FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Governor Kitzhaber Helps Kick Off Oregon’s Great Outdoors Week

Conservation, recreation groups join call to get out, enjoy, and protect our public lands and Wilderness

Events around the country shine a spotlight on the value of public lands, call for their protection

Governor Kitzhaber joined leaders from across the country in celebrating America’s Great Outdoors by issuing a proclamation declaring August 20th to August 28th Great Outdoors Week in Oregon. The effort echoed calls on Congress to protect America’s National Forests, wilderness, and other public lands.  The week will feature a series of outdoor activities highlighting the importance of public lands in Oregon and across the country to outdoor recreation, clean water, abundant wildlife, and vibrant local economies.

“Oregon’s public lands represent much of the best Oregon has to offer. They offer terrific fishing, hiking, camping and other recreational activities, but it goes far beyond that,” said Governor Kitzhaber. “Oregon’s wild places provide essential sources of clean water, habitat for fish and wildlife, and the basis for a healthy economy. It’s important that we leave these treasures to future generations in as good or better shape than they were left to us.”

Conservation and recreation groups are getting in on the act with a series of events including a backpacking trip in the Steens Backcountry, a celebration of the Columbia River Gorge, trail restoration in the Mount Hood National Forest, and hikes near Eugene. Similar outings are taking place around the country. (A full list of Oregon events can be found below)

As part of the celebration, Governor Kitzhaber issued a proclamation that echoed President Theodore Roosevelt’s definition of a good citizen as one who pulls his own weight by encouraging Oregonians to join in the weeks call to “protect what remains of  America’s most wild and scenic lands as an enduring legacy for future generations”

Great Outdoors Week comes as Congress is considering legislation that would open up more than 60 million acres of national forest roadless tracts and Wilderness Study Areas – an area the size of Wyoming – to new development. The measure is only one of multiple attempts by lawmakers in Washington, DC to undo fundamental environmental protections for clean air, clean water, endangered species, and public lands. 

“From Oregon’s wolf country in the Wallowas to the salmon stronghold of the Rogue River, our public lands contribute to our identity as Oregonians. With logging, mining, and drilling already allowed on more than half our public lands, less than 4% of the state protected as Wilderness, and congress threatening to remove protections for nearly 2 million acres of our last roadless wildlands, we applaud the Governor's proclamation and call on our leaders to stand up for these places so they can be enjoyed by future generations,” said Rob Klavins, of Oregon Wild, a conservation group leading a pair of hikes.

The United States Department of Agriculture estimates there were more than 173 million recreation visits to U.S. Forest System lands in 2009. More than two-thirds of Americans participate in outdoor recreation activities annually on our public lands – including hiking, biking, camping, climbing, kayaking, fishing, canoeing and snowshoeing. Those activities contribute $730 billion to the U.S. economy and $5.8 billion in Oregon. Additionally, they support 73,000 Oregon and 223,000 in rural communities around the country.

“We’re calling on folks to get out, have fun, get their hands dirty, and show their support for saving these treasured places,” said Ryan Ojerio, Stewardship Coordinator of Trailkeepers of Oregon. “Our public lands in Oregon are some of the best outdoor recreation areas in the world. As Americans increasingly value their public lands, agencies are relying more and more on the public to protect and maitain those opportunities."

Oregonians can go to www.oregonwild.org to find out about the week’s activities in their area, learn how to support roadless area protection, and read Governor Kitzhaber’s proclamation.

Events:

August 17 – 22 – Oregon Natural Desert Association
Steens Backcountry Fence Pull

August 20th –Trailkeepers of Oregon
Douglas Trail Mt. Hood Restoration

August 20th – Oregon Wild
Fuji Mountain & Birthday lakes Basin

August 24th – Oregon Wild
Boulder Mountain Hike

August 27th - Trailkeepers of Oregon
McKenzie Highway Hike
e-mail alihikes@coinet.com

August 28th – Columbia Chapter Sierra Club
Mt. St. Helens Hike

August 28th – Friends of the Columbia Gorge
Sunday Parkways Scenic Areas Hike

###