FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City Council Adopts Resolution to Protect McKenzie Ancient Forests

On Monday, May 23, the Eugene city council adopted a resolution, 7-1, which recommends the US Forest Service to protect mature and old-growth forests on public lands in the McKenzie River watershed, Eugene’s municipal water supply.

The meeting drew a large crowd of local citizens, businesses owners, and organizations concerned with the fate of local recreation, tourism economy, and clean drinking water.  Plans to increase mature and old growth forest logging this summer on public land in the McKenzie River watershed has spurred business owners such as Ken Streater of Destination Wilderness to take a stand to protect the forests on which his business depends.

"As an outfitter of adventure and wilderness trips throughout the Northwest and beyond, natural places are vital to my business. It is exciting to see the council send a clear message to safeguard these treasured forests,” said Streater.

Numerous other businesses have joined the growing list of groups who want to see McKenzie forests protected.  From Paul’s Bicycle Way of Life and Oregon Whitewater Adventures to the Log Cabin Inn and Homewaters Fly Fishing, businesses of all varieties have expressed concern that increased ancient forest logging could impact their recreation and tourism-driven businesses.  Local organizations, such as McKenzie Flyfishers and the Native Plant Society of Oregon, have also come out in support of ending ancient forest logging in the McKenzie.

"Without old growth and mature forests in the McKenzie River watershed, we would not have world-class fishing opportunities in Eugene's backyard.  Legacy forests on our public lands must be protected so future generations of anglers have the opportunity to experience the joys of fishing the McKenzie," noted Glen Love of McKenzie Flyfishers.

 “Old growth and mature forests are one of the reasons why Eugene is a great place to live, work, and raise a family by supporting a diversified economy, superb recreation opportunities, and clean drinking water,” said Josh Laughlin, Campaign Coordinator of the Eugene-based Cascadia Wildlands Project (CWP). CWP, Oregon Natural Resources Council and Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group have collected over 5,000 petition signatures calling for protection the old forests of the McKenzie..

Currently, there are plans to log over 3000 acres of mature and old growth forests this summer and next on McKenzie public lands.

###