FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon Leaders Find ‘Treasure’ Along Wild Rogue River

Earl Blumenauer, Ron Wyden and Peter DeFazio Introduce Legislation to Protect “Oregon Treasures,” Rogue River, Mount Hood and Oregon Caves

Oregon's Congressional delegation introduce legislation to protect Mount Hood, the Rogue River and the Oregon Caves.

Portland Jun 18, 2008 In 1968, Oregon’s Rogue River was included in the original Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. On the 40th anniversary of that landmark law, Representatives Earl Blumenauer and Peter DeFazio along with Senator Ron Wyden have introduced the “Oregon Treasures” bill to protect 143 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers that feed the world-renowned Rogue. Keeping tributary streams free of dams and landslides helps to preserve prime salmon and steelhead habitat in the main stem of the Rogue, maintaining the river’s status as one of the last, best habitat strongholds for salmon on the Pacific Coast.

“What better anniversary present for one of the original Wild and Scenic Rivers than ensuring that the waters that flow into the Rogue are clean, pristine and protected?” said Erik Fernandez, Wilderness Coordinator for the conservation group Oregon Wild.  

“Current and future generations of Oregonians should be proud of the leadership shown today by Senator Wyden and Representatives Blumenauer and DeFazio,” 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 also finds treasure on the slopes of Mount Hood, adding protection for 132,000 acres of Wilderness and 80 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers. Additional Wilderness designations for the forests surrounding Mount Hood will protect carbon sinks that slow global warming, habitat for wildlife, clean water, and unparalleled recreation spots.

Also included in the bill is an expansion of the 480-acre Oregon Caves National Monument, currently the second smallest National Monument in the country. The 80,000 annual visitors will appreciate the boundary expansion, as it will bring more trails and activities into the southern Oregon treasure. The legislation would also protect the River Styx that flows through the caves as a Wild and Scenic River. This designation would make the River Styx the nation’s first protected subterranean Wild and Scenic River.

“What could be more wild and scenic than dozens of streams cascading down forested slopes to the Wild Rogue or an underground river flowing through twisted rock formations in the Oregon Caves,” added Fernandez.

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