For Immediate Release: Thursday, April 14th

Klamath Siskiyou Wildlands Center
Contact: Michael Dotson
541-488-5789 x 1010
michael@kswild.org 

Washington, D.C. – Oregon Congressman Peter DeFazio announced today the introduction of legislation that boosts recreation opportunities in Southwest Oregon, while protecting habitat for wild salmon and steelhead. Rep. DeFazio’s Wild Rogue Conservation and Recreation Enhancement Act would establish the Rogue Canyon National Recreation Area, while expanding the Wild Rogue Wilderness.

“I’ve long been committed to the conservation and protection of Oregon’s most iconic areas,” said Rep. DeFazio. “The Wild Rogue Conservation and Recreation Enhancement Act would expand the current Wild Rogue Wilderness, one of the most pristine and scenic areas in Southwestern Oregon and create the Rogue Canyon National Recreation Area.  I’m proud to champion legislation that would protect Oregon’s most unique and magnificent lands for the enjoyment of current and future generations.”

The Wild Rogue Conservation and Recreation Enhancement Act includes the following provisions: 

• Establishes a 98,000-acre National Recreation Area on the banks of the Rogue River in Southwestern Oregon. The new recreation area would be located on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

• Expands the Wild Rogue Wilderness by 59,000 acres and is within the boundaries of a proposed Rogue Canyon National Recreation Area, including the entirety of the Zane Grey Roadless Area.

• Directs the Bureau of Land Management to develop a Wildfire Management Assessment that identifies, evaluates, and prioritizes treatments in the recreation area and covers topics related to forest restoration, evacuation routes, and strategies for public dissemination.

“I have traveled the globe exploring rivers and can say without hesitation that Southwest Oregon contains the most uniquely special rivers in the world,” said Zach Collier, Owner, Northwest Rafting Company. “They all deserve protection and I’m happy to see that Representative DeFazio has introduced the Wild Rogue Conservation and Recreation Enhancement Act. Along with his Southwest Oregon Watershed and Salmon Protection Act, these measures together would enhance stretches of our beloved Rogue and Illinois River watersheds.”  

“I have experienced many memorable outdoor adventures in the Wild & Scenic Rogue River corridor. It’s quite the sight to see the salmon jumping over Rainie Falls, ospreys and eagles soaring among the treetops, with river otters and black bears searching for food at the water's edge. There are few places where I see such an abundance, and diversity, of wildlife, ” says Michael Dotson, Executive Director of the Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center. “The Rogue has a rich human history to accompany its wild nature, and we would like to thank Representative DeFazio for introducing the Wild Rogue Conservation and Recreation Enhancement Act to advance conservation of this landscape to benefit future generations.”  

“The Rogue River is a nationally-recognized treasure and is one of the central engines of the tourism and recreation economy in Southern Oregon” says Pete Wallstrom owner of Momentum River Expeditions. “We have an economy that continues to grow and provide sustainable long-term jobs and opportunities that relies on the Wild Rogue River. This bill will help protect the area for generations to come and be a win for our environment and the economy. Thank you, Representative DeFazio, for these common-sense protections that are good for the places we love and our local economy!”

“As an outfitter on the Rogue we believe the river is unmeasurable.  Wild rivers are crucial in providing not only a healthy community but also prosperous economics for these communities as well as for the State of Oregon,” says Kait Bailey of Humble Heron Fly Fishing. “These rivers allow an experience for people to care for the outdoors and pass it on to future generations. These rivers are our lifelines and need more protection. This Act will help spread tourism, income for businesses, outdoor school opportunities, family fun filled activities, and most importantly it will help bring people to Oregon. Humble Heron Fly Fishing and Fine Art thanks Congressman DeFazio for advocating with his constituents and introducing legislation to protect the wild Rogue River.”

“As a guide on the Rogue River for 30 years, I've seen the experience of floating the Rogue transform people as many of them discover the value of nature in their lives for the first time,” said Kate Wollney, OARS Oregon River Operations Manager. “As someone who lives in Southern Oregon, I've seen the tourism on the Rogue River make our community swell during river season; restaurants and lodging are full and prospering.  As a manager for an outfitter, I've seen the Rogue River provide jobs and livelihood year after year.  The Rogue River is a key part of the prosperity in this region.  It is the beautiful, wild, protected condition of the river that creates its draw. I thank Congressman DeFazio for introducing legislation to protect the wild Rogue River corridor.”

"There is nothing more important to value and protect during these uncertain times than Nature and the Wild places that offer all of us solace, connection, and Life! Congressman DeFazio is one of the few in power who still sees the 'Green' that is going to save us all one day, and I support him and his effort to introduce the Wild Rogue Conservation and Recreation Enhancement Act which will provide each of us, no matter our color, access to increasingly protected wild spaces along the Rogue River corridor for the present and for our future's future." -Alyssa WarrenWood Rogue Infinity Outfitters LLC

“Fourteen years ago, I was a high school intern in southern Oregon working on the initial campaign to ‘Save the Wild Rogue’ from industrial logging. That experience put my career on a trajectory that has led me to my position as the Rogue Riverkeeper Conservation Director where I am grateful to see Representative DeFazio introduce his Wild Rogue Conservation and Recreation Enhancement Act. This effort represents a wonderful opportunity to enhance protections for fish habitat and access for recreational opportunities in Southern Oregon.” - Emily Bowes, Rogue Riverkeeper Conservation Director.

“From fishing to rafting to hiking to camping, the Rogue River supports tourism and our economy here in southern Oregon and Josephine County. While some of the Rogue canyon is protected, much of it is not,” says Dave Strahan, life-long Josephine County resident and volunteer board member for the Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association. “We owe it to our children and grandchildren, and our local economy, to expand protections for this irreplaceable natural resource.” 

“The Conservation Alliance is excited to see the introduction of the Wild Rogue Conservation and Recreation Enhancement Act. We thank Representative DeFazio for his ongoing work to broker meaningful conservation in Oregon,” said Shoren Brown, Interim Executive Director of The Conservation Alliance, a coalition of outdoor and associated businesses with more than 270 members. “This bill will benefit our growing outdoor recreation economy and is an investment in our economic future.”  

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