FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mount Hood Wilderness Protection Gets Fast Tracked in New Congress

Legislation to protect the Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness is introduced in the US Senate

Public lands omnibus bill maintains momentum in the new congress as Wyden and Merkley eye protections for Mount Hood.

Marking a new day for Wilderness protection in Oregon, the 111th Congress is getting right to work on their second day back in session. With senior Senator Ron Wyden and newly minted Senator Jeff Merkley leading the way for Oregon, legislation was introduced in the US Senate today that would protect state icons Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. The legislation would also protect critical wildlife habitat by protecting the Soda Mountain Wilderness, Copper Salmon Wilderness, Spring Basin Wilderness and Badlands Wilderness. 

“We are very encouraged to see the new congress moving quickly to protect Oregon’s treasured Wilderness areas,” said Erik Fernandez, Wilderness Coordinator for the conservation group Oregon Wild. “Many people have put a lot of time, energy, and passion into working for these protections and with Senators Wyden and Merkley advocating on our behalf we feel confident now is the time for Mount Hood.”

“Current and future generations of Oregonians should be proud of the leadership shown today by Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley,” noted Oregon Wild Conservation Director Steve Pedery. “They understand the importance of protecting the treasures that make Oregon a great place to live, work and raise a family.”  

The legislation introduced today would protect approximately 202,000 acres in Oregon as Wilderness. Currently only 3.7% of Oregon land is protected as Wilderness compared to 14% in California, 11% in Washington and 7.5% in Idaho. New Wilderness designations around Mount Hood and in the Columbia Gorge would safeguard some of the region’s last old-growth forests and pristine watersheds from logging and development, while also ensuring future generations can continue to enjoy these areas through activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and boating.  

Additional information, maps and photos of the proposed Wilderness areas mentioned above are available from Oregon Wild -- contact Erik Fernandez at (503) 283-6343 x202 or e-mail ef@oregonwild.org.

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