Not only do Oregon's wild places deserve protection for their intrinsic value, but they also provide important--and often irreplacable--benefits: recreation, clean drinking water, critical habitat for rare and imperiled plants and animals, and a buffer against global climate change. The magnificent old-growth trees in our wild areas are among the most important stands still remaining nationwide.

Despite this, Oregon wildlands are threatened. Our state lags far behind its neighbors in protecting natural areas. Only 3.7 percent of Oregon is designated as protected wilderness, compared to 10 percent in Washington and 13 percent in California. Jewels such as Eagle Creek, Hardesty Mountain, Copper Salmon, Beaver Creek, Soda Mountain and the Siskiyou Crest are just a few examples of Oregon's stunning, yet unprotected wild lands.

Check out our Wilderness Fact Sheet for more information.

That's why Oregon Wild has proposed adding about 5 million acres of forested public lands to Oregon's Wilderness preservation system.  Designating these lands as protected areas under the 1964 Wilderness Act is the best way to ensure that these special places remain an enduring legacy for future generations. Oregon Wild is working hard through public education, stewardship and lobbying to make this goal a reality.

_{Photo: Rancherie Creek, Siskiyou National Forest. by Barbara Ullian}