Congress Moves to Safeguard Oregon Treasures

Portland, OR: Tributaries of the lower Rogue River and the watershed surrounding the Oregon Caves National Monument would see increased protection by the “Oregon Treasures” legislation, the subject of a hearing today in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Oregon Treasures will protect 143 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers in the lower Rogue River watershed, an area of unparalleled recreational opportunities. The bill also adds approximately 4,000 acres to the Oregon Caves National Monument and authorizes a voluntary buyout with private funds of a cattle-grazing allotment in the expanded monument. At Oregon Caves, the bill would afford Wild and Scenic status to Cave Creek, including the first ever protections for the underground stream known as River Styx, which flows through the marble caves features.

Increasing protections for the Wild Rogue River has been part of a focused effort of dozens of recreation and tourist businesses along the lower stretch of this iconic river, with nearly 70 businesses endorsing the Save the Wild Rogue campaign. 

“People travel from all over the U.S. to float, hike and fish on the Rogue River,” said Brad Niva owner of Rogue Wilderness Adventures.  “Congress needs to ensure that the Rogue stays healthy and can sustain businesses and communities for generations to come.”

The lower stretches of the Rogue River drive a robust tourism and recreation industry, which is estimated by the BLM to generate $13 million dollars to the local economy.

Oregon Treasures has been introduced in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. However, the Senate has held a hearing only on the Oregon Caves expansion. Oregon Senator Gordon Smith, who sits on the National Parks subcommittee, stated his support for Oregon Caves expansion, but has yet to advance protections for the Wild Rogue River.

“Now is the moment for the Rogue River. We need our leaders to step up and protect this Oregon treasure,” said Joseph Vaile of KS Wild.

“On this fortieth anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, I can’t think of a more appropriate time to enhance protections for one of America’s most deserving rivers,” said Kavita Heyn from American Rivers. 
More information on the campaign to Save the Wild Rogue, including contact information for over 60 business and conservation partners, can be found at www.savethewildrogue.org.

Contact:    

Joseph Vaile, KS Wild, 541.621.7808
Brad Niva, Rogue Wilderness Adventures, 541.479.9554
John Sterling, The Conservation Alliance, 541.410.4930