FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congress Introduces Protections for Oregon Natural Areas

Wyden, Merkley and DeFazio introduce popular conservation proposals

Oregon's elected leaders show renewed commitment to protecting Oregon gems, including 30,000 acre Devil's Staircase.

A hiker looks up in wonder at a giant redcedar in the Devil's Staircase Wilderness proposal. (Photo by David Tvedt)

With the continuing rancorous political climate in Congress, members of Oregon’s delegation struck a decidedly different tone today, introducing legislation that builds on common ground several years in the making. The bills will protect several outstanding natural gems on Oregon’s public lands including the mythical waterfall and surrounding salmon habitat in the proposed Devil’s Staircase Wilderness area.  The legislation would also expand the Oregon Caves National Monument and add additional protections for the Chetco Wild and Scenic River.

“The Devil’s Staircase stands out in the Coast Range as a wild oasis in the midst of a sea of clear-cuts,” said Erik Fernandez of the conservation group Oregon Wild. “It’s the last remaining intact ancient forests in the area and that’s why so many people feel this area must be protected for future generations.”

The Devil’s Staircase proposed Wilderness is located west of Eugene in the Coast Range. The waterfall for which the area is named (Devil’s Staircase) is one of the most rugged and difficult places to access in the Coast Range. There are few trails and even fewer people that have successfully visited the falls. The old-growth forests surrounding the falls provide high quality salmon habitat and refuge for rare species like the northern spotted owl.  The proposal encompasses 30,500 acres.

Legislation introduced today will also upgrade protections for the Chetco Wild and Scenic River that is currently threatened by mining speculators. The Oregon Caves National Monument expansion will add approx 4,000 acres to the existing 400 acre Monument.

Designation of the Devil’s Staircase Wilderness would take a step in the right direction toward correcting Oregon’s lack of protected natural areas. Only 4% of the state is permanently safeguarded with the highest level of federal protection, compared to 10% in Washington, 15% in California, and 8% in Idaho.

“It’s encouraging to see Senators Wyden and Merkley and Representative DeFazio protecting Oregon’s natural treasures,” added Fernandez. “These natural treasures are a key part of what makes Oregon a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

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