to designate this premiere spawning and rearing habitat as wilderness in the headwaters of a great river, the Elk," he said. "I can think of no finer gift to our children and grandchildren."

Reach reporter Paul Fattig at 776-4496 or e-mail him at pfattig@mailtribune.com.