FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Businesses call for greater protection for the Wild Rogue

A growing coalition supports Wilderness protection for Rogue River wildlands, opposes plans for old-growth logging

A coalition of more than 40 local and regional businesses, including outfitters, guides, lodge owners, and manufacturers of recreational equipment, have come together to urge Oregon lawmakers to protect the Wild Rogue, an area of threatened wildlands and tributary streams along the famous lower Rogue River in southwest Oregon.

CONTACT: Pete Wallstrom, Momentum River Expeditions, 541-488-2525

                 Beverly Moore, Rogue Forest B&B and River Company, 541- 472-1052

                 Frank Armendariz, Oregon River Sports, Eugene, 541-334-0696

A coalition of more than 40 local and regional businesses, including outfitters, guides, lodge owners, and manufacturers of recreational equipment, have come together to urge Oregon lawmakers to protect the Wild Rogue, an area of threatened wildlands and tributary streams along the famous lower Rogue River in southwest Oregon. Last fall the Bush administration and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced plans to log hundreds of acres of old-growth forest in the area.

"The Rogue River is an Oregon icon, and every year thousands of people from around the world come to enjoy its beauty," explained Pete Wallstrom, owner of Momentum River Expeditions. "This river is the lifeblood of Southern Oregon’s recreation economy, and its value extends far beyond the boundaries of its canyon."

Businesses have joined with conservation groups, fishermen, and whitewater boaters to advocate for permanent protection of the Wild Rogue, a pristine 60,000-acre area west of Grants Pass. This rugged landscape is immediately upstream of the existing Wild Rogue Wilderness but does not enjoy the same level of protection from logging and development. Only a narrow strip of land along the river itself is protected-the surrounding highlands, along with the tributary streams that flow through them, currently have no protection.

The Rogue River has long been recognized as one of the nation’s most beautiful and pristine waterways. It was among America’s original six Wild and Scenic Rivers, winning federal designation in 1968.

"People love floating through a beautiful and rugged wilderness that is protected forever," said Frank Armendariz, manager of Oregon River Sports. "It is beautiful and wild, but the reality is that from Grave Creek down to the Mule Creek Canyon, only a thin ribbon of land is protected. The rest is on the chopping block."

Recreation and tourism on the Wild Rogue brings in millions of dollars every year to Oregon businesses. The river’s clean water, scenic beauty, wilderness character, and valuable salmon and steelhead runs are key draws. Many river-related businesses are concerned that logging would damage the character of this beloved waterway. In particular, many are worried about the impact to water quality and salmon and steelhead runs-the backbone for one of Oregon’s most important sport and commercial fisheries.

"There aren’t enough lands protected in the Northwest, especially surrounding this region," said Chris Daughters of the Caddis Fly Angling Shop in Eugene. "The Rogue is one of the greatest treasures in Oregon, and we need to maintain and improve its quality."

Visitors to the Wild Rogue can also hike miles of scenic trails and view wildlife such as bald eagles, osprey, and black bears. The roadless forests, rugged canyons, and clear water are all trademarks of the Wild Rogue and add to its appeal.

"Our lodging guests love the unspoiled scenery, the fresh air, and wildlife of the Wild Rogue," said Beverly Moore, owner of the Rogue Forest B&B and River Company in Merlin, Oregon, near the Rogue. "Living and owning a business near a gem like the Wild Rogue, I believe I have an obligation to help protect it."

The coalition is urging Oregon lawmakers to consider measures to permanently protect the Wild Rogue. The leading proposal, which has broad support, would designate approximately 60,000 acres as federally protected Wilderness and would add nearly 100 miles to the register of Wild and Scenic Rivers. Such legislation would ensure the area remains pristine for generations to come. More information on the proposal can be found at www.savethewildrogue.info.

 LIST OF SUPPORTING BUSINESSES

1. American River Touring Association, Groveland, CA

2. Andy & Bax Sporting Goods, Portland, OR

3. Andy’s Wild Water Adventures, Creswell, OR

4. Ashland Mountain Supply, Ashland, OR

5. Big Rock Guide Service, Grants Pass, OR

6. Caddis Fly Angling Shop, Eugene, OR

7. Cascade Designs, Inc., Seattle, WA

8. Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs, Albany, OR

9. Destination Wilderness Adventure River Center Resort, Blue River, OR

10. ECHO: The Wilderness Co., Oakland, CA

11. Fly Water Travel, Ashland, OR

12. Ferron’s Fun Trips, Merlin, OR

13. Helfrich’s Tightlines Fishing and Rafting, Vida, OR

14. Home Waters Fly Fishing, Eugene, OR

15. Keen Footwear, Portland, OR

16. Matt Ramsey Fishing Guides, Eugene, OR

17. McKenzie Outfitters, Medford, OR

18. Momentum River Expeditions, Ashland, OR

19. Motel Del Rogue, Grants Pass, OR

20. Mountain Gear, Spokane Valley, WA

21. Noah’s River Adventures, Phoenix, OR

22. Northwest Rafters Association, Roseburg, OR

23. Northwest Nature Shop, Ashland, OR

24. Oregon River Experiences, Beavercreek, OR

25. Oregon River Sports, Eugene, OR

26. Outlaw Guide Service, Grants Pass, OR

27. Outward Bound Wilderness, Colorado

28. Paul’s Bicycle Way of Life, Eugene, OR

29. Rogue Klamath River Adventures, Medford, OR

30. Rogue Forest B&B and River Co., Merlin, OR

31. Rogue River Journeys, Bayside, CA

32. Rogue River Outfitters, Lebanon, OR

33. Rogue Wilderness Inc., Merlin, OR

34. Sawyer Paddles and Oars, Talent, OR

35. Siuslaw Guide Service, Cave Junction, OR

36. Swiftwater Guide Service, Murphy, OR

37. The Alpine Experience, Olympia, WA

38. The McKenzie Angler, Walterville, OR

39. Turtle River Rafting Co., Mt. Shasta, CA

40. Whitewater Warehouse, Corvallis, OR

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