Please thank Senators Wyden and Merkley for protecting Wild Rivers today! Thank you!
Late yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed the Natural Resources Management Act, including the Oregon Wildlands Act, the Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Act, and the reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Rogue Riverkeeper, KS Wild, and allies have worked for over ten years to secure southwest Oregon protections in this bill – these include:
- Protecting the upper Chetco River from mining claims.
- Expanding Wild & Scenic protections for streams feeding the Wild Rogue River.
- Expanding Wild & Scenic protections for streams feeding the Elk River.
This is an amazing step forward for wild rivers! The Oregon bills have been pending in Congress for years even with broad public support across the state. These bills will protect some of Oregon’s most unique lands and rivers that are treasured sources of clean drinking water, phenomenal outdoor recreation, and wilderness character.
Despite widespread support for expanding the Wild Rogue Wilderness Area, it was left out of the final bill. We want to thank Senator Wyden for vowing to continue to fight to protect the world-class Wild Rogue Canyon between Grave and Mule Creeks and we will do all we can to support him. The bill will now move forward for a vote in the House.