FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Waldo Lake Protected from Noise and Pollution!

Conservationists convince Forest Service to protect the pristine waters of Waldo Lake from gasoline motors.

Waldo Lake, one of the purest lakes in the world and a true gem of the Oregon Cascades, has long been treasured for its pristine waters and unspoiled surroundings. Generations of canoeists, kayakers, hikers, hunters, and many others have flocked to this beloved lake to enjoy its crystal clear water and tranquil beauty. Last week the Willamette National Forest announced that it will take steps to protect this special area from pollution and noise by restricting the use internal combustion (gasoline) motors on the lake and in some of the backcountry surrounding it.

Photo by Gary Guttormsen.

Waldo Lake, one of the purest lakes in the world and a true gem of the Oregon Cascades, has long been treasured for its pristine waters and unspoiled surroundings.  Generations of canoeists, kayakers, hikers, hunters, and many others have flocked to this beloved lake to enjoy its crystal clear water and tranquil beauty.  Last week the Willamette National Forest announced that it will take steps to protect this special area from pollution and noise by restricting the use internal combustion (gasoline) motors on the lake and in some of the backcountry surrounding it.

 “This is a victory for Oregonians who value the quiet beauty of Waldo Lake,” observed Chandra LeGue, Healthy Forests Advocate for Oregon Wild.  “It has been a long, hard road, but the Forest Service made the right decision.”

Waldo Lake is surrounded on three sides by the 39,000 acre Waldo Lake Wilderness, designated by Congress in 1984 to protect the area’s outstanding forests, scenic mountains, and backcountry recreation values, and it is the source of the Wild and Scenic North Fork of the Middle Fork Willamette River.

To address negative impacts of increased use, particularly the pollution of the lake’s waters from unburned oils and other contaminants from outboard motor exhaust, the Willamette National Forest first proposed to phase-out motors on and around the lake in 2001. However, motorized-use proponents appealed the decision and the agency withdrew its plans. A new Environmental Assessment was begun in 2004 and the agency decision was announced in mid-April 2007. The decision, supported by hundreds of comments submitted by citizens who care about the lake, will prohibit gasoline boat motors and floatplanes on the lake, and prohibit use of generators and chainsaws within the semi-primitive, non-motorized management area which serves as a buffer between the lake and the surrounding Wilderness areas.

"Because of this decision, a century from now my great-great-grandchildren will still be able to enjoy the crystal clear waters and serene beauty of Waldo Lake,” said Gary Guttormsen, a long-time Waldo Lake advocate and Oregon Wild board member.  “It feels pretty good to be a part of protecting this special place."

Oregon Wild has long fought for safeguard Waldo Lake for over a decade, and this new victory will help ensure future generations the opportunity to experience Waldo Lake as a clean, quiet retreat.  Special places like Waldo Lake are an important part of what makes Oregon such a special place to live, work, and raise a family.  Find out more online at: http://www.oregonwild.org/rivers_clean_water/waldo-lake

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Oregon Wild, formerly Oregon Natural Resources Council, is a non-profit conservation organization with approximately 5,000 members throughout Oregon.  Since 1974, Oregon Wild has worked to make Oregon a special place to live, work, and raise a family.  For more information visit www.oregonwild.org.

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