Senate Holds Hearing on Enhanced Protections for the Oregon Caves National Monument

Washington D.C. -- In order to expand economic development, increase recreation opportunities and protect the drinking water for some 80,000 visitors a year, Congress held a hearing today on the Oregon Caves Boundary Adjustment Act of 2008 (S. 3148). Known primarily for its vast marble caves, the 480-acre Monument was established in 1909 by proclamation of President William Howard Taft.

The National Park Service has formally proposed to expand the boundary of the southwest Oregon Monument to encompass nearby caves and the surrounding Cave Creek Watershed several times – first in 1939, then in 1949, and most recently in 2000. The legislation discussed today in the U.S. Senate would add approximately 4,000 acres to the Monument by transferring the land from the Forest Service to the National Park Service.

Oregon Caves is the longest tour cave west of the Continental Divide and it sits below some of the most botanically diverse conifer forests in the world. In addition to increasing the boundary to include a campground and hiking trails, the proposal would also designate 7 miles of streams under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, including the first underground river in the country: the River Styx. This sub-surface stream maintains many unique features of the caves.

“Protecting this unique corner of Southwest Oregon’s Siskiyou Mountains will put this outstanding region on the map, and help attract visitors from around the country to visit a special natural wonder,” said Joseph Vaile of KS Wild.

The legislation also proposes to protect the Monument's drinking water from possible pollution and contamination caused by cattle grazing in the Cave Creek watershed. The issue has long been a concern of the Park Service, which gets its water from a surface stream. The legislation would allow the donation of grazing permits within the expanded boundary at some time in the future, if the permit-holder were willing. Funds for the buyout would have to come from private sources.

“We are working with the rancher and have come to an agreement that satisfies all parties,” said Lesley Adams with KS Wild. The National Park Service, KS Wild and many local citizens have voiced concerns over the impacts of grazing in the area.

The legislation would also encourage ecological forest restoration that could enhance the area’s forests, making them more fire resilient. The Senate bill is part of the Oregon Treasures legislative package, which would add protections for Mount Hood and the Rogue River, in addition to the Oregon Caves.

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Contacts:    

Joseph Vaile, Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center (KS Wild), 541.621.7808
Lesley Adams, KS Wild, 541.488.5789