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Sweeping Mount Hood Protections
Proposed
Wyden plan permanently protects recreational
and scenic areas on the
mountain, in the Columbia Gorge from
future development
March 25, 2004
Washington, DC – As the nation celebrates the bicentennial
of the Lewis and Clark expedition this year, U.S. Senator Ron
Wyden today called for designating 160,000 acres of additional
wilderness along the expedition’s path in the Columbia
River Gorge and in areas surrounding Mount Hood, as well as designating
four river segments under the Wild and Scenic River System. Wyden
released details of his plan and announced his intentions for
the "Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Act of 2004" on
the floor of the U.S. Senate today.
"For the millions of current visitors to Mount Hood and
the Columbia Gorge, and for the millions more who will follow,
the time has come to prepare for our future and protect these
cherished lands," said Wyden. "Both development and
recreational demands will continue to swell in the region in
the days ahead, and the time has come for the state to choose
its course for Mount Hood and the Gorge. I hope Oregon and the
Congress, on a bipartisan basis, will join with me in embracing
permanent protection."
The wilderness areas Wyden is proposing for protection include:
-
Mount Hood Wilderness additions (approx. 65,000 acres total)
These additions include very popular recreation areas; large
cathedral old growth forests; scenic viewsheds; the oldest alpine
structure in the U.S.; important habitat for deer and elk; historic
lava beds; and a critical watershed for The Dalles. Included
are the historic Tilly Jane trail, Lost Lake, Shellrock Mountain
and Mill Creek Buttes, the historic Barlow Pass and Bonney Butte,
Twin Lakes, and the Lower White River.
-
Mark O. Hatfield
Wilderness additions (approx. 36,200 acres total)
These additions include a viewshed of the Columbia Gorge; recreation
areas; waterfalls (including the headwaters of Multnomah Falls);
and wildlife habitat. McCall Point, renowned for unique species
of wildflowers, is included.
-
Badger Creek
Wilderness additions (approx. 23,600 acres total)
These additions include the important transition zone between
east and west side ecosystems, including old growth ponderosa
pine, Douglas fir and western larch; the largest intact roadless
area near Mount Hood; key habitat for cutthroat trout and other
wildlife; and popular recreation areas (particularly elk and
deer hunting). Included are Lower Badger Creek/Jordan Creek,
Hellroaring Creek, Fifteenmile Creek and Boulder Lake.
-
Salmon-Huckleberry
Wilderness additions (approx. 34,900 acres total)
These additions include popular recreation areas, a watershed
for the City of Sandy; diverse wildlife; and viewsheds from many
popular ski areas. Included are Alder Creek, Salmon River Meadows,
Eagle Creek, Mirror Lake and Abbot Burn/Upper Salmon River Meadows.
-
"These forests symbolize the natural beauty of Oregon;
they provide the clean water for the biological survival of threatened
steelhead, Coho and Chinook salmon. These forests provide critical
habitat and diverse ecosystems for elk, deer, lynx and the majestic
bald eagle. And these are the forests that provide unparalleled
recreational opportunities for Oregonians and our visitors," Wyden
said.
The four river stretches proposed for addition to the National
Wild and Scenic River System include:
-
East Fork Hood River (14.9 miles)
This stretch contains highly scenic and picturesque views; popular
trails to waterfalls; and steelhead and coho salmon habitat.
-
Middle Fork Hood
River (4.7 miles)
This stretch contains one of a kind lava flows with unique vegetation;
salmon, steelhead and bull trout habitat; and high quality
riparian areas.
-
Zigzag River
(9 miles)
This stretch includes the historic Barlow Road and 1930s CCC
campgrounds and structures; habitat for spring chinook, coho
salmon, summer and winter steelhead and resident cutthroat
trout.
-
Eagle Creek (8.3
miles)
This stretch includes prime and diverse habitat for numerous
species of fish and wildlife (including resident cutthroat
and rainbow trout); popular areas for dispersed camping and
hiking; and pristine water quality.
"I have heard from community after community that they
fear a threat to their local drinking water, or the need for
further protections from development," Wyden said.
" Congressional statutory
designation as wilderness provides the only real protection
of the historical, scientific, cultural,
education, environmental, scenic, and recreational
values that contribute to the quality of life of which
Oregonians are so
proud."
After consulting further
with civic leaders in Oregon, as well as his colleagues in
Washington, D.C., Wyden plans to introduce
the "Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Act of 2004" as
legislation in the next several weeks.
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