Oregon Wild

A river sucked through itoregon wild summer hikes inside

spring/summer 2013 Volume 40, number 2

spring/summer 2013 Volume 40, number 2 2 3 spring/summer 2013 Volume 40, number 2

There are very few places on earth that I love more than Oregon’s

outdoors. One of them is my grandfather’s ranch. Filled with rolling hills, scattered oak, and vistas that stretch across the Santa Lucia Range that shelters the Salinas Valley from the wild Big Sur coast, the ranch is a special place.

When my grandfather died earlier this year, the ranch was passed on to me and my siblings. We were entrusted with the stewardship of lands that have been in my family for six generations.

As I think about the legacy that my grandfather has left my family, I can’t help but think about the special lands that we all own as Americans. We are so lucky to live amongst the towering old-growth forests, rushing rivers, and silhouetted peaks found in Oregon’s national forests and other publicly-owned lands. And we are fortunate that those who came before us did their part to pass on this natural legacy.

But this inheritance forces us to pause and ask the question: What is Oregon going to look like when I’m gone?

After all, a natural legacy doesn’t leave itself. People have to fight for it.

That is why your support of Oregon Wild is so critical. Next year we will celebrate our 40th anniversary as an organization. Since 1974, we’ve built up quite a legacy of accomplishments in safeguarding the wildlands, wildlife, and waters of this state with two million acres of Wilderness protected, 1,900 miles of Wild & Scenic Rivers secured, and countless species saved from extinction. With a newly-completed four-year strategic plan www.oregonwild.org/strategic-vision we are poised to build on that legacy.

To get the job done, we’ll need to use every tool at our disposal – from education to litigation and grassroots activism to legislation.

At the beginning of the year, our staff geared up for the 2013 Oregon legislative session, preparing to work the halls of the state capitol in Salem

to halt the destructive practice of suction dredge mining and rally support for native wildlife like wolves.

In March, with our conservation allies at KS Wild, we launched a new website (backyardforests.org) featuring little-known yet stunning recreation spots on western Oregon BLM lands that are currently on the chopping block.

In April, we filed notice with the Bureau of Reclamation that if they didn’t follow the law and protect wildlife in the Klamath Basin with adequate water flows we’d take them to court.

The photo above is of me doing my part. Earlier this year, I headed back to Washington, DC to meet with administration officials and Congressional staff. I carried your message with me – that Oregonians are proud of our public lands and we want to see them protected as a legacy for those that follow.

Sure enough, I was reminded exactly what is at stake while flying back from my trip. As we began our descent and broke through the layer of clouds I could see Mount Hood’s summit ducking in and out of the mist. I could pick out Badger Creek, Salmon River Meadows, and other

protected Wilderness areas right away – mostly because they stood in such stark contrast to the clear-cuts that appeared in all shapes and sizes around them.

We owe the fact that there is some wilderness left to protect to the generations that preceded us. We owe it to future generations to carry on this important work. Thank you for doing your part.

c o v e r p h o t o : J o e l Z a k o l a l l i e c r e e k i n t h e W i l l a m e t t e N a t i o n a l F o r e s t . t h r o u g h o u t o r e g o n , w a t e r w a y s e s s e n t i a l f o r r e c r e a t i o n , d r i n k i n g w a t e r , a n d s a l m o n h a b i t a t a r e f a c i n g a s e r i o u s m i n i n g t h r e a t .

inside This issUe

A river sucked through it – Zen and the art of rivers {4-7}

Oregon Wild summer {8-9}

Get your Ansel Adams on {back cover}

N i k m u i r t h r e e S i s t e r s m i r r o r l a k e S u n r i s e

oregon Wild Board of Directorsmegan Gibb, president Daniel robertson, vice presidentpat clancy, treasurer vik ananthalesl ie loganBrett SommermeyerWil l iam Sul l ivanJan Wilson

www.facebook.com/OregonWild

@oregonwild

oregon Wild is a tax-exempt, non-profit charitable organization.

Newsletter printed on New leaf 100% recycled, 50% post-consumer, FSc cert if ied paper with soy based inks.

oregon Wild is printed local ly by environmental paper and print, an oregon Wild donor and business partner.

From the director’s desk

A legacy in the makingsean stevens, executive director

Working to protect and restore Oregon’s wildlands, wildlife, and waters as an enduring legacy.

main office5825 N Greeley avenue portland, or 97217phone: 503.283.6343 Fax: 503.283.0756www.oregonwild.org

the e-mail address for each oregon Wild staff member: init ials@oregonwild.org (for example: ef@oregonwild.org)

membership associate mariel le cowdin x 213 Wilderness coordinator erik Fernandez x 202Director of Finance & admin. candice Guth x 219communications & outreach tommy hough x 223Development coordinator Jonathan Jelen x 224Wildlands & Wildl i fe advocate rob klavins x 210conservation Director Steve pedery x 214 executive Director Sean Stevens x 211

Western Field officep.o. Box 11648 eugene, or 97440454 Wil lamette, Suite 203phone 541.344.0675 Fax: 541.343.0996

conservation & restoration coord. Doug heiken x 1Western oregon Field coordinator chandra leGue x 2

eastern Field office16 NW kansas avenue, Bend, or 97701phone: 541.382.2616 Fax: 541.385.3370

eastern or Wildlands advocate tim li l lebo

Southern Field officep.o. Box 1923 Brookings, or 97415phone: 541.366.8623

Wildlands interpreter Wendel l Wood

spring/summer 2013 Volume 40, number 2 4 5 spring/summer 2013 Volume 40, number 2

Party like it’s 1872

To say the 1872 mining law is overdue for an update would be an understatement. When the 1872 mining law passed, Ulysses s. Grant was president and there were no cars on Oregon roads. Much has changed since then, but not the primary law governing mining on public lands. destructive mining operations on public lands continue to go largely unregulated, with few to no protections for sensitive areas or wildlife. in addition, the public (owner of public lands) receives no reimbursement for the valuable minerals extracted. The only guarantee is after the mess has been made, the public will foot the bill for the toxic clean-up.

several years ago an effort was made to update the 1872 mining law with modern day common sense provisions. Unfortunately, senate Majority Leader harry Reid hails from the mining-heavy state of nevada, and remains a strong ally to the mining industry. Given his position and influence, any attempt at reform faces an uphill battle in the short term.

sucker takes all

Oregon’s mining reputation seems pale in comparison to extraction-happy states like Nevada or West Virginia. We don’t have mountain top removal or massive industrial mines. Yet Oregon plays host to a vast network of mining that spreads out across the landscape into citizens’ backyards and onto our public lands.

Mining in Oregon has seen a significant increase over the last ten years, most intensely in the southwest corner of our state. Oregon’s most iconic rivers, including the Rogue, the South

“Getting to know a river can be a lifelong journey. Like the ever changing background of an epic story, in my life the Rogue has been a place to gather with others, a fortress of solitude, an aid to memory, a song, a quality of light, a cradle of dreams, a resting place, a source of energy, a giver of joy. And always the living heart of the valley.”- Roger Dorband, from The Rogue: Portrait of a River

Perhaps it’s because our bodies are comprised mostly of water that

we humans identify with rivers so passionately. Rocks and mountains hardly seem as anthropomorphized, but it’s hard to compete with the rushing, gushing, singing river. Nothing quite compares to that steady hum of water over rock; the sound that reminds us of the fresh water we drink, the salmon we eat, and the health of the ecosystem that allows all life to thrive.

America’s canyons, waterfalls, and floodplains show their daily visitors a river’s great power to change the landscape. Yet it is the river’s more subtle power, to connect and support all manner of life, which makes it truly wild. A healthy river system has

Umpqua, the Molalla, and even the Metolius, are being targeted and drastically altered by destructive mining techniques.

Suction dredging, a particularly nasty method, is currently the fastest growing threat. The anatomy of a suction dredge involves noisy, polluting gas motors mounted on rafts. These motors power a vacuum, which sucks up the bed of a river or stream (see diagram on next page). Anything that lives on the riverbed and is unfortunate enough to meet the business end of the 4-inch wide vacuum hose gets sucked up in the process.

So who’s in charge of oversight? The federal government regulates mining activities and claims made under the 1872 mining law (see side bar). Suction dredge management and associated protection of our rivers, however, are tasked to the State of Oregon…at least in theory.

Welcome to Oregon: our economic engine

If measures aren’t taken to protect our wild rivers, the Zen river experience will quickly be replaced with the aforementioned suction dredge encounter. Rafting, fishing, and other sustainable, recreational

activities serve as economic engines for Oregon, yet are being severely impacted by suction dredge mining

Economic studies from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife show that fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing generate $2.5 billion per year for our state. While finding gold and ‘striking it rich’ is the ultimate goal for modern day miners, the reality is the overwhelming majority of suction dredgers will never make enough money to pay for their equipment. Is it worth risking the health of our rivers and salmon populations – not to mention the economies they support – to satisfy destructive, widespread hobby mining?

Many miners will argue that they too drive Oregon’s economy, buying fuel for their dredges and other equipment from local suppliers. But, which form of economic activity is better for our state – the one that leaves the resource intact and ready for the next customer/generation, or the one that degrades the resource and often leaves taxpayers with the clean-up bill? Seriously, when is the last time that DEQ got called in to repair a river after you and some friends went rafting? It doesn’t happen.

Mercury cocktails - stirred not shaken

Suction dredging not only threatens key economic drivers in Oregon,

a magnetism that not only attracts native flora and fauna, but also adventurers, boaters, hunters, anglers, and even writers and artists. Zane Grey was drawn by the wildness of the Rogue River, and it became his source of inspiration.

Like Grey, many of us will find ourselves at the banks of the Wild Rogue this summer, seeking out that transcendent experience only a wild river can provide. Wading into the Rogue’s cool, refreshing waters at the beginning of an epic float trip, one can’t help but feel connected to the surrounding wildlands. Current and body become one, breathing becomes deep and slow, and the sweet smell of Jeffrey pine fills the air. The sun-drenched canyon walls and towering trees above lull all below deep into this Zen experience.

Suddenly, tranquility gives way to the roar of machinery. There, just around the river bend, a loud, pollution-belching suction dredge is tearing minerals from the riverbed. Rafts are maneuvered to avoid the tangle of dredging equipment. Wildlife and quiet recreationists vanish. Zen moment gone.

A river sucked through it – Zen and the art of rivers erik Fernandez, Wilderness Coordinator & Marielle Cowdin, Membership Associate

a m y t W i e S t r o g u e r i v e r r a f t e r s e n j o y a w i l d d a y i n t h e c a n y o n . r e c r e a t i o n a l t o u r i s m i s a s i g n i f i c a n t d r i v e r o f o r e g o n ’ s e c o n o m y

to p ( l e f t a n d r i g h t ) : m e m o r i e e S c o N c e u m p q u a r i v e rB o t t o m : G r e G B u r k e , p e t e Wa l l S t r o m r o g u e r i v e r

spring/summer 2013 Volume 40, number 2 6 7 spring/summer 2013 Volume 40, number 2

Rivers in the spotlightAs we like to say, Oregon’s rivers are the lifeblood of the state. While several of Oregon’s most iconic waterways are being targeted by suction dredge mining, the Rogue River (1) and its tributaries in particular are facing more mining threats than any other waterway in the state. The stakes are high as the Rogue is one of the most important large salmon runs on the west coast, and Oregonians have already invested millions of dollars in restoring salmon populations on the Rogue, including the removal of dams like elk Creek.

Further north, the Molalla River (2) in Clackamas County provides drinking water to 25,000 Oregonians in the communities of Canby and Molalla. An all-volunteer community group made up of more than 45 civic and conservation organizations, including Oregon Wild, has demonstrated overwhelming support for protecting the river’s recreational, wildlife, and water values. But despite the support for conservation of the Molalla, the demand for suction dredge permits has rapidly grown in the watershed, and threatens the progress of ongoing restoration projects.

When California banned suction dredge mining, a significant spike of activity occurred in southwestern Oregon rivers and streams. One of the rivers specifically targeted by a group

called the ‘new 49ers’ is the south Umpqua (3) in douglas County. home to runs of spring Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, and steelhead, this river and watershed needs more restoration and protection – not more mining.

Perhaps most surprisingly, we’ve seen several permits for suction dredge mining on the Metolius River (4). Arguably Oregon’s most scenic river, the Metolius has a geology which makes it a near impossibility to find gold there, but that hasn’t stopped the continued demand for suction dredge access in this river as well.

but it also poses a risk for public health. Over a century ago, the gold rush brought mining to many of Oregon’s rivers. The mercury used during that time eventually settled into the soil under our riverbeds – a delightful relic of a bygone age.

Today, suction dredge miners vacuum up the gravel from the riverbed, stirring up mercury and releasing it to the river’s food chain. Given that rivers provide us with a key element for our survival – water – common sense should tell us that agitating the mercury in our drinking water source is not in the interest of our public health. Additionally, consumers might think twice before eating some locally caught fish if the mercury levels in their habitat increased.

suction for salmon

Vacuuming up salmon habitat isn’t good for salmon. It doesn’t take a scientist to grasp this concept, however, the body of scientific evidence proving the point is growing. A recent study published by the American Fisheries Service highlighted myriad negative consequences of suction dredge mining, ranging from habitat disturbance, to increased sediment deposits, to increased turbidity.

Salmon and other anadromous fish spawn in the gravel beds of Oregon’s rivers, and these spawning grounds are often targets of mining. While suction dredge mining isn’t supposed to happen during spawning season, mining in the off-season still

destroys spawning beds, leaving fish without a place to lay their eggs the following season. Additionally, suction dredge mining stirs up silt, which clouds the river and reduces oxygen levels for any fish present.

Shredding river bottoms with a suction dredge also has dire consequences for fish food sources. The dredging process flushes out much of the insect larvae in the riverbeds destined to become fish food. As a result, the food supply appears in a short burst, rather than hatching over a prolonged stretch of time. When the salmon arrive to feed, they may find their food source has been significantly reduced.

Given that billions of dollars have been spent restoring salmon habitat, it is nothing short of amazing that we allow suction dredge mining to flush that investment downriver.

California and idaho stepping up

Oregon already had a suction dredge problem by 2009. At that time, the wealth of scientific evidence on the adverse affects of suction dredge mining on salmon convinced California to ban suction dredging. Then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill banning the practice in the Golden State, prompting many California dredgers to bring their activity to southern Oregon. Combine that with the price of gold skyrocketing

over the last five years, and the health of Oregon’s rivers has been in serious jeopardy.

Even Idaho, the Gem State, has taken steps to better regulate suction dredge mining. By tightening restrictions on when and where suction dredging can happen, their goal is better enforcement and monitoring of the new protections. Here in Oregon we have a

reputation for protecting our rivers, but unfortunately we don’t always live up to it. This is one of those cases. Lagging behind Idaho in environmental regulations is no place to be for any card-carrying environmentalist or state that sees itself as river-friendly.

Oregon takes up the torch

The good news is that the Oregon State Legislature has taken up the

issue of suction dredge mining. Sen. Alan Bates (D-Medford) stepped up as a champion in defense of our rivers along with Sen. Jackie Dingfelder (D-Portland). Several bills introduced this session aim to better protect our treasured rivers from suction dredge mining.

One approach on the table is to pass legislation that designates certain rivers as “State Scenic Waterways.” This designation carries a “no suction dredge mining allowed” clause. Sen. Bates introduced legislation (SB 401) to designate about 30 rivers across the state as State Scenic Waterways, including the Sandy, Rogue, McKenzie, and South Umpqua among others. After meeting some resistance in Salem, the bill has since been amended and now simply requires a study by the state to recommend a list of rivers that the legislature would then consider for designation.

To put SB 401 into context, Oregon hasn’t added any rivers to the State Scenic Waterway System since 1988, yet the state is required to make periodic recommendations for additions and is now almost 25 years overdue. If passed, the amended bill would require a suite of recommendations within two years.

Alternatively, the Legislature is debating a possible five-year suction dredge ban while new regulations are developed (SB 838). The ban would

temporarily halt suction dredge mining in rivers designated as “essential salmon habitat” as well as rivers with bull trout. The new regulations would consider off-limit areas, stronger fish habitat protections, and a new fee structure that covers the cost of monitoring and enforcement. This approach is not without its pitfalls. Five years is a reasonable amount of time to craft new regulations, but what if they aren’t fully implemented or adopted by the agencies and legislature? It would be a shame if the ban expired and suction dredge miners went back to business as usual without any new and meaningful protections for our rivers. To fix this pitfall the ban should remain in place until the new protections are fully implemented.

As we write, both options are still on the table in Salem. The crystal ball on passage of these bills is about as foggy as a river disturbed by the churn of a suction dredge, yet one thing is certain. As this problem continues to grow, our rivers won’t be safe until we find a permanent solution. Until that time, the water we drink, the fish we eat, and the places we play are sure to suffer the consequences. By advocating for Oregon’s wild rivers, Zen might find us once again. Check out the Oregon Wild website at www.oregonwild.org to see the latest news.

O

sluicegas motor

pump

tiny bits of gold

(maybe)

˚˚˚

vacuum hose

??!

1 : t h e W i l d r o g u e ( r i v erkeeperS )

2 : F i s h i n g o n t h e mo l a l l a (mol a l l a r i v er a l l i aNce )

3 : r u s h i n g wa t e r s o n t h e So u t h umpqua ( k eN De veN e y )

4 : t h e m i g h t y m e to l i u s ( l eoN WerD i NGer )

Oregon Wild proudly presents

Oregon Wild summer 2013Visit the places you want to see with the people who know them best!

Register for hikes and outings at www.oregonwild.org or call 503.283.6343

Oregon Wild summer outings are guided by experts and require online reservations. Please leave pets at home. For your comfort and safety please wear appropriate attire, bring plenty of water, a lunch, and your sense of adventure! Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Presented by KEEN FootwearSpecial thanks to Willamette Week

saturday, June 15Molalla River Leader: Jonathan Jelen

(Moderate, 5.0 miles, elevation gain 1,000 feet, Table Rock Wilderness, Salem BLM)Journey to the headwaters of the Molalla River and explore the unique basalt formations of the Table Rock Wilderness.

Thursday, June 20Mount June and sawtooth Ridge Leader: Chandra LeGue

(Moderate, 5.0 miles, elevation gain 1,000 feet, Willamette National Forest)Take in the views from forested Mount June and ridgetop meadows as you explore Eugene’s backyard wilderness.

saturday, June 22Tilly Jane Cloudcap saddleLeader: Margo earley

(Strenuous, 6.0 miles, elevation gain 2,200 feet, Mount Hood National Forest)Hike to the treeline through newly designated Wilderness and dramatic post-fire re-growth. Top it off with a spectacular lunchtime view of Mt. Hood’s northeast face.

Friday, June 28Metolius RiverLeader: Jonathan Jelen

(Moderate, 5-6 miles, elevation gain 150 feet, Deschutes National Forest)Enjoy the stunning beauty of this central Oregon gem as you hike along the pristine Metolius River.

saturday, July 13Tidbits Mountain Leader: Chandra LeGue

(Moderate, 4.5 miles, elevation gain 1,000 feet, Willamette National Forest)Hike up many-pinnacled Tidbits Mountain through spectacular old-growth on the way to an amazing mountain view. 

Wednesday, July 17Tamanawas Falls Tree identificationLeader: erik Fernandez

(Moderate, 5.5 miles, elevation gain 500 feet, Mount Hood National Forest)Explore a diverse old-growth forest along the crystal clear Cold Spring Creek leading up to the spectacular Tamanawas Falls.

saturday, August 3Crabtree ValleyLeader: Tommy hough

(Moderate-Strenuous, 2-6 miles, elevation gain 600 feet, Salem District BLM)Experience one of the oldest forest groves in Oregon on a day-long expedition to this out-of-the way wonder.

saturday, August 10Boulder Lake Leader: erik Fernandez

(Moderate, 5.0 miles, elevation gain 1,100 feet, Mount Hood National Forest) Discover the aquamarine waters of one of the Mount Hood National Forest’s best-kept secrets!

Thursday, August 29 to Monday, september 2Crater Lake Wilderness and klamath Refuge service Weekend Leader: Wendell Wood (Sleeping and kitchen accommodations provided) Spend your Labor Day weekend exploring the Crater Lake Proposed Wilderness Area, with a Saturday work day on the Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge.

Friday, september 13 Upper Mckenzie Waterfalls and PoolsLeader: Chandra LeGue

(Moderate, 6.0 miles, elevation gain minimal, Willamette National Forest)Take in raging waterfalls, clear blue waters, lava flows, fall colors and gorgeous old-growth forest on this quintessential Eugene-area hike.

saturday, July 13Lost CreekLeader: erik Fernandez

(Moderate, 6.0 miles, elevation gain 200 feet, Mount Hood National Forest)Trek through a mossy forest and potential Wilderness area the Forest Service has proposed for logging along the western flanks of Mount Hood.

Friday, August 16Opal Creek Ancient ForestLeader: Jonathan Jelen

(Moderate, 5-7 miles, elevation gain minimal, Opal Creek Wilderness, Willamette National Forest) Walk back in time to an ancient Oregon forest in one of the state’s signature Wilderness areas.

saturday, August 17north Umpqua Trail, Lemolo Falls Leader: Chandra LeGue

(Moderate, 6.0 miles, elevation gain 500 feet, Umpqua National Forest, Crater Lake Wilderness Proposal) Experience several of the North Umpqua River’s spectacular waterfalls and take in the general beauty of the river and surrounding wildlands.

explore Oregon’s wolf country!Wolf Recovery is one of America’s greatest conservation success stories and Oregon is on the cutting edge! in the spirit of getting out on the ground and beyond the headlines, Oregon Wild launched a pioneering effort – the annual Wolf Rendezvous.

The trip has been featured on OPB’s Oregon Field Guide and included participants from across the country. Over the years we’ve met with ranchers, biologists, hunters, local wolf advocates, photographers, and even a nez Perce elder who shared his grandmother’s stories about living with wolves in Wallowa County in the 1800s!

Oregon’s wolves remain elusive, but their story takes place on one of the world’s most beautiful stages. Join us on forays into the raptor-rich Zumwalt Prairie, alpine meadows, spectacular canyons, and incomparable mountain wilderness!

Check the website for more details, sign up, and join us in the footsteps of Oregon’s

wolves!

Find details on the trip at www.oregonwild.org/about/hikes_events

D a r y l l l o y D

r o B k l av i N S 2 0 1 2 r e n d e z v o u s p a r t i c i p a n t s i n t h e W a l l o w a s .

c h a N D r a l e G u e r o g u e r i v e r

W i l l i a m S u l l i v a n a n d h i k e r s a t m o u n t h o o d .

ReGisTeR AT

WW

W.O

ReG

On

WiL

d.O

RG

ReG

isTeR A

T

WWW.OReGOnWiLd.ORG

ReG

isTeR A

T WWW.OReGOnWiLd.ORG

m a r y e l l e N a N D r e W e n d e l l W o o d l e a d s a p l a n t i d e n t i f i c a t i o n h i k e i n m u l t n o m a h B a s i n .

spring/summer 2013 Volume 40, number 2 10 11 spring/summer 2013 Volume 40, number 2

Oregon Wild chalked up a significant victory earlier this year, putting a stop to

the worst elements of the Goose timber sale located in the Willamette National Forest along the McKenzie River. Controversial from the start, the project called for logging and road building in mature forest and spotted owl habitat in the Lookout Mountain roadless area, as well as logging close to residential property near the community of McKenzie Bridge.

Unfortunately, many residents of McKenzie Bridge only learned of the project after the public comment period had ended. When the Forest Service refused to withdraw their decision and get it right, Oregon Wild partnered with Cascadia Wildlands

and the Western Environmental Law Center to challenge the timber sale in court.

In March, a federal judge ruled the Goose timber sale must be “enjoined,” or delayed, until the Forest Service prepares a full Environmental Impact Statement. A win for conservation efforts, this also creates an opportunity for the Forest Service to pro-actively develop a project with citizen involvement.

Despite the controversy, the Goose Project also calls for hundreds of acres of needed thinning in dense, young stands of trees. In the future, the Forest Service can avoid headaches if they simply adopt a common sense strategy to protect the mature forests, spotted owl habitat, roadless areas, and riparian reserves, while focusing on thinning to produce jobs, wood products, and provide ecological benefits.

evergreen power – leading the charge Threats like the Goose Project stress the need for Oregon Wild to remain constantly vigilant. Whether it’s challenging harmful timber sales or advocating for permanent Wilderness protections, Oregon Wild’s evergreen society is leading the charge to protect our most cherished natural places.

evergreen society members give us the resources we need to respond to reckless timber sales like Goose and win! Joining the charge as an evergreen society member is the best way to make a difference in the efforts to defend our wildlands, wildlife, and waters. Join today by visiting us online at www.oregonwild.org/membership or by calling Jonathan Jelen at 503-283-6343 ext 224.

The Goose is cooked – Goose for all!doug heiken, Conservation & Restoration Coordinator

The Western Oregon public forestlands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are the forests surrounding our communities. BLM forests provide recreation, clean water, and community for thousands of Oregonians. These are the forests Oregonians see from their windows or

visit on day-trips. They are our backyard forests.

in March, Oregon Wild and our conservation partner, klamath-siskiyou Wildlands Center, unveiled an info-rich website and corresponding report promoting the recreational opportunities and special qualities of Western Oregon’s BLM-managed public lands at www.backyardforests.org. submitted by Oregonians with ties to these special places, the featured areas stretch from southwestern Oregon’s unique botanical and recreational regions like the illinois Valley and Wild Rogue River Canyon; to ancient forests tucked away in the Alsea, Umpqua, and santiam watersheds.

These forests and streams safeguard our clean water, provide habitat for native salmon and wildlife, and include some of the last remaining old-growth forests in Oregon. As some of Oregon’s most visited recreation areas, they also contribute millions of dollars to the state’s economy, and harbor some well-kept secrets right in our backyards.

Yet these forestlands are at risk. Ongoing discussions in Congress and by other political forces about management of federal BLM lands could have huge implications for these special places including more clear-cuts, polluted water, and other damaging impacts. By highlighting places near and dear to so many Oregonians, we hope to positively influence this discussion and protect our backyard forests.

explore the featured places and submit your own stories about special BLM lands at www.backyardforests.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OurBLMBackyardForests

Is your favorite place in Oregon to hike, camp, fish, or swim

threatened by logging, mining, or an invasion of noisy internal combustion engines and destructive off-road use? Sadly, many places in Oregon are, as highlighted in the 2013 edition of Oregon Wild’s annual report on the 10 Most Endangered Places in the state. Since 2009, we’ve been working with conservation partners to collect and highlight wild places in Oregon threatened by mining, logging, and other industrial development.

A number of the entries in this year’s 10 Most Endangered Places are

popular for quiet outdoor recreation, and the wilderness experience so many Oregonians (and visitors to the state) cherish on our public lands. Old-growth forests, pristine waterways, scenic views, places for quiet contemplation and exercise, and abundant fish and wildlife are drivers of Oregon’s thriving outdoor recreation economy – contributing more than $13 billion in spending and 140,000 jobs to the state’s economy each year. Recklessly cut forests, rivers ravaged by mining, views spoiled by encroaching development, air made foul by

exhaust, and quiet shattered by motors are not what recreationists seek in an Oregon outdoor experience. As we often say, “no one comes to Oregon to hike in a clear-cut.”

This year, the Most Endangered Place in Oregon is collectively what we’ve come to call our Backyard Forests, i.e. western Oregon’s public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, or BLM. These lands provide nearby recreation to thousands of Oregonians, as well as clean drinking water, important fish and wildlife habitat, and some of the

last remaining low-elevation old-growth forests in the state. Threatened by schemes to dramatically increase logging to prop up county budgets, as well as other development plans, a dozen of these special places are featured in a new report at www.backyardforests.org

Previous locales with the dubious distinction of being Oregon’s Most Endangered Place include the Klamath Wetlands, the Wild Rogue River, and the forested wildlands near Crater Lake. Both new and ongoing threats to these areas mean all three again made this year’s list

Threats to this year’s Most Endangered Places include suction dredge and nickel mining on iconic southwest Oregon rivers, coal exports through the Columbia River Gorge, the ongoing fight to ban float planes on pristine Waldo Lake, and aggressive logging proposals in otherwise healthy forests from northeast Oregon to the south Willamette Valley.

Learn more about this year’s Most Endangered Places at www.oregonwild.org

a D a m J e W e l m a n y m i g h t t h i n k t h a t o u r s t a t e ’ s o n l y N a t i o n a l p a r k i s p r o t e c t e d , y e t h e l i c o p t e r t o u r s a n d n a s t y l o g g i n g p r o j e c t s t h r e a t e n t h e p a r k a n d i t s s u r r o u n d i n g w i l d l a n d s .

10 Most endangered Places Report 2013Chandra LeGue, Western Oregon Field Coordinator

t i m G i r a u D i e r t h e p r o p o s e d D e v i l ’ s S t a i r c a s e W i l d e r n e s s i s t h e l a r g e s t u n p r o t e c t e d n a t u r a l a r e a i n t h e o r e g o n c o a s t r a n g e .

“As the son of a logger and the active manager of my own small forest, I know about balancing the needs of the land and the people. For me, there is no doubt the Wellington Wildlands is a place for wildlife, for clean water that comes from these watersheds, and the great recreation opportunities we have here. ”

– David Calahan

BLM special PlacesChandra LeGue, Western Oregon Field Coordinator

c h a N D r a l e G u e G o o s e f o r e s t

s t e v e n d a v i d j o h n s o n . c o m

spring/summer 2013 Volume 40, number 2 12 13 spring/summer 2013 Volume 40, number 2

Oregon Wild’s conservation advocacy isn’t all science

conferences and legal battles—some of the most important work we do is getting people out to see the places we protect, and rolling up our sleeves to work with land managers to protect and restore habitat.

In early April, a number of Oregon Wild supporters joined naturalist Wendell Wood for a wildlife viewing trip in the spectacular Klamath Basin. Despite the ongoing conflict over water and dams in the basin, it remains one of the most beautiful areas in the Pacific

Northwest. The basin’s diverse waterfowl species put on a show for the group, with tens of thousands of white-fronted, snow and Ross’ geese making their annual migration through the region. In addition to the bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and white pelicans typically encountered on such trips, dozens of other species were observed, included tundra swans, black-billed magpies, black-necked stilts, dunlin, greater yellowlegs, and a nesting great horned owl. But the highlight of the trip was the presence of a Say’s phoebe, a rare songbird seldom seen in western Oregon.

If you missed this trip, you will have another opportunity to explore the Klamath with Oregon Wild this year. Over Labor Day weekend 2013 we’re planning a one-day work party at the Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge located east of Crater Lake. We’ll be helping Fish and Wildlife Service biologists build perches for hawks and eagles to help avoid needless deaths to automobile traffic, as well as planting willows and restoring marsh habitat. But it won’t all be work. We’ll head west to explore Oregon Wild’s Crater Lake Wilderness proposal, including a hike to several seldom-visited waterfalls. Visit Oregon Wild’s web site for more information about this trip.

2013 is shaping up to be another drought year in the Klamath Basin, and that means tough times for wildlife. By participating in trips like these, you can not only explore the natural beauty of the Klamath, but also help Oregon Wild protect it.

Of course, Oregon Wild is still working hard to protect the Klamath Basin’s wildlife and wetlands. In March, we joined with

Earthjustice and WaterWatch of Oregon to launch a legal challenge against the Obama administration over a plan to reduce water flows in the Klamath River. Their decision to

implement the cuts without getting approval from fish and wildlife biologists likely violates the Endangered Species Act.

defending (and celebrating) klamath wildlifesteve Pedery, Conservation director

D o u G l a S B e a l l S a n d h i l l c r a n e s

B r e t t c o l e a y o u n g a v o c e t

W e N D e l l W o o D o r e g o n W i l d s p o n s o r e d w o r k g r o u p a t t h e k l a m a t h m a r s h N a t i o n a l W i l d l i f e r e f u g e S u m m e r 2 0 1 2 )

Just the Facts: Andy kerr reflects on the passing of kathie durbinAndy kerr

In the mid-1980s Oregon Wild was a small group, but despite our size, we resolved to

end the logging of old-growth forests in Oregon. At the time, two square miles per week of Oregon’s ancient forests were being clear-cut.

We were desperate to make news in this pre-internet era, when daily newspapers were the sole papers of community record, and the majority of citizens actually read them.

The Oregonian, the state’s largest newspaper, didn’t even have an environmental reporter at the time. Rather, it viewed federal forest management as merely a log-supply issue, best covered in the pages of the business

section. While the rapid logging of the Pacific Northwest’s ancient forests were beginning to prompt news coverage, local media remained collectively blind to the story.

But as the clear-cut stories ramped up and the coverage in The Oregonian’s business page became obviously inadequate, Eugene native Kathie Durbin, who had been with the paper since 1978, began to get ink on the forest issue.

In 1989, the first court injunctions against old-growth forest logging to protect the northern spotted owl were issued, and shortly afterwards, The Oregonian published a six-part series entitled “Forests in Distress.” In it, Kathie Durbin and co-author Paul Koberstein transformed the political debate in Oregon. Here’s how the series opened:

Years of overcutting have taken their toll on Northwest forests. As jobs vanish, the timber industry and Northwest politicians will have themselves — not just the northern spotted owl — to blame. The first part in a six-part series this week and in future special reports, The Oregonian studies the causes, effects and the future.

The series went on for pages and pages with powerful photographs, and went as viral as something could in the days before the

Internet, eventually even prompting President Bill Clinton to send half his cabinet to Portland to try to come to consensus.

By 1994 the forest wars had peaked politically, and Kathie was pushed out of The Oregonian, leaving on her desk for all to see a copy of the coffee-table book Clearcut: The Tragedy of Industrial Forestry. She took the time off to write Tree Huggers: Victory, Defeat and Renewal in the Northwest Ancient Forest Campaign, which has become the definitive history of the Pacific Northwest forest wars.

Kathie was a reporter just as a reporter should be. Tenacious, competitive, and always wanting to get the facts right. Like all great reporters, she prided herself on objectivity and fairness, and was beyond scrupulous. I could never buy her a drink. She always insisted on buying her own.

I once interested her in a proposed open pit cyanide heap gold mine story in Malheur

County, about as far from a forest in Oregon one can get. It was an all-day field trip from Ontario to see the proposed mine site, and we met a couple of local activists, Gary and Carolyn Brown, who were giving us the tour.

Gary and Carolyn are the nicest people you have ever met, and when Gary insisted on picking up the tab for breakfast, Kathie insisted on paying for herself. Gary and Carolyn would have none of it, and a polite battle for the check ensued. Kathie finally relented as Gary wasn’t going to. I could tell it bothered Kathie to no end, but I thought it was nice Gary had won over scrupulous Kathie.

After returning from the all-day tour we bee-lined for an ice cream shop, where Kathie maneuvered to buy scoops all around. She then loudly announced for our benefit — but mostly for hers — this expenditure settled her debt from breakfast.

I was a source and she gave me a voice. We were on friendly terms, but we were not friends. We used each other, and the forests, deserts, rivers and shoreline of Oregon are the better for it.

Andy Kerr served with the Oregon Natural Resources Council (now Oregon Wild) for 20 years, and today consults on environmental and conservation matters as the head of The Larch Company.

a. Eugene Register-Guard

b. Caption: Veteran Pacific Northwest journalist Kathie Durban died this past winter at the age of 68

euGeN e r eG i St er - GuarD ve t e ra n pac i f i c N o r t hwes t j o u r n a l i s t ka t h i e D u r b i n d i e d t h i s p a s t w i n t e r a t t h e a g e o f 68 .

spring/summer 2013 Volume 40, number 2 14 15 spring/summer 2013 Volume 40, number 2

keeping Waldo Lake quiet and clean

Oregon Wild has been working to protect the crystalline waters of Waldo Lake for over two decades. In 2010, our work convinced the Oregon State Marine Board to enact a ban on noisy, polluting internal combustion engines on the lake.

Unfortunately, the Oregon Aviation Board, spurred on by a handful of recreational seaplane pilots, prevented the new Waldo Lake protection rules from restricting their high speed take-offs and landings from lake — despite the risk of crashes, fuel spills, invasive species, and danger to the tens of thousands

of kayakers and canoeists who use the lake.

The good news is a measure is advancing in the Oregon legislature which would address the danger posed by seaplanes. SB 602, which would ensure Waldo is protected forever as a haven for quiet recreation, clean water, and wildlife, has passed the Oregon State Senate, and now awaits a vote in the House

Two steps forward, one step back on wolves

Thanks to a 2011 legal challenge by Oregon Wild and sister groups, for the last two years the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has been banned from shooting or trapping gray wolves (an endangered species in Oregon) at the behest of the livestock industry. This has led an increasing number of northeast Oregon ranchers to embrace non-lethal measures to prevent conflicts between livestock and wolves, rather than simply demand the animals be shot once a cow is lost. The results are in. Wolf numbers in Oregon rose from 29 to 46 from 2012, while the number of cows lost to wolves dropped from 13 to 4.

Unfortunately, not all news for wolves is good. On April 26th, the Obama administration announced it would strip federal Endangered Species Act protection from gray wolves in most of the country, despite concerns from scientists and conservationists. President Obama appears to be bowing to pressure from anti-government groups, who have turned hatred of wolves into a symbol of their political grievances. This means state-level advocacy by groups like Oregon Wild will become more important than ever.

Oregon Treasures Act reintroduced in Congress

Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have introduced S.353, the Oregon Treasures Act of 2013, in the U.S. Senate. It includes the Wild Rogue Wilderness expansion, Wilderness for the Cathedral Rock and Horse Heaven areas in Eastern Oregon, and Wild and Scenic River protections for the Molalla and Chetco Rivers.

G r e G Z u r B r u G G t h e v a s t m a j o r i t y o f v i s i t o r s t o W a l d o l a k e p r e f e r q u i e t r e c r e a t i o n t o k e e p t h e l a k e p r i s t i n e f o r a l l .

Conservation round-upsteve Pedery, Conservation director

o D F W c a u g h t t h i s S n a k e r i v e r p u p h o w l i n g o n c a m e r a l a s t a u g u s t .

J a S p e r W h i t e t h e o r e g o n t r e a s u r e s a c t i n c l u d e s W i l d a n d S c e n i c p r o t e c t i o n f o r t h e m o l a l l a r i v e r .

keeping it wild Featuring the supporters, foundations, businesses, and volunteers that make our work possible. This issue’s focus: Leaving your legacy with a planned gift!

o D F W p a r t o f a m y a n d D o u g ’ s m o t i v a t i o n t o s u p p o r t o r e g o n W i l d c o m e s f r o m a d e s i r e t o c r e a t e a f u t u r e f o r t h e s e W e n a h a p a c k p u p s .

a m y W h e a t s t a n d i n g w i t h D o n e l d e r , w h o h e l p e d c r a f t o r e g o n W i l d ’ s n e w f o u r - y e a r s t r a t e g i c p l a n . l e g a c y d o n o r s a m y W h e a t a n d D o u g r a t h k a m p c h o s e t o m a k e a l a s t i n g g i f t t o k e e p w i l d p l a c e s w i l d .

Oregon Wild staff and volunteers like to get out and spread the good word about our work to protect our state. You might have seen us at the Organic Brew Fest in Portland, a recent Wild Wednesday, or at the Eugene Celebration. But it was on an unconventional trip to California to participate in a wolf awareness event that we came across this issue’s featured supporters – two of our newest legacy donors, Amy Wheat and Doug Rathkamp. Talk about a long distance connection!

names: Amy Wheat and doug Rathkamp

Location: Gold River, CA (but coming to Oregon soon!)

Members since: 2012

Legacy donors since: 2012

Oregon Wild: What’s your favorite spot in Oregon? Amy and doug: Either the coastal forests or any of the rivers that flow into the Columbia east of the Cascades. Also, hikes we have taken in the Mount Hood Wilderness and the wilderness areas outside of Bend. They are entirely different landscapes but all exemplify the complicated interplay of water, geography, and wildlife. We are looking forward to visiting many more of the beautiful wild places in Oregon that we have only read about.

Oregon Wild: How has Oregon changed in the last 40 years? Have your favorite places changed? Amy and doug: As relative newcomers to the state, we can only marvel at what the state may have been like before errant logging practices, agriculture and water impoundment and diversion altered the landscape. Despite the past, we believe Oregon still has more natural beauty to offer than any other state in the lower 48.

Oregon Wild: How did you first get connected with Oregon Wild and which one of our campaigns most interests you? Amy and doug: We became aware of Oregon Wild through a wolf presentation we attended in California. We have followed the entry of OR-7 (aka Journey) into California and back into Oregon. Supporting the efforts of Oregon Wild and the possibility that one day wolves may be reestablished as part of the wild ecosystem of Oregon and California is of paramount importance to both of us.

Oregon Wild: How did you go about making the decision to make a legacy gift to Oregon Wild? What made you choose to give a legacy gift to Oregon Wild? Amy and doug: Our concern is that we keep the remaining wild places wild. Oregon Wild shares that passion and its mission aligns with what is most important to us. We chose to become legacy supporters to help grow their efforts for the future.

Make your own legacy! Make the protection and restoration of Oregon’s wildlands, wildlife, and waters your enduring legacy for future generations.While annual memberships, contributions, and grants are critical to the success of Oregon Wild, our future is predicated on our ability to build a sustainable source of funding that provides for today, tomorrow, and beyond. By creating a bequest in your will or trust, you help ensure that the future of Oregon Wild continues for generations to come.

To learn more about creating a legacy with Oregon Wild, please call Executive Director, Sean Stevens at 503-283-6343 ext 211 or email him at ss@oregonwild.org

NO

N-P

ROFI

T O

RGU

S PO

STAG

E P

AID

Portl

and,

OR

Perm

it N

o. 22

6

AD

DRE

SS S

ERV

ICE

RE

QU

EST

ED

Prin

ted

on re

cycle

d pa

per w

ith so

y ba

sed

ink.

5825

N. G

reele

y A

ve.

Portl

and,

OR

972

17 Find adventure in the perfect shot. The Oregon Wild Outdoor Photo Contest is back for its ninth year and better than ever! Crater Lake and Mount hood, the Wild Rogue and the John day, have all helped amateur and professional photographers alike win big. This summer, YOU could get that winning shot by exploring Oregon’s wild places!

dust off those lenses, break out those boots, and get your Ansel Adams on to submit photos in our four main categories: Wildlands, Wildlife, Waters, and endangered Places – this year featuring the treasure trove of Western Oregon’s very own, beautiful Backyard Forests.

The contest is open to amateurs and professionals with great prizes from

Pro Photo supply and others for the winners. save the date for the return of wild exposure on october 18 at union/pine where we’ll unveil the winners and celebrate!

see contest rules and submit your photos at www.oregonwild.org/photo-contest. sponsorship inquiries welcome!

2013 Oregon Wild

outdoor photo ContestAll submissions due by september 20, 2013

thanks to our returning sponsor

u N c a G e t h e S o u l p r o D u c t i o N S