Newsletter of the Oregon Natural Resources Council
Protecting Oregon Since 1974
ONRC
Wild Oregon
Spring / Summer 2005 Volume 32, No. 3
Inside: Opportunities for new Oregon Wilderness Old-growth logging in the McKenzie Bringing Klamath salmon home to Oregon Two victories for returning wolves
Your 2005 Wilderness Week brochure is inside!
ONRC
From the Director Dear Friends,
MAIN OFFICE 5825 N. Greeley Avenue Portland, OR 97217 Phone: 503.283.6343 Fax: 503.283.0756 info@onrc.org www.onrc.org The email address for each ONRC staff member: initials@onrc.org (for example: rm@onrc.org) 214 210 219 223 212 221 224 202 203 213
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 11648, Eugene, OR 97440 454 Willamette, Suite 202 & 203 Phone: 541.344.0675 Fax: 541.343.0996 Policy Analyst................................ Doug Heiken x 1 NW OR Field Rep.............................. Jeremy Hall x 3 Conservation Associate................. Chandra LeGue x 2
EASTERN FIELD OFFICE 16 NW Kansas, Bend, OR 97701 Phone: 541.382.2616 Fax: 541.385.3370 Eastern OR Field Rep......................... Tim Lillebo
SOUTHERN FIELD OFFICE Mailing Address: P.O. Box 151 Ashland, OR 97520 Street Address: 84 4th Street, Ashland Phone: 541.201.1058 Klamath Basin Wildlife Advocate......... Jim McCarthy P.O. Box 8040, Brookings, OR 97415 Phone: 541.891.4006 Wildlands Advocate.......................... Wendell Wood
BOARD OFFICERS OF ONRC FUND President- Pat Clancy Secretary/Treasurer- Rand Schenck
BOARD MEMBERS Tom Lininger Brian Maguire
Julie Papavero Jan Wilson
ONRC Fund is a tax-exempt, non-profit charitable organization. ONRC Action is a tax-exempt, non-profit social welfare organization. Contributions to ONRC Fund are tax-deductible for those who itemize; contributions to ONRC Action are not. Staff are employees of ONRC Fund, which contracts with ONRC Action to carry out its activities. Portions of this newsletter are paid for by ONRC Action.
ONRC Wild Oregon
In April, I was privileged to return to the Klamath Basin where I marveled at 40 different types of birds taking refuge. As a sandhill crane circled overhead, I felt blessed to live in Oregon. Later I traveled to the coast and then to central Oregonreplete with horned lark, antelope, mule deer, aspen and golden, old-growth pines. But through a month of such beauty and pleasure, a lingering question haunted me. Where are the fish? I recall Timothy Egan's wise words: "A river without fish is like a body without a soul." But since 2001, the Bush administration has taken dozens of actions that have put Oregon’s native fish at risk.
WESTERN FIELD OFFICE
Jim Baker Gary Guttormsen
E. Feryl
ONRC’S MISSION:
To aggressively protect and restore Oregon’s wildlands, wildlife and waters as an enduring legacy.
Executive Director......................... Regna Merritt x Conservation Director............................ Jay Ward x Director of Finance & Admin............ Candice Guth x Development Manager...................... Joellen Pail x Conservation Program Mgr............... Steve Pedery x Web Site/Info. Systems Mgr..... Sumner Robinson x Grassroots Coordinator..................... Alex Brown x Adopt-a-Wilderness/GIS.............. Erik Fernandez x Volunteer Coord./Exec. Asst........ Nanci Champlin x Membership Coordinator......... Emily Lethenstrom x
By Regna Merritt
They strangled water flows, killing tens of thousands of Klamath salmon in 2002. They cut flows in the Columbia, killing untold numbers of fish - all for a false energy crisis engineered by Enron. They're in the process of gutting the Roadless Area Conservation Rule that protects forests critical to survival of endangered fish and our cleanest waters. How many ways can they harm our economy and our heritage? Sports and commercial fishing communities, Tribes, conservationists, and all Oregonians who value fish and wildlife will not tolerate these losses. As Bob Marley sang: "Get up, stand up… stand up for your rights!" Facing the biggest threats in ONRC's thirty year history, and some of the greatest threats in our nation's history, we are defending our home and the very fabric of our democracy. And why does our work make a difference? Because YOU make a big difference to Oregon's elected officials. And we need their help to defend Oregon’s wild heritage. Senior Senator Ron Wyden must stand up and oppose legislation that threatens citizen rights and landmark safeguards like the Endangered Species Act. Representative Greg Walden plays a critical role with the Endangered Species Act and a second round of the so-called "Healthy Forests Restoration Act." While many in our congressional delegation support protections for Mount Hood's remaining wildlands and waters, Representative Walden and Senator Gordon Smith may play the largest role in deciding their fate. Governor Ted Kulongoski can be a model to governors throughout nation in his response to the Bush administration's perversion of the Roadless Rule - or not. ONRC staff and volunteers are working hard - in Salem, in Washington, D.C. and all across the state - to keep Oregon a special place to live, work and raise a family. We're working with public agencies where we can and going to court when we must, as in the Kalmiopsis where we seek to protect over 8,000 acres of wild backcountry, over 7,000 acres of old-growth forest reserves and clean, swift-flowing streams where salmon still spawn. We couldn't do it without you. Thank you in advance for your support, letters, calls and public testimony. You keep us strong. For the wild,
COVER: Wildflowers greet visitors at Iron Mountain in the Willamette National Forest. Photo by Nanci Champlin. See the enclosed Wilderness Week brochure for Iron Mountain hike details.
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Spring/Summer 2005
Oregon Wild Campaign Update
By Alex Brown and Erik Fernandez
ONRC Works to Safeguard Oregon Wildlands
Sandy Lonsdale
Erik Fernandez
Alex P. Brown
Businesses support Hood & Gorge Wilderness / Blue Mountains Forest Plan falls short
Visit Tamanawas Falls in the Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Proposal during Wilderness Week! (See enclosed brochure for full details.)
Support grows for Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Today, communities across the country are preparing for the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Here in Oregon, ONRC will commemorate their journey by working to protect what remains of the wild places in the Columbia River Gorge and the forests surrounding Mount Hood, including Cooper Spur. As you know, we took a major leap forward last summer when Senator Wyden introduced a wilderness bill in the Senate, but time ran out before it saw action. Since then, ONRC has been hard at work building community support for new protections. We have secured endorsements from over 80 Mount Hood-area businesses, the City of Sandy, and officials from Lake Oswego, Oregon City, and West Linn. Last month, ONRC had meetings and hikes with the staff of
Significant eastern Oregon wildlands such as Spring Creek are ignored in the Forest Service’s inventory of lands suitable for Wilderness designation.
Senator Gordon Smith and Reps. Blumenauer, Hooley, Walden and Wu to ask for their support for the Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Proposal. We aim to have legislation introduced this summer. Though we’re working with the entire Oregon delegation to secure new legislation, support from Senator Smith and Congressman Walden is critical. Please urge Senator Smith to take action during this historic bicentennial year ! (See below for details.) Eastern OR Wildlands at Risk The fate of the Hells Canyon, John Day River, Malheur River Canyons, and other ONRC wilderness proposals in eastern Oregon could be determined by a new Forest Service (USFS) management plan known as the Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revisions. This plan will determine how the Wallowa-Whitman, Umatilla, and Malheur National Forests are
managed beyond the next decade. National Forest management plans are only revised once every 15 years, so this is a rare opportunity for the USFS to recommend that more land be protected as Wilderness. Unfortunately, their draft plan only identifies half the acres of wilderness-quality lands that exist within the three forests. This spring, ONRC will present the agency with detailed maps and analysis of lands that should be recommended for Wilderness protection. This vital information was gathered through the field work of ONRC staff and Adopt-A-Wilderness volunteers. If the USFS does not acknowledge the wilderness qualities of these forests, most of them will be cut. Please stand up for eastern Oregon wildlands and submit your written public comment today!
Urge Sen. Smith to honor Lewis and Clark’s legacy by supporting new Wilderness for Mount Hood and the Gorge: 202-224-3753 or 503-326-3386 Tell the USFS to recommend all Blue Mountain roadless areas 1,000 acres & larger for Wilderness protection: blue_mtn_planrevision@fs.fed.us
ONRC Wild Oregon
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Spring/Summer 2005
Old-Growth Campaign Update
By Jeremy Hall
Jeremy Hall
Defending McKenzie Old Growth & Drinking Water
Steve Pedery
10,000 truckloads of mature & old-growth trees could be logged this summer
The McKenzie River watershed is the primary drinking water source for many Oregonians.
T
he McKenzie River and the forests and mountains that surround it are known for big things: headwaters that spring forth from the biggest glacier in Oregon, the largest rock monolith in the state, and some of our largest remaining oldgrowth trees. Each year thousands of people flock to the McKenzie to hike, fish, raft, and simply take in the unique natural beauty of the region. For generations Oregonians have fought to protect this special place. Today, with big timber sales planned here, the McKenzie needs your help more than ever. Instead of safeguarding the wild forests that supply drinking water to over 140,000 Lane County residents, the U.S. Forest Service is working to push through 15 different logging projects this summer that will fill 10,000 log trucks with mature and old-growth trees. Big, old trees have already been cut in the Chucksney Mountain roadless area and above Cougar Reservoir. In addition, important Native American cultural sites are threatened by logging
ONRC Wild Oregon
between the McKenzie River and the Mount Washington Wilderness, and several impressive mature forest stands that provide critical habitat for Northern spotted owls are on the chopping block.
away from logging roadless and oldgrowth forests. Instead, they should restore the dense tree plantations, crumbling roads, and degraded streams that have resulted from their past actions. Together we have delivered thousands of petitions against this logging and have taken congressional and Forest Service staff on field trips to show them the damage this logging will do. Chances are good that future McKenzie projects will be better, but we have not yet stopped the reckless logging of dozens of stands of mature and old-growth forest slated for destruction this summer. Please join us in the fight to protect this beloved watershed today!
ONRC has teamed up with the University of Oregon Outdoor Program, Cascadia Wildlands Project, and the OSPIRG campus chapters at the U of O and Lane Community College to stop these destructive logging projects. ONRC’s goal is to protect clean drinking water and encourage the Forest Service and timber purchasers to shift their focus
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SPEAK UP for McKENZIE OLD GROWTH Write to Dallas Emch Willamette National Forest Supervisor P.O. Box 10607 Eugene, OR 97440 HIKE THE McKENZIE Contact Chandra LeGue at our Eugene office and ask her to keep you informed of McKenzie River area outings: cl@onrc.org or 541-344-0675
Spring/Summer 2005
WILDERNESS WEEK Oregon Natural Resources Council proudly presents
JUNE 18-26, 2005
Look for these icons to identify special event features: Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Proposal
S AT U R D AY, J U N E 1 8 Iron Mountain & Echo Basin Wildflower Workshop, Hike and Campout, Part I Santiam Wilderness Proposal
Learn from naturalist Wendell Wood how to identify more than 100 wildflowers in this botanically rich area. Then explore rare groves of old-growth Alaska yellow cedar at Echo Basin. Plant list provided. Consider camping over for Part II on Sunday! Slow 3 miles, moderate, 2000 ft elev. gain Meet at 9 am, Sevenmile Group Campground off S. Santiam Hwy. 20. Camping over Friday is recommended. Sponsored by ONRC. RSVP for details to Jeremy Hall: 541.344.0675, jh@onrc.org
Chucksney Mountain Hike McKenzie Wilderness Proposal
Hike through an incense cedar forest to scenic views of Three Sisters from wildflower-filled Grasshopper meadow one of the largest, most scenic, and least visited meadows in the Cascades. 6 miles, moderate, 1000 ft elevation gain Meet at 9 am, parking lot “N” at Lane Community College, Eugene. Sponsored by ONRC. RSVP to Jeremy Hall 541.344.0675, jh@onrc.org
Wildflowers, Rare Plants
Film or Slideshow
Tamanawas Falls Hike
Lewis & Clark Mt. Hood Wilderness Proposal
Explore rare old-growth forests, diverse plant life, and fascinating geology on your way to this breathtaking 100 foot waterfall on the east side of Mount Hood. 4 miles, easy, 300 ft elevation gain Meet at 8:30 am, Wild Oats parking lot, 2825 E. Burnside, Portland or at the trailhead at 10:30 am. Sponsored by Audubon Society of Portland. RSVP to Samantha Murray: 503.292.6855 x 126, smurray@audubonportland.org
Illinois-Applegate Divide Hike Siskiyou Crest Wilderness Proposal
Visit the largest block of unprotected roadless forest on the Pacific Coast! Hike the Pacific Crest Trail along the Cook-n-Green Botanical Area and learn about the area’s rare plants and how cattle grazing impacts the landscape. 8 miles, strenuous, 500 ft elevation gain Meet at 9 am, Star Ranger Station, 6941 Upper Applegate Rd. (6 miles from Ruch). Sponsored by Red Buttes Wilderness Council. RSVP to Susan Menanno: 541.951.7467, redbutteswilderness@hotmail.com
Restoration Project
Kristen Wille
All outings are free, guided by experts, and require RSVPs. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Please leave pets at home. For your comfort and safety, please dress appropriately and bring plenty of water, snacks and a lunch. You may also wish to bring sunscreen, a hat, binoculars or a camera. Campouts require that you supply your own food and equipment.
Eagle Creek Restoration Project, Trail #501
Lewis & Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Proposal
Start Wilderness Week right by giving back to this beautiful gateway to the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. Hike in three miles and clear brush on the way out. 6 miles, strenuous, wear pants, long sleeves and bring gloves. Meet 7:30 am at SE corner of Gateway Park & Ride (NE 99 & Pacific, Portland) or 9 am at Estacada Ranger Station. Sponsored by ONRC and USFS. RSVP to Alex Brown: 503.283.6343 x 224, ab@onrc.org
Rainy Lake Hike
Lewis & Clark Mt. Hood Wilderness Proposal
Bring your family and explore classic high-elevation lakes as you hike in the old-growth forest adjacent to the Columbia Wilderness area. 4-6 miles, easy, 500 ft elevation gain Meet at 9:30 am, gravel parking lot across from China Gorge Restaurant (corner of State and Hwy. 35), Hood River. Sponsored by Hood River Wilderness Committee. RSVP to Jim Denton: 541.354.1604, wildthings@gorge.net
S U N D AY, J U N E 1 9 Iron Mountain Campout, Part II: Tombstone Pass Botanical Hike
Santiam Wilderness Proposal
Experience one of the most botanically diverse areas of the Oregon Cascades. Plant list provided. Wildflowers galore! 4 miles, slow, easy, all downhill Meet by 9 am, Sevenmile Group Campground, off S. Santiam Hwy. 20. Camping on Saturday night is recommended. Sponsored by ONRC. RSVP to Jeremy Hall: 541.344.0675, jh@onrc.org
Eagle Creek & Squaw Mtn. Hike
Lewis & Clark Mt. Hood Wilderness Proposal
Explore the drinking watershed for 160,000 Oregonians and enjoy panoramic views of the SalmonHuckleberry Wilderness from the site of the old Squaw Mountain fire lookout. 4 miles, moderate, 900 ft elevation gain Meet at 9 am, 2950 SE Stark St., Portland. Sponsored by Oregon Chapter Sierra Club. RSVP to Donald Fontenot: 503.704.3116, wildflag1@comcast.net
Boulder Lake Hike
Lewis & Clark Mt. Hood Wilderness Proposal
Nestled between old-growth forest and high mountain cliffs, Boulder Lake is one of Mount Hood’s best-kept secrets! 5 miles, moderate, 1100 ft elevation gain Meet at 9 am, Daily Grind parking lot, 4026 SE Hawthorne, Portland. Sponsored by ONRC. RSVP to Erik Fernandez: 503.283.6343 x 202, ef@onrc.org
Cooper Spur / Tilly Jane Roadless Area Hike
Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Proposal
Come face to face with Oregon’s second largest glacier on this high-elevation hike! Explore subalpine old-growth forest while you learn about the efforts to protect Cooper Spur from a controversial commercial development plan. 5 miles, strenuous, 1100 ft elevation gain Meet at 8:30 am, Wild Oats parking lot, 2825 E Burnside, Portland. Sponsored by ONRC. RSVP to Alex Brown: 503.283.6343 x 224, ab@onrc.org
Briggs Creek Hike
Kalmiopsis Wilderness Proposal
Explore Oregon's Yellowstone! See this forest’s natural rejuvenation after the 2002 Biscuit fire. Experience the botanical wonders that make this area a world-renowned treasure. 4-5 miles, moderate, 600 ft elevation gain Meet at 10 am, Selma Market in Selma (30 miles south of Grants Pass on Hwy. 199.) Sponsored by the Siskiyou Project. RSVP to Lisa Shelton: 541.592.4459, lisa@siskiyou.org
4 miles, moderate, 1300 ft elevation gain Meet at 5:30 pm at the gravel parking lot across from China Gorge Restaurant (corner of State and Hwy. 35), Hood River. Sponsored by the Hood River Wilderness Committee. RSVP to Darryl Lloyd: 541.387.2217, longshadow@gorge.net
Summer Solstice Full Moon Paddle on Lost Lake
Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Proposal
Celebrate the longest day of the year by experiencing the beauty of Lost Lake and Mount Hood by moonlight!
M O N D AY, J U N E 2 0
Easy. Canoes, paddling skills and lifejackets required
Siskiyou Crest Wilderness Proposal
Meet at 9:30 pm, Lost Lake. Sponsored by ONRC. RSVP for canoe rental details to Alex Brown: 503.283.6343 x 224, ab@onrc.org
Siskiyou Crest Evening Hike
Enjoy panoramic views as you hike along this wildlife corridor adjacent to the Red Buttes Wilderness. Learn about this unique "land bridge" that connects the Cascade and Coast ranges. 4-5 miles, moderate, 1000 ft elevation gain Meet at 5 pm, Evo's Java House, Ashland. Return by 9:30 pm. Sponsored by Klamath Siskiyou Wildlands Center. RSVP to Lesley Adams: 541.488.5789, lesley@kswild.org
T U E S D AY, J U N E 2 1 Bald Mountain Wildflower Hike
Lewis & Clark Mt. Hood Wilderness Proposal
Join ONRC naturalist Wendell Wood for an amazing hike to a wildflower-covered meadow, old-growth forests and subalpine rocky outcrops as you traverse the Pacific Crest Trail to a scenic overlook of Mount Hood. Plant list provided. 4.5 miles, slow, moderate, 1900 ft elev. gain Meet at 8:30 am, Wild Oats parking lot, 2825 E Burnside, Portland. Sponsored by ONRC. RSVP to Nanci Champlin: 503.283.6343 x 203, nc@onrc.org
Lost Lake Butte Evening Hike
Lewis & Clark Mt. Hood Wilderness Proposal
Bring your camera and join professional photographer Darryl Lloyd for this trip above one of Mount Hood’s most photographed lakes. This hike promises an outstanding view of the mountain. Consider staying for the moonlight paddle on the lake.
Brice Creek Solstice Hike North Umpqua Wilderness Proposal
Take advantage of the late solstice sun as you hike along this scenic creek and experience the area’s popular old-growth forests, roaring waterfalls and crystalline pools. 6 miles, moderate, 800 ft elevation gain Meet at 5:30 pm, parking lot “N” at Lane Community College, Eugene. Sponsored by ONRC. RSVP to Jeremy Hall: 541.344.0675, jh@onrc.org
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22 Eagle Creek Columbia River Gorge Hike
Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Proposal
This Columbia Gorge trail is truly a gem! Avoid the weekend crowds and explore the gorge’s many waterfalls and wildflowers on your way up to High Bridge. 6.5 miles, moderate / strenuous, 600 ft elevation gain. Wear pants because of poison oak in the area. This trail contains steep drop-offs and is therefore not recommended for kids. Meet at 9 am in Portland at the SE corner of the Gateway Park & Ride lot (NE 99th and Pacific) or at 9:45 am at the Eagle Creek trailhead. Sponsored by Friends of the Columbia Gorge. RSVP to Cathy Robart: 503.241.3762 x 106, cathy@gorgefriends.org
Umpqua Wilderness Slide Show
7 - 8:30 pm, Douglas County Library: 1409 Diamond Lake Blvd., Roseburg. Please park in Fowler Street parking lot.
We bring the wonders of the Umpqua to you! Take a visual tour of the Umpqua’s beautiful old-growth forests and hidden waterfalls. Learn about the benefits these wild forests provide and the threats that they face. See before and after photos of the 2002 Tiller fire. Sponsored by Umpqua Watersheds. www.umpqua-watersheds.org
T H U R S D AY, J U N E 2 3 “American Values: American Wilderness" Film Screening
7 - 9 pm, Environmental Center on 4th and C Street in Ashland..
Narrated by the late Christopher Reeve, this new film documents the deep, personal love of wild places held by a broad variety of Americans. This High Plains film was made in association with the Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center. Tea and popcorn provided. Sponsored by Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center. RSVP to Lesley Adams 541.488.5789, lesley@kswild.org
Last Creek Hike
South Umpqua Wilderness Proposal
Marvel at the panoramic views of the South Cascade peaks! See the forest’s natural rejuvenation three years after the Tiller fire and how one of the oldest trees in Oregon survived. 3 miles, moderate, 2000 ft elevation gain Meet at 9 am at the Douglas County Courthouse, 1036 SE Douglas, Roseburg, or at 9:30 am at Promise Health Foods, Canyonville, or 10 am at the Tiller Ranger District. Sponsored by Umpqua Watersheds. RSVP to 541.672.7065, uw@umpqua-watersheds.org
them. Q & A session and book signing to follow. Books will be available at the event or can be purchased in advance by calling ONRC at 503.283.6343 x 213. Sponsored by ONRC and Patagonia of Portland. Light refreshments provided. View a section of the book online at www.oregonwild.org/oregonwildbook/
Evening Hike on the Lava Beds
Lewis & Clark Mt. Hood Wilderness Proposal
This short but rugged jaunt on Mount Hood’s little-known north slope lava beds will provide a glimpse into the mountain's rich volcanic history. 1 - 2 miles, strenuous, 100 - 200 ft elevation gain. Strong boots a must. Meet at 5:30 pm at the gravel parking lot across from China Gorge Restaurant (corner of State and Hwy. 35), Hood River. Sponsored by the Hood River Wilderness Committee. RSVP to Jim Denton: 541.354.1604, wildthings@gorge.net
SATURDAY, JUNE 25 Mount Jefferson Hike Metolius Wilderness Proposal
Explore a landscape threatened by postfire logging as you hike from Round Lake to Square Lake to the Pacific Crest Trail in and near the Mount Jefferson Wilderness. 6 miles, moderate, 300 ft elevation gain Meet at 10 am, "Park & Ride" at Walnut and Franklin, just east of the Franklin PC Market of Choice, Eugene. Sponsored by ONRC. RSVP to Chandra LeGue: 541.344.0675, cl@onrc.org
Zane Grey Hike
Wild Rogue Wilderness Proposal
“Oregon Wild: Endangered Forest Wilderness” Slideshow Presentation & Book Signing
Bring your family and visit the forest named after famed adventure author Zane Grey. Experience the unique geological and botanical diversity of the Wild and Scenic Rogue River as you hike the gentle riverside trail and learn about the timber sale that threatens this area.
Patagonia, 907 NW Irving St., Portland, 6:30-8:30 pm
4-5 miles, easy, 500 ft elevation gain
Author and noted conservationist Andy Kerr presents the magnificent - yet unprotected - forests featured in ONRC's recently published book. Learn about the natural and unnatural history of Oregon's wild forests and the exciting campaign to protect
Meet at 9 am, Evo's Java House, Ashland or at 10:30 am, Sunshine Natural Foods, Grants Pass. Sponsored by Klamath Siskiyou Wildlands Center. RSVP to Lesley Adams: 541.488.5789, lesley@kswild.org
Fifteenmile Creek Tree ID Hike
Lewis & Clark Mt. Hood Wilderness Proposal
Hike through one of the most diverse oldgrowth forests surrounding Mount Hood and learn to identify its many conifers. 6 miles, moderate, 500 ft elevation gain Meet at 9 am, Daily Grind parking lot, 4026 SE Hawthorne, Portland. Sponsored by ONRC. RSVP to Erik Fernandez: 503.283.6343 x 202, ef@onrc.org
Rogue-Umpqua Divide Hike Rogue-Umpqua Wilderness Proposal
Bridging the Umpqua and Rogue River Nat’l Forests, the "divide" provides the ultimate wilderness experience. Hike through oldgrowth forest and wildflower meadows on your way to Cliff and Buckeye lakes. 7 miles, strenuous, 1300 ft elevation gain Meet at 9 am, Douglas Co. Courthouse, 1036 SE Douglas, Roseburg. Sponsored by Umpqua Watersheds. RSVP to Tim Ballard: 541.672.7065, tim@umpqua-watersheds.org
Burnt Lake Trail Restoration Project
Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Proposal
Flanking the ZigZag Mountains, this littleknown gateway into the Mount Hood Wilderness needs you! Help clear the trail by removing invasive weeds. 4 miles, moderate. Wear boots, long shirts, long pants and work gloves Meet at 7:30 am in Portland at the SE corner of Gateway Park & Ride lot (NE 99th & Pacific) or 9 am at the Zigzag Work Station on Lolo Pass Rd. across (north of) Hwy. 26 from the Zigzag Ranger Station. Sponsored by ONRC and USFS. RSVP to Alex Brown: 503.283.6343 x 224, ab@onrc.org
SUNDAY, JUNE 26
Lookout Mountain Hike
Lewis & Clark Mt. Hood Wilderness Proposal
Bring your family and hike in the Badger Creek Wilderness to panoramic views of forest meadows, Cascade peaks, and unprotected wilderness. 3 miles, easy, 400 ft elevation gain Meet at 10 am at the gravel parking lot across from China Gorge Restaurant (corner of State and Hwy. 35), Hood River. Sponsored by Hood River Wilderness Committee. RSVP to Jurgen Hess: 541.386.2668, hess@gorge.net
Sunday, June 26 continued Bulldog Rock Hike
North Umpqua Wilderness Proposal
Hike along creeks vital to summer steelhead as you explore the forest and meadows at Bulldog Rock. The serenity of this forest is matched only by the rock pinnacles and outstanding views of the Cascade peaks. 5.5 miles, strenuous, 1600 ft elevation gain Meet at 9 am, Douglas Co. Courthouse, Roseburg, or 9:30 am, N. Umpqua Ranger Station, Glide. Sponsored by Umpqua Watersheds. RSVP to Robin Wisdom: 541.672.7065, robin@umpqua-watersheds.org
Gwynn Creek Hike
Coast Range Wilderness Proposal
Explore some of the last remaining oldgrowth forests of the Oregon Coast Range on this loop hike that takes in valleys, ridgetops and tidepools. 5.5 miles, moderate, 1000 ft elev. gain Meet at 10 am, Park & Ride at Walnut & Franklin, just east of Franklin Market of Choice, Eugene. Sponsored by ONRC. RSVP to Chandra LeGue: 541.344.0675, cl@onrc.org
Metolius River Hike
Metolius Wilderness Proposal
Hike in the outstanding beauty of the Metolius! This is one of the healthiest
rivers in Oregon, providing habitat for rare bull trout and salmon. 5-6 miles, moderate, 300 ft elevation gain Meet at 10 am, Camp Sherman bridge next to Camp Sherman Store. Sponsored by ONRC. RSVP to Tim Lillebo: 541.382.2616, tl@onrc.org
Larch Mountain Hike
Lewis & Clark Mt. Hood Wilderness Proposal
Hike through stands of old-growth cedar and giant firs en route to Sherrard Point. 6 miles, moderate, 1300 ft elevation gain Meet at 9:30 am in Portland at the SE corner of Gateway Park & Ride lot (NE 99th and Pacific) or at 10 am, Larch Mt. Trailhead. Sponsored by Friends of the Columbia Gorge. RSVP for directions to Cathy Robart: 503.241.3762 x 106, cathy@gorgefriends.org
Roaring River and Serene Lake Hike
Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Proposal
Mount Hood provides the backdrop for a spectacular view of Serene Lake and miles of rugged, unprotected evergreen forest. 6 miles, moderate, 600 ft elevation gain Meet at 8 am, Wild Oats parking lot, 2825 E. Burnside, Portland. Sponsored by
ONRC. RSVP to Alex Brown: 503.283.6343 x 224, ab@onrc.org
Vista Ridge Hike
Lewis & Clark Mt. Hood Wilderness Proposal
This trail offers all the alpine spectacles that make Wilderness special: wildflower-filled meadows, spectacular mountain ridges, snowfields, and glaciers! 5 - 7 miles, strenuous, 1000 ft elevation gain Bring extra water, sunglasses & sunblock. Meet at 9 am at the gravel parking lot across from China Gorge Restaurant (corner of State and Hwy. 35), Hood River. Sponsored by Hood River Wilderness Committee. RSVP to Jim Denton: 541.354.1604, wildthings@gorge.net
Barklow Mtn / Copper Salmon Hike Copper Salmon Wilderness Proposal
Hike to the top of Barklow Mountain for panoramic views of Copper Salmon, the Grassy Knob Wilderness and the Pacific Ocean. Come see why Copper Salmon deserves Wilderness protection! 3.5 miles, moderate, 800 ft elevation gain Meet at 8 am, Elk River Salmon Hatchery parking lot, Port Orford. Sponsored by Friends of Elk River. RSVP to Jim Rogers: 541.332.2555.
ONRC thanks the following organizations for participating in Wilderness Week events:
Gary Braasch
Audubon Society of Portland Friends of the Columbia Gorge Friends of Elk River Hood River Wilderness Committee Klamath Siskiyou Wildlands Center Oregon Chapter Sierra Club Patagonia Red Buttes Wilderness Council Siskiyou Project Umpqua Watersheds U.S. Forest Service
To learn about ONRC’s Oregon Wild Campaign visit www.oregonwild.org or call 503.283.6343
Klamath Basin Campaign Update
By Jim McCarthy
Ecosystem Images
Courtesy Klamath County Museum
ONRC defends wildlife refuges and works to bring salmon home to Oregon
Ecosystem Images
ONRC file photo
Klamath Forecast: Another Dry, Tough Summer
Marshes within the Klamath Wildlife Refuges may go dry again this year as they did in 2001.
An antiquated electric subsidy for Klamath irrigators encourages wasteful water use in the basin.
Salmon could once again return to the Klamath River if licenses for five primitive dams are not renewed.
Klamath Wildlife Last in Line With another severe drought bearing down on the Klamath Basin, 2005 is shaping up to be a harsh year for fish and wildlife. The Bush administration and the federal Bureau of Reclamation aren’t helping matters. In April they announced plans to provide the Klamath Irrigation Project with one of the largest water allocations it has ever received in a similarly dry year, while providing dangerously little water for the Klamath Basin’s National Wildlife Refuges, the Klamath River, and Oregon’s largest freshwater lake. Their plan will leave bald eagles, salmon, Native Americans, and commercial fishing communities high and dry.
Electric Subsidy Set to Expire But there is some good news to report. A $10 million sweetheart deal that has provided Klamath agribusiness with electricity to pump water at 1/16th of market rates is set to expire in 2006. This 1917 agreement with the company now known as Pacific Power and Light has allowed irrigators to enjoy some of the lowest power rates in the country while forcing other PP&L customers in places like Medford, Bend, and Portland to pick up the tab. Free water and dirt-cheap electricity for pumping has encouraged wasteful water use throughout the region. Irrigators are flexing their political muscle in an effort to continue this sweetheart deal, but ONRC is working with the Oregon Public Utility Commission, the state legislature, and in Congress to ensure that fairness and balance prevail. Stay tuned!
Bringing Klamath Salmon Home ONRC is taking advantage of an historic opportunity to restore the Klamath River and bring salmon and steelhead home to the Oregon portion of the basin for the first time in nearly a century. That is how long a series of primitive dams on the Klamath River have blocked salmon from reaching over 350 miles of spawning habitat. The license to operate five of the six dams will expire next year, and ONRC is working to remove four of them.
The administration’s favoring of irrigators over fish and wildlife had disastrous consequences in 2002, when low spring water levels killed more than 200,000 baby salmon in the Klamath River, and in the fall sparked a massive fish kill that claimed as many as 80,000 adults before they could spawn. ONRC is already working to get more water to the river and wildlife refuges, but as a last resort we may once again be forced to defend them in court.
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The state of Oregon must support any new license to operate the dams, so Governor Kulongoski will play a critical role in returning these fish to their native waters. His support for removal of the four lower Klamath dams particularly JC Boyle dam - will greatly increase the chances of restoring this once mighty river.
HELP BRING KLAMATH SALMON HOME TO OREGON! Tell Governor Kulongoski to support removal of the four lower dams on the Klamath River, particularly JC Boyle dam. We have an historic opportunity to bring Klamath salmon and steelhead home to Oregon, and we can’t afford to miss it! Governor Ted Kulongoski 900 Court St. NE Salem, Oregon 97301 or call 503-378-3111
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Spring/Summer 2005
By Steve Pedery
Defending Environmental Safeguards
Rep. Walden Undermining Wildlife & Forest Safeguards
O
regon Congressman Greg Walden could push several anti-environmental bills in Congress this summer. For years he has worked to undermine the Endangered Species Act and the safety net it provides for fish and wildlife. Congress could soon act on Rep. Walden’s “weird science” endangered species bill which would put biased information from developers ahead of scientific research from biologists when it comes to making decisions about endangered species recovery.
Congressman Walden is also threatening a second round of the so-called Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA). HFRA - which has been dubbed “no tree left behind” by some conservationists - used the public’s fear of forest fires to ram through changes to environmental laws that allowed more logging of big, healthy trees while limiting the public’s right to participate in how our forests are managed.
Rep. Walden’s new HFRA legislation could further restrict the public’s ability to weigh in on management decisions. Rather than weakening forest safeguards to open up backcountry areas to logging, ONRC believes the best way to deal with the threat of forest fires is to focus scarce federal dollars on thinning dense stands in and around high-risk communities. Two Wolf Recovery Victories 1n 1963 bounty hunters shot what was thought to be the last wild gray wolf in Oregon, snuffing out a vital part of our state’s natural heritage. With wolf populations quickly recovering in Idaho, Oregon has an historic opportunity
to correct this mistake. In the last several months, ONRC has contributed to two victories in the campaign to bring wolves back to Oregon. In February, an Oregon judge sided with ONRC and 16 other conservation groups, ruling that the Bush administration broke the law when it tried to weaken endangered species protections for gray wolves. Also in February, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission (OFWC) adopted a wolf recovery plan for the state. Thank you ONRC members for responding to our e-mail alerts and testifying before the Commission in favor of welcoming gray wolves back to Oregon! Though the plan is weaker than we hoped, your input helped sway the OFWC to reject arguments from agribusiness and antiwilderness groups. The first wolves who return to our state will likely settle in the rugged roadless backcountry of northeast Oregon, in places like Hells Canyon, the Strawberry Mountains, and the Blue Mountains. Chances are good that within the next ten years the howl of gray wolves will once again echo across these wild lands. HELP PROTECT ENDANGERED WILDLIFE! Call Senator Wyden and ask him to oppose any bills that would weaken the Endangered Species Act: 503-326-7525 or 202-224-5244
Jim Dutcher
Jim Dutcher
ONRC defends Endangered Species Act, Oregon forests, and wolves
ONRC Wild Oregon
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Spring/Summer 2005
Inside ONRC
What’s in a Name?
Terry Hohner
ONRC considers a name change
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hat does the average Oregonian think when they hear the name “Oregon Natural Resources Council?” A government agency? An Oregon chapter of Natural Resources Defense Council? Oregon’s premier conservation organization? If you have lived in Oregon a while and care about forests, wildlife, and healthy rivers and streams, you know that for over 30 years ONRC has been an independent voice at the forefront of defending our natural heritage. But if you are new to the state or don’t follow environmental issues
That’s a problem as we seek to expand our membership and increase support for our work to protect Oregon’s wildlands, wildlife and waters.
The Oregon Wilderness Coalition became the Oregon Natural Resources Council in 1986.
closely, chances are you don’t know who ONRC is, and may have trouble remembering our name or identifying our mission.
ONRC recently received a grant that allows us to explore the possibility of changing our name. Over the next few months we will work with a consultant who specializes in helping non-profit organizations study whether a name change is needed to boost recognition, and if so, what a new name might be. Regardless of the result, one thing that won’t change is ONRC’s aggressive defense of the Oregon we all love!
Look for updates on our name change process in future editions of Wild Oregon.
Inside Oregon Natural Resources Council ONRC welcomes Susan Applegate to our Development Committee. Susan, who lives on an historic family farm in Yoncalla, is a talented artist, educator, mother and conservationist. A longtime ONRC member with deep ties to Douglas County, Susan brings important history and experience to our collective efforts to save Oregon's big trees and salmon. We're also pleased to announce that Scott Shoen joined the Finance Committee in April. An ONRC member since 1998, Scott is an accounting professional with 15 years of experience. He has also owned a small business and served as the Chair of the Portland State Bookstore Cooperative
ONRC Wild Oregon
Association and as Finance Chair of Parkinson's Resources of Oregon.
Fork Trask River forest to enhance our Coast Range Wilderness proposal.
Retirement brings new adventures, including more travel, waterplay and writing, for Mike Helm. Mike, a founding member of ONRC Action in 1995, made significant contributions to Action's Political Action Committee and joined the board of ONRC Fund in 2003.
She was key to initiating ONRC’s communications with mountain bikers. Working on our Development Committee, Constance was also responsible for our outstanding 30th anniversary party in Portland.
Writing from a sunny beach in Mexico about changes in store for his family, Mike underscored his feeling that "ONRC's mission is the most important one of all."
We thank Mike and Constance for their wonderful service to ONRC. They certainly deserve to get out and play in the great Oregon outdoors!
Constance Frenzen retired from the board in December. Active in ONRC’s Adopt-a-Wilderness program, Constance "groundtruthed" the North
•7•
Spring/Summer 2005
Three Easy Ways to Show Your Love for Oregon Plan Your Next Vacation
Give Through Your Workplace
Join Our Evergreen Society
Which Oregon gem will you visit next? You’ll have a hard time deciding after reading ONRC’s new book Oregon Wild: Endangered Forest Wilderness by Andy Kerr. Serving as both a guide and celebration of Oregon’s aweinspiring roadless landscape, this indispensible book will delight you with stunning photos, detailed area profiles, maps, natural and political histories, and a passion for keeping Oregon wild.
Visit your Human Resources office at work and ask to donate to ONRC through Earth Share of Oregon. You can join hundreds of other members who use this convenient method to support ONRC. If workplace giving is not currently available to you, please contact Ron Shoals at 503.223.9015 to learn about establishing an Earth Share campaign in your workplace today!
ONRC’s Tree Free monthly giving program has a new name! We think you’ll agree that “Evergreen Society” better describes the dependable support that monthly givers provide. It’s simply the most efficient, convenient, and environmentally friendly way to support ONRC. Please see the enclosed envelope to learn how you can join our Evergreen Society and make a lasting contribution to the Oregon you love.
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