FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Copper Salmon Wilderness Plan Passes US House of Representatives

Bill backed by widespread support from business community, government and conservation groups

One of the healthiest salmon and steelhead runs in the continental United States is closer to permanent protection today after the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Copper Salmon Wilderness plan.

One of the healthiest salmon and steelhead runs in the continental United States is closer to permanent protection today after the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Copper Salmon Wilderness plan. Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) is the main sponsor of the legislation to designate the region surrounding the Elk River in Southern Oregon as Wilderness.

The Copper Salmon Wilderness Act (H.R. 3513) would set aside 13,000 acres of pristine old-growth forest that cradle the headwaters of the Elk River.  Located in the Siskiyou National Forest, Copper Salmon features giant Douglas fir trees 300 feet tall, endangered Port-Orford cedar and wildlife such as elk, mountain lions and black bears.

The Copper Salmon proposal enjoys tremendous local support on the Southern Oregon Coast due to the economic benefit recreational fishing provides the region’s economy. In the years leading up to this legislative milestone, there is no organized opposition to protecting this special place as a legacy for future generations.

“Protecting Copper Salmon Wilderness and the salmon runs of the Elk River is a win for fish and wildlife, and a win for the local fishing economy,” said Erik Fernandez of the conservation group Oregon Wild which has been involved in the campaign to protect Copper Salmon for over a decade.

The permanent protection of Copper Salmon as wilderness will guard against logging and development that could harm the health of the Elk River and its world-renowned runs of salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat trout. Wilderness protection for this scenic area could provide a boost to the local economy through increased tourism and outdoor recreation.

The legislation has passed out of committee in the US Senate and is awaiting a final vote there.

“Wilderness momentum is building in this Congress,” added Fernandez. “I think we are going to see a slew of bills make it to the president’s desk by the end of the year and Copper Salmon is likely to be one of them.”


For more information on the Copper Salmon Wilderness proposal, visit: http://www.oregonwild.org/wilderness/copper_salmon_wilderness/

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