Oregon Wild Winter-Spring 2014 Volume 41, Number 1

Happy 50th to Wilderness and an legacy

1 Winter-Spring 2014 Volume 41, Number 1 Working to protect and restore Oregon’s wildlands, wildlife, and waters as an enduring legacy for future generations.

Main Office Western Field Office INSIDE THIS ISSUE 5825 N Greeley Avenue Portland, OR 97217 P.O. Box 11648 Eugene, OR 97440 Phone: 503.283.6343 Fax: 503.283.0756 454 Willamette, Suite 203 Here’s to the preservation of the world {4-7} www.oregonwild.org Phone 541.344.0675 Fax: 541.343.0996 The e-mail address for each Oregon Wild Conservation & Restoration Coord. Doug Heiken x 1 Keeping it Wild: Volunteers of the Year {12} staff member: [email protected] Old Growth Campaign Coordinator Chandra LeGue x 2 (for example: [email protected]) Hornets, bourbon, and other reflections {15} Membership Associate Marielle Cowdin x 213 Eastern Field Office Wilderness Coordinator Erik Fernandez x 202 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR 97701 Phone: 541.382.2616 Fax: 541.385.3370 Director of Finance & Admin. Candice Guth x 219 Communications & Outreach Tommy Hough x 223 Eastern OR Development Director Jonathan Jelen x 224 Wildlands Advocate Tim Lillebo Wildlands & Wildlife Advocate Rob Klavins x 210 cover photo: ben canales National Park is an Oregon gem. Conservation Director Steve Pedery x 214 Southern Field Office But to ensure its protection, along with hundreds of other wild areas that give our state its character, we must make 2014 the Year of Wilderness. Klamath Advocate Quinn Read x 226 P.O. Box 1923 Brookings, OR 97415 Phone: 541.366.8623 Executive Director Sean Stevens x 211 Wildlands Interpreter Wendell Wood Oregon Wild Board of Directors Daniel Robertson, President Brett Sommermeyer, VIce President Pat Clancy, Treasurer Vik Anantha, Secretary Megan Gibb www.facebook.com/OregonWild Leslie Logan Patrick Proctor William Sullivan @oregonwild Jan Wilson Oregon Wild is a tax-exempt, non-profit charitable organization. Newsletter printed on New Leaf 100% recycled, 50% post-consumer, FSC certified paper with soy based inks. Oregon Wild is printed locally by Environmental Paper and Print, an Oregon Wild donor and business partner.

Winter-Spring 2014 Volume 41, Number 1 2 From the Director’s Desk Keeping time in the Wilderness Sean Stevens, Executive Director

ive decades doesn’t seem like much for anthropocentric definition, calling it, “an Oregon Wild in 2014, we have plenty to an 800-year old cedar. For a river that’s area where the earth and its community of celebrate. We’ll celebrate like humans do beenF carving a canyon for millions of years, life are untrammeled by man” (maybe – parties, telling stories, and giving thanks a half-century goes by in a blink. Congress knew that women had a lighter to the dedication of so many. Personally, I touch on the land). will remember that any good anniversary But, for us humans, fifty years is a long time. must be equal parts celebration of the past Two generations. More than half a life. In essence, Wilderness is better off without and recommitment to the future. In other us – and our chainsaws, oil derricks, The disparity in the way we experience time words, Oregon Wild isn’t done yet – not by concrete dams, and bulldozers. Yet, even as a long shot. compared to how the natural world around we try to define Wilderness as apart from us does is profound. It reminds me that us, it is the connection we feel to these As for the wilderness itself (areas already human efforts to define wilderness are special places that inspires us to work to protected or waiting for their day in inherently confounding endeavors. protect them. Congress), the celebration will be muted. At different times in human history We’d like to think that the wolf howls and Without this deep love of the wild, a rag tag the owl hoots will be a little louder in 2014 wilderness has been: a dangerous place group of students and activists would not waiting to be tamed; a bounty existing to be – that the mountains will shine a little have gathered forty years ago to form the brighter in the winter sun. In reality, the exploited; and a haven for solitude and group that would become Oregon Wild. We adventure seekers. It has also always been river will keep cutting through the canyon, wouldn’t have been able to protect almost tree rings will form at the same pace, and defined more in relation to how humans two million acres of Wilderness – from the treat it than for what it actually is. each living thing will fight for survival North Fork John Day to the Sky Lakes unaware of the occasion. Fifty years ago, when Americans demanded Wilderness. We wouldn’t have saved the last protections for what was left of our pristine of Oregon’s old-growth before it was all lost The celebrations are good for now, but the public lands, Congress responded by to the chainsaw. Wilderness is forever. enacting the 1964 Wilderness Act. They With the 50th anniversary of the gave Wilderness (with a capital W) a very Wilderness Act and the 40th anniversary of Carla Axtman Niagara County Park

3 Winter-Spring 2014 Volume 41, Number 1 Here’s to the preservation of the world – a happy 50th to Wilderness Marielle Cowdin, Membership Associate

“Peace will come to the hearts of men already knew the Indian paintbrush, Audubon looming above. With each when they realize their oneness with the my grandmother’s favorite. As we challenging step I began to relish the universe. It is everywhere.” meandered through the old-growth fact that I was transforming into a – Black Elk pines in Colorado’s Indian Peaks tiny speck. Perhaps I’d turn invisible. Wilderness, I thought about ast July, I found myself in mountain lions and black bears. We Winded and wind-burned, I Oregon’s Eagle Cap on a solo started at high elevation and reached scrambled up the final boulder field. trek.L I’m generally not a morning tree line quickly, greeted by the My muscles ached and it took me a person, but on this particular day I strong, icy breeze of the alpine few moments to fully grasp my was compelled to break camp for an tundra. The tiny and delicate flora surroundings, but a breathtaking early morning trail run along that hid nestled around each rock panorama all at once unfolded. Hurricane Creek. I checked my watch held my attention at each switchback Colorado’s Continental Divide is a - 7:30 A.M. - but the sun seemed and I could see the top of Mount true wonder of the natural world, a high. As I started up the trail the formidable ocean of undulating rock hush made me feel I had discovered nature’s morning ritual, and I feared somehow my presence would disturb the quiet sequence of events. But I carried on, splashed through an icy creek and tried my best to run nimbly through the woods and across the meadows. The stillness was both peaceful and unnerving. Pausing for a breath, I admired the swath of Indian paintbrush at my feet. It beckoned like a soft bed of vermilion and for a moment I wasn’t in Oregon anymore. I was back where Wilderness first took hold of me… I was fourteen. My mother pointed us forest service Khristian Snyder Wildflower meadow Eagle Cap circa 1900. out the wildflowers and medicinal in the Wilderness. plants by their scientific names, but I Winter-Spring 2014 Volume 41, Number 1 4 and snow stretching into infinity. I inspires us, and the stage on which all against the current of industrial realized I had completed my first life begins, ends, and finds peace. growth and private interests – the Put on your Wilderness party hat! 13,000-foot summit and I hardly felt Wilderness is the core of everything winning battles fought make the October (TBD) attached to the ground. In truth I was living, and still, is so much more. Wilderness won all the more sweet. Call of the Wild annual benefit a bit nervous that the wind would As we enter 2014, we deserve to savor (Portland) pick me up and send me hurtling Before I could walk, my parents hiked half a century of protections, enjoy Whether you can make it out to through the space below like a rogue Colorado’s rugged wildlands with me our wilderness in the coming year strapped to their backs and the sweet these special events or not, we balloon, but feeling all at once (see sidebar), and reflect on how it want to hear from you! powerful and completely powerless smell of Ponderosa has been the smell came to be. Former board of home ever since. As I’ve continued member Jim We know that each of you has a was exhilarating. Baker enjoys exploring the wild, I’ve felt the The Wilderness Act of 1964 set a an early Oregon special connection to our Wilderness is… satisfaction that comes from hardship, precedent for our relationship with Wild celebration. Wilderness landscape that can be from struggle and perseverance; the the American landscape. It expressed in many ways. Please As a concept, wilderness manifests so For the 50th anniversary of the send us: richness of food, the sweetness of established the National Wilderness many things. Wilderness is adventure. Wilderness Act and the 40th water; the energy that circulates from Preservation System, initially • Stories about your favorite Wilderness is art – it is poetry and anniversary of Oregon Wild, we’ve air to lungs, sun to eyes, earth to toes; protecting 9.1 million acres of federal Wilderness experiences (and let music, prose and paintings. got big plans in store – and we us know if you are willing to tell us the ache of muscles and the sharpness land, and produced a formal want to include you in the Wilderness is fear and hope and life that story in person as we collect of air. I’ve never felt more alive or mechanism for designating celebrations! and death. It is love. Wilderness is video recollections) more content with my place and Wilderness – the highest level of power and weakness, a visual and Throughout 2014 we’ll have special • Memories of the inspirational purpose. For me, wilderness is where environmental protection we have Wilderness hikes, Wilderness- infinite timeline. It is the canvas that champions who helped protect a everything makes sense. Wilderness today. Written by Howard Zahniser themed Wild Wednesday slice of Oregon brought me to Oregon. of The Wilderness Society, it presentations, the return of our • Historic photos of Wilderness constructed a legal definition for Oregon Wilderness Conference, Like apple pie and much more. Mark these dates areas through the years “wilderness,” with a surprisingly and join us as we celebrate the “Everybody needs beauty as well as lyrical elegance. It states: Send all your great stories, special wildlands of Oregon. photos, and more to bread, places to play in and pray in, A wilderness, in contrast with January to March (TBD) [email protected] or to: where nature may heal and give those areas where man and his own Anniversary Kick-off Parties Wilderness Stories strength to body and soul alike.” 5825 N Greeley works dominate the landscape, is (Portland, Eugene, Bend, Ashland) – John Muir, The Yosemite (1912) Portland, OR 97217 hereby recognized as an area where February 27 – March 2 America’s foundation is the land. The the earth and its community of life Public Interest Environmental Law mountains, the rivers, the valleys, the are untrammeled by man, where Conference (Eugene) trees have witnessed every piece of man himself is a visitor who does June 6-7 our history and have shaped where not remain. Oregon Wilderness Conference we’ve settled, failed, or thrived. In (Portland) For a nation born out of expansion, 2014 the Wilderness Act turns 50, a June 7 – September 13 settlement, and an insatiable desire to remarkable milestone and an Oregon Wild Summer hikes series tame and control our surroundings, anniversary deserving grand (Trails across the state) this language holds incredible weight. celebration. While conservation has It recognizes the intrinsic value of the always had its challenges – swimming natural environment, its significance

5 Winter-Spring 2014 Volume 41, Number 1 for the American landscape, human always found a deep connection with Wilderness Act of 1964 gave them an area to the point of designation it shouldn’t come as a surprise that and non-human species, and our the land, since western expansion its the Wilderness designation that can be a long and complex affair (see we require clean air to breathe and national identity. Despite immense protection has not always been at the preserved them forever. recipe below), but if successful, the clean water to drink. Though the veil capitalistic enterprise and forefront of our values. But Oregon’s reward far outweighs the effort. With of civilization may have convinced us privatization in the United States, landscape defines our state, and its The Act of 1964 also paved the way the Omnibus Public Lands otherwise, only wilderness holds all this stand for public land, for the rivers are its lifeblood. Areas for the Oregon Wilderness Act of Management Act of 2009, Oregon the essential elements for life – greater good, and for a natural legacy including the Eagle Cap, Three 1984, which protected over 860,000 Wild spearheaded protections for things no corporation can provide. In is something extraordinary. Sisters, , the acres including the North Fork John over 202,000 acres across the state, designating Wilderness, we ensure Strawberry Mountains, Mount Day, Bull of the Woods, Sky Lakes, including 127,000 around Mount not only our own survival, but also In Oregon, the Wilderness Act Washington, , and the , Salmon- Hood and the Columbia River give future generations a chance to marked the beginning of our modern Kalmiopsis were already recognized Huckleberry Wilderness and many Gorge. live and live well. In wilderness we identity. Though Oregon’s peoples as special wild places, but the others (see page 8). Getting protect our watersheds, allow for have If not for the Wilderness Act of clean air, provide a buffer against 1964, Oregonians today might not be global climate change (see sidebar able to enjoy a hike in the Gorge or page 7), and preserve critical habitat RECIPE FOR WILDERNESS [Steve Pedery, Conservation Director) lose themselves in the Strawberry for endangered fish and wildlife. Mountains for a weekend. I might Wilderness can seem magical when floating the Wild Rogue, or hiking in the Eagle Cap. But Wilderness isn’t protected by magic-—it takes an act of Congress and a lot have never been able to visit the Wilderness is also our classroom, a of hard work from dedicated Oregonians who cherish our state’s wild places. glacial tarns in the Three Sisters living museum, and an evolutionary Wilderness or wake up to a sunrise library. It contains the questions and Start with a wild area on federal public lands. Add a core group of people who * over . If not for the answers that help us understand our love and want to protect it and put together a draft Wilderness proposal with maps and a case statement for why the area should be protected. Wilderness Act, visitors to the Eagle place and how we must move Cap might have never had the forward to live. Nancy Newhall, who * Next, bring Wilderness supporters together to craft a plan for winning chance to hear the lone howl of a wrote This is the American Earth with Wilderness protection for the area. Identify a US Senator or Representative as native wolf and Journey (OR-7) Ansel Adams, stated, “The wilderness a potential legislative champion. might never have made his 3,000- holds answers to more questions than * Heat things up with slideshows, public hikes, a web site, and activities that mile trek that continues to inspire we yet know how to ask.” Regardless raise awareness of your area and the need to protect it. the nation. The Wilderness Act of lifestyle, location, socioeconomic protects the Oregon we love. status, or political beliefs, * Throw in a generous helping of outreach. Meet with other Wilderness supporters from your region, the federal agency that manages the land, and key community The preservation of the world safeguarding wilderness and the leaders. Take a news reporter out to learn about the campaign, and take your fundamentals for life benefits every legislative champion out to visit the Wilderness proposal first hand. Respond “Without enough wilderness America Oregonian and every American. As to opposition—modify your proposal if you have to, but keep stirring the pot! will change. Democracy…must be Thoreau once said, “In wilderness is the preservation of the world.” * Bring your Wilderness campaign to a boil by asking your champion to introduce fibred and vitalized by regular contact with outdoor growths – animals, trees, Wilderness legislation. Back them up with phone calls, letters, emails, and But wilderness endows us with far other communications from Wilderness supporters. Then start educating other sun warmth and free skies – or it will more than survival tools. Protected Members of Congress about why your area deserves protection, starting with dwindle and pale.” wildlands offer myriad opportunities other leaders in your state. – Walt Whitman for outdoor recreation – and we * Simmer for as long as needed. Wilderness campaigns take time to win! America needs wilderness to Oregonians do love to play! Hiking, survive. It seems melodramatic, but camping, fishing, rafting, horseback

Winter-Spring 2014 Volume 41, Number 1 6 riding, and hunting are all enjoyed in Oregon alone each year. And that officials that the recreation we enjoy, joel ellis and enhanced by protected figure is growing. the clean water we drink, the fresh air Wilderness. For outdoor enthusiasts we breathe, and the stable climate we there is no substitute for pristine Yet on Wilderness, Oregon fails to so desperately need to survive, all rivers, ancient forests, rugged peaks, live up to its green reputation. depend on the preservation of our and sage-covered desert; no substitute Though we embrace our ties to our public lands. Let us help Oregon live for the sunrise over Waldo Lake or wildlands and tout our recreational up to the green standard it’s held to catching that wild trout on the fly. opportunities, in practice we’ve nationwide. Let us give Oregon a neglected the stewardship required to future. Let us make 2014 the year of Oregon is a state of outdoors where carry them forward. While our Wilderness. we live, work, and play – and our neighbors in Washington, California, economy is fast reflecting this new and Idaho have 10%, 15%, and 8% of I came to Oregon for its wilderness, reliance on outdoor recreation and their lands permanently protected but I stay to fight for it. I hope you’ll the tourism that follows. According respectively, Oregon has a mere 4% agree it’s worth fighting for. In Wilderness lies hope for to the Outdoor Industry Association, protected as designated Wilderness. climate solutions between the out-of-state visitors We can do better Oregon, and we Take Action! seeking out our outdoor adventure deserve better. Visit www.oregonwild.org to learn Doug Heiken, Conservation & Restoration Coordinator mecca and locals enjoying their own more about Oregon’s proposed backyards, recreation generates nearly As we enter 2014 and celebrate the and designated Wilderness and $13 billion in consumer spending in 50th anniversary of the Wilderness how you can make Oregon John Muir said, “In God’s store large amounts. Logging Act, let us make it clear to our elected Wilderness your legacy. wildness lies the hope of the halts photosynthesis and carbon world.” This was true 50 years capture and then initiates decay ago when the Wilderness Act processes that transfer carbon in was passed, and it’s even more the trees and soil back to the true today in the face of global atmosphere. climate change. Fifty years ago few understood the existential Forest conservation, including threat posed by fossil fuels and the strong legal protection of deforestation, that our climate the Wilderness Act, helps was destined to change and that protect growing forests from protecting forest wilderness logging and helps keep that could provide an important part carbon safely stored over the of the solution. long term. Protecting forest Wilderness not only helps Forests absorb and store carbon mitigate climate change, but that is emitted from fossil fuels also furthers our efforts to and land use change. To help protect water quality, wildlife forests store more carbon we habitat, recreation, and quality need to let them grow. Protected of life, and associated economic dave garlock Mount Jefferson Wilderness forests with old-growth trees opportunities.

7 Winter-Spring 2014 Volume 41, Number 1 Let’s make 2014 the North Fork John Day Eagle Cap Wilderness Year of Wilderness! Wilderness Known as Oregon’s Jonathan Jelen, Development Director This area includes the Alps, Eagle Cap is headwaters for one of the largest intact With a mere 4% of Oregon protected as eastern Oregon’s most landscape in Oregon Wilderness, we’re lagging far behind our important salmon and at 558 square miles. neighboring states. And with so many steelhead rivers, the amazing places still at risk – from John Day. Crater Lake and the Rogue River to Devil’s Staircase and the last unprotected areas on Opal Creek Wilderness – there’s no time to waste. In 2014 we’ll celebrate the 50th anniversary Some of the largest and of the Wilderness Act. This oldest trees in Oregon can milestone gives us a great be found here. The opportunity to expand our designation of this area in Wilderness outreach and build 1996 helped protect the even more support to area from logging and permanently protect these mining threats. pristine places. But we need your help.

Please consider a special Three Sisters Wilderness contribution today to help These glaciated peaks us turn proposed offer some of the most Wilderness areas into stunning views in protected Wilderness central Oregon areas that future (originally protected in generations can enjoy. 1964, added to in ‘78 and ‘84). current wilderness

Take Action! Use the included envelope on this page to send in a special contribution, turn this map green, and make Oregon’s Wilderness your legacy. photos this page from left: Khristian Snyder; stan newman; brett cole; cheryl hill facing page from left: john mc anulty; David Tvedt; amy twiest; ben canales; gabe howe protected Oregon’s wilderness by state Mount Hood Wilderness Devil’s Staircase Wilderness (percentage of land area While a number of gems The old-growth forests Footprint and sq. miles) around the mountain were surrounding the Erik Fernandez, Wilderness Coordinator protected in 2009, several mythical waterfall natural treasures slipped called Devil’s through the cracks including Staircase are some of Boulder Lake, Tamanawas the last in the heavily Falls, and Bluegrass Ridge. logged Coast Range.

Wild Rogue Pending legislation would protect the world-class rafting and salmon runs along a stretch of the Rogue River that has been recently threatened by logging proposals.

Crater Lake

Proposed Wilderness includes the backcountry of the park, the wildlife corridors that enter and exit, and the headwaters to the Deschutes, Klamath, Rogue, and Umpqua Rivers.

proposed wilderness Kalmiopsis

One of the most biologically diverse areas in North America, these incredibly sensitive forests are threatened by ATVs and destructive mining projects. A wild call, a wild answer Tommy Hough, Communications & Outreach Coordinator

Sean Stevens announced the winning names in this year’s Outdoor Photo Contest, awarding grand prize nods to photos of Crabtree Valley, Waldo Lake, Harsin Butte on the Zumwalt Prairie, and a spectacular starry night time-lapse photo greg gomez of the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Thanks again to all who attended or supported the event, including all our Wilderness in the Eagle Cap W i ldla n d s Twilight sponsors – you helped raise over $26,000 to help keep Oregon a special place to live, ong-time Oregon Wild fans know fall attendees gathered to mingle and chat, got work, and play! Your generous support is when we hold our annual benefit an up-close look at framed prints of this makes our work possible and made Call of eventL and announce the winners of our year’s finalists (thanks to Art Heads the Wild one of Oregon Wild’s most Outdoor Photo Contest. But this year Custom Framing), bid on and won dozens successful events. marked something of a new beginning for of great silent auction items, and enjoyed Oregon Wild’s annual autumnal gathering, the acoustic blues stylings of Joe We look forward to celebrating our 40th re-launched and re-christened as Call of the McMurrian. anniversary with you next year, so stay Wild. tuned! Some guests found themselves Featuring a camp-inspired setting at face to face with a rather tame, Union/Pine in Southeast Portland, a yet flirty bear, only to be caught sold-out crowd of over 300 Oregon Wild mid-silliness by photographer supporters, fans, and outdoor advocates Greg Gomez. Oregon Wild was enjoyed fireside-ready snacks and food, also fortunate to have along with beer, wine and other adult photographer Kelli Pennington beverages from supporting Oregon Wild on hand, who shot a fantastic sponsors. A special thanks in particular to gallery of photos featuring the Pro Photo Supply, Pacific Pie Co., Art de faces, fun, and wonder of the Cuisine, Simpatica, and Migration evening. Brewing. After a few words from Oregon OUT D OO R PHOTO C ONT E ST WINN ER S With a slideshow backdrop of this year’s Wild Board President Daniel kelli pennington Kelly County) by Morgan (Beaverton) . Wa t er s (Wallowa Butte Goldpaint (Bend) . W i ldl if e Mule Deer Brad County) at Harsin by (Wallowa (Gresham) Alan Hirschmugl (Linn County ) by Valley . En da n gered Place s Crabtree Springer (Portland) Pete Lake (Lane County) by Waldo Outdoor Photo Contest submissions, Roberston, Executive Director

Winter-Spring 2014 Volume 41, Number 1 10 Winter Porcupine Loop snowshoe adventure walkabouts Chandra LeGue, Rob Klavins, Western Oregon Field Coordinator Wildlands & Wildlife Advocate Last March, with a foot of fresh snow on the dward Abbey once wrote, “It is not ground, a friend and I snowshoed the 4-mile enough to fight for the land; it is even Porcupine Loop at Swampy Lakes Sno-Park. Just moreE important to enjoy it.” No one fights a few miles east of , Swampy harder for Oregon’s public lands than Lakes sits at 5,800 feet, on the north side of Hwy. Oregon Wild and you – our members and 46, and is part of a large roadless (but unprotected) extension of the Three Sisters Wilderness. supporters. Whether wandering through Amber Collett Snowshoeing in Lost Creek spring wildflowers, having summer We took turns breaking trail through the silent campouts, or seeking mushrooms and lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, and mountain Saturday, January 11 Saturday, January 25 hemlock forest, thankful for the blue diamonds salmon in the fall, we try to keep Abbey’s credo in mind. White River Snowshoe Salmon River Meadows marking the trail through the unmarred snow. The trail skirted the edge of the open expanse of (Portland) Easy to Moderate (Portland) Easy to Moderate Swampy Lakes, and led us to Swampy Shelter, our When the days get short and the snow falls, Wilderness Coordinator Erik Fernandez leads Search for signs of abundant wildlife amidst the halfway point, where we met up for lunch with lots of people hang up their hiking gear and an excursion through the stunning White River last remaining low-elevation meadow habitat in friends who were cross-country skiing. Turns out we go torpid. We think that’s a big mistake, Canyon on Mount Hood’s east side. the Mount Hood area. needed the energy from that lunch, as Telemark and that’s why we’re offering more than Saturday January 11 Sunday, January 26 Butte loomed before us. Trail guides say this is a

half-a-dozen free snowshoe hikes this Marilyn Lakes Snowshoe Twin Lakes Snowshoe II 400 foot climb, but it felt like 4,000 feet through the winter. fresh snow. Up, up, up we went, spouting clichéd (Eugene) Moderate (Portland) Moderate words of encouragement to keep up morale. There’s a sense of solitude, stillness, and Slide past frozen lakes and through snowy This segment of the Pacific Crest Trail has it all: adventure that is unique to snowshoeing. If forests in the Maiden Peak Roadless Area for a old-growth forests, lakes, and spectacular On a clear day the payoff of a view would be you’ve experienced it before, you know. If view of Diamond Peak. straight-line views of the summit of Mount awesome, but our reward was simply you haven’t, there’s never been a better time Wednesday, January 15 Hood. taking a long to try. Lost Creek Snowshoe Saturday, February 1 breather and Diamond Creek Falls All our hikes are led by experienced guides (Portland) Easy knowing there and easy enough for beginners. They’re also Traverse a mossy Tolkienesque valley on your (Eugene) Easy were no more hills led by the people who know our public way to old-growth forests recently targeted for Shed the winter blahs as Old-growth Campaign between us and the parking lot. We lands best and have plenty to offer to logging on the western flanks of Mount Hood. Coordinator Chandra LeGue leads a short trip to two frozen waterfalls near Willamette Pass. earned our fresh veteran snowshoers seeking new vistas, Friday, January 17 snow snowshoe Shannon Twin Lakes Snowshoe protected proposed secret old-growth groves, and winter badge that day, R ose wildlife. wilderness wilderness Chandra (Portland) Moderate and look forward celebrates A perfect trip for beginners and experts alike. to a follow up. A making it To learn more and sign up, check out: drinking Enjoy the views and beat the crowds on this wildlife flat follow up! to the top oregonwild.org/about/hikes_events watershed of Telemark leisurely weekday hike led by Jonathan Jelen. Butte.

11 Winter-Spring 2014 Volume 41, Number 1 Keeping it Wild: Volunteers of the Year

Christie: Oregon Wild: to keep these places Five years ago, I found myself What has been your most intact. So it was single but wishing to continue exploring enjoyable and/or rewarding experience as an exciting to find Oregon Oregon. Oregon Wild’s hiking program met Oregon Wild volunteer? Joanie: Joanie Beldin Christie Moore and Arrowyn Wild, doing the hard this need and far exceeded my expectations. I The zoo events! The fall event in work of protecting the also discovered their fun Wild Wednesday particular was amazing. Our wolf table drew natural places and events. The knowledge I gained, the kindness almost non-stop crowds and the response was ur work covers a lot of ground, so our small wildlife that make and concern I saw for the wild, and the really heartwarming – especially hearing many staff can’t stress how much we appreciate and Oregon special. I knew I wanted to get like-minded friends I made along the way kids exclaim: Wolves are my favorite animal! Oadmire the volunteers that give their time to involved in some way. made Oregon Wild my favorite non-profit Visitors left knowing more about our wolves as Christie: Oregon Wild. Whether helping in Portland or My volunteer experience began as organization and I soon became a member. well as Oregon Wild. It was by far the most Eugene with administrative tasks, distributing a young adult working with children in various Oregon Wild: rewarding – and fun – tabling experience I’ve seasonal newsletters around town, organizing for public education systems. I moved to Oregon Why do you think ever had – thanks in no small part to a great important campaigns, or tabling community in 1980 and fell in love with this magnificent volunteering for Oregon Wild is worthwhile? team of volunteers. Joanie: Christie: events, our volunteers make the work we do state, and as I raised my daughter, I eventually In 2012, I had the privilege to join Throughout the year, I assisted possible – and then some. But every once in a while became a volunteer coach and coordinator. Oregon Wild’s Wolf Rendezvous. In the Oregon Wild in their efforts to promote their volunteers come along that go above and beyond. Passionate about service and Oregon, I went aftermath of this incredible retreat, I was campaigns - from making telephone calls and Joanie and Christie found Oregon Wild only a year back to college and obtained a BS in civil inspired to find a positive way to help make a rallying in front of Senator Wyden’s office, to ago, and have committed themselves at every turn engineering. Because of the recession, I sought difference. I believe that education is key to tabling special events such as Green Action to advocacy for Oregon’s wildlands and wildlife. to augment my resume through volunteer work change, so sharing information with the public Day, the Mississippi Street Fair, and zoo events. On behalf of the whole Oregon Wild crew, thank and in October 2012, the staff of Oregon Wild and gaining supporters at tabling events was a Together, with other volunteers and staff, we you both for your incredible passion and dedication. graciously accepted my offer to provide services very positive fit. Developing a table devoted to met many wonderful people who shared our Joanie Beldin (Portland, OR) and as a volunteer. the wolves has been especially rewarding. I’m concern for our environment and habitat. The Christie Moore (Boring, OR) grateful to the Oregon Wild staff for these Oregon Wild: experiences gave me feelings of hope and pride. Members since: 2012 Are there particular places in opportunities and their support. Anyone who’s interested in volunteering and Oregon Wild volunteers since: 2012 Christie: Oregon or particular Oregon Wild campaigns During the past year, I’ve assisted making a difference in Oregon should contact that inspire you to give your time? Oregon Wild with a variety of office tasks. Oregon Wild: Joanie: this outstanding organization. How long have you been Oregon Wild’s commitment to These opportunities have allowed me to remain giving your time as a volunteer and what drew helping protect and restore our wolves was current with my computer skills as well as get you specifically to Oregon Wild? definitely a major draw for me. This is an issue to know the very dedicated and hard-working Joanie: Take Action! Two years ago, when I moved to that I’ve been aware of and involved in for over staff at the organization. I began to better Join Joanie, Christie, and the rest Portland from Washington state, I was excited 35 years. While the story of the wolves across understand their huge mission and the of the Oregon Wild crew as a to explore this new part of the northwest with the country continues to be disheartening, relentless work it takes from each and every volunteer. Visit www.oregonwild.org its unique landscapes. My involvement with Oregon Wild’s dedication and efforts give me staff member to accomplish even the smallest to find out more. environmental organizations over many years hope that Oregon’s wolves will know a secure of goals. taught me that it takes a lot of very hard work future.

Winter-Spring 2014 Volume 41, Number 1 12 Conservation round-up Steve Pedery, Conservation Director

promises to include new Wilderness designations. The elephant in the Klamath Basin

The summer of 2013 saw another brutal drought in the Klamath, with “permanent” National Wildlife Refuge wetlands again going dry. Earlier this year, Senator Wyden and Governor Kitzhaber launched a Klamath Basin Task Force to develop a legislative proposal for resolving the perennial Klamath water crisis. At Wyden’s request, Oregon Wild participated in the group and has strongly advocated for the interests of wildlife. With a final meeting scheduled for December, it remains to be seen Sam Beebe, Ecotrust Will Senator Wyden whether the task force will address the elephant uphold his promises for strong environmental stewardship and protection on O&C lands? in the room—that demand for water must be reduced. 2013 Oregon Legislature Recap A clearcut is still a clearcut trust. Similar logic would be setting your neighbor’s house on fire, and wanting credit for Backlash from conservationists and a veto In the current political climate, victories for saving the garage. threat from President Obama did not stop the clean water, wildlife, and public lands can be scarce, so we are very happy to celebrate three U.S. House of Representatives from passing On November 26th Senator Wyden released big legislative wins from the 2013 session in HR 1526 in September, a terrible bill some his long-awaited “Oregon and California Land Salem. Working with a coalition of groups, we have dubbed the “public lands privatization act.” Grant Act of 2013,” a plan to bail out some passed a measure to protect Waldo Lake from The vote wasn’t a surprise, but what has raised Western Oregon county budgets through noisy and dangerous sea planes. We passed eyebrows is how vigorously Representative increased logging. Wyden’s logging plan doubles legislation to address the explosion of Peter DeFazio has defended the bill, in cutting levels in BLM forests, and uses destructive suction dredge mining on Oregon’s particular the portion that transfers 1.6 million euphemisms like “eco-forestry” to mask what is rivers. And we enacted a legal settlement that acres of public “O&C” land into a clearcut essentially clear-cutting. It also abandons resolved years of conflict over wolf conservation, photos by brett cole Wa t e r logging trust. One novel argument is that he commitments to maintain strong environmental giving our state the most progressive wolf demand in the Klamath Basin must should get credit for saving the public lands in protections like the Northwest Forest Plan and be reduced for the sake of wildlife. recovery plan in the nation. Western Oregon that don’t go into the clearcut Endangered Species Act, and backs away from

13 Winter-Spring 2014 Volume 41, Number 1 In wolves we find wilderness Rob Klavins, Wildlands & Wildlife Advocate

here may be no more potent natural heritage. Wolves are also exploit some of the state’s last symbol of wilderness than the turning out to be pretty good unprotected, pristine areas. wolf.T America’s formerly abundant stewards themselves. Wolves and other big wildlife like wolf populations were once nearly The story of Journey (OR-7) cougars and elk need big wild places eliminated. As society’s views on captured imaginations around the to thrive. But science is beginning to wildlife evolved they were brought world when the young wolf became show that those places also need their ODFW A trail camera captures this female back from the brink, only to face an wolf from the Imnaha Pack in Wallowa the first in Western Oregon since native inhabitants as well. uncertain future left in our hands. Whitman National Forest on June 22, 2011. 1947 and the first in California in Aldo Leopold once said, “To keep For forty years, Oregon Wild has nearly a century. His continuing every cog and wheel is the first been the state’s leading voice for 3,000 mile-plus journey (pun less than a dozen livestock were scenery. That may be overstating it. precaution of intelligent tinkering.” Oregon’s wildlands and wildlife. intended) took him on a tour of some confirmed lost to wolves. But when I looked at the faces of the Oregon scientists have shown what a However our commitment to of the state’s most magnificent Oregon Wild staff this summer as we tremendous effect the absence and Even so, recovery remains precarious. conservation stands on a legacy that landscapes. were serenaded by members of the return of native hunters are having Old prejudices die hard and wolves long precedes us. Whether for Imnaha Pack, it was clear that the Born on the edge the Eagle Cap around the world. The return of continue to be at the center of a spiritual, economic, or ecological return of wolves to Oregon’s Wilderness, Journey traversed wolves to places like Yellowstone has campaign of misinformation and fear. values, there’s no single right answer landscape means something more. wilderness and roadless areas to pass meant a healthier, more resilient Anti-wildlife interests have found a to the question of “Why wilderness?”. within a few miles of where Oregon’s landscape. That’s good for all the surprising ally in the Obama Our work isn’t done. Wolves still Oregon’s nascent wolf recovery has last wolf bounty was collected. He species that share this changing administration, which has continued need help and other Oregon natives been a tremendous validation of the spent time searching for a mate and world – including humans. to push a plan to strip wolves of like wolverines, sea otters, and legacy of dedicated conservationists hunting in areas that remain critical federal protections against the condors have even further to go. In With less than 50 known adult who have fought to protect our threatened by resurgent efforts to advisement of many of its own the coming year, we’ll continue to wolves in the entire state, they’re a scientists. fight for wildlife. Equally important, long way from fully carrying out their we’ll keep working to protect the Mary Strickworth jonathan jelen natural role in Oregon. However, Tenuous though it may be, wolf Members of the Oregon places they need to thrive. Wild Wolf Rendezvous thanks to our work, your support, and recovery is back on track. Responsible explore the wolf country in help from our allies, they’re getting a journalists are beginning to cover the For them. For us. the Eagle Cap Wilderness. fighting chance. story, businesses are seeing the benefits of healthy wildlife After lethal control, legal battles, and Take Action! populations, and recent polling shows long negotiations, Oregon again has Visit tinyurl.com/orwolfhowl continued overwhelming support for the most progressive wolf plan in the to experience a native wolves in Oregon and across the Oregon wolf howl for West. It’s far from perfect, but it country. yourself and find out how means killing wolves is the option of you can help wolf recovery. last resort in Oregon. In 2013, every It’s no wonder why. Some have said known wolf pack produced pups and that without wolves, wilderness is just Winter-Spring 2014 Volume 41, Number 1 14 or their staffer, out there in the wilds. Show When we reached the top, we noted no ski wilderness stories ’em a good time and you’ve got one of the best tracks other than our own on the lake’s far shots at protecting Wilderness. back side. Suddenly, along the rim road came A serendipitous wilderness three skiers circling the entire lake. Spotting Bald-faced a whopping two feet. However, we had lunch adventure us, I heard one say, “Oh good, someone has hornets and on a small 10-foot rock cone, and while we broken trail just ahead.” To their astonishment by Wendell Wood, Wildlands Interpreter bourbon – show were eating a bald eagle soared in, chased by we explained we had “come from down there” ’em a good time two raucous ravens. The eagle dove so low it s we look ahead to future Wilderness (pointing downhill off to the east). Overall, by Tim Lillebo, almost knocked the hat off the Congressional designations within and around Crater our trip resulted in less than a thousand-foot Eastern Oregon staffer. Even though the staffer accused us of ALake National Park, I’m reminded of one of net elevation gain, with much less physical Wildlands Advocate “using wires and stuffed birds,” that rock cone my most memorable cross-country skiing effort and mileage required than their Wendell Wood (L) is now protected forever in the Bridge Creek multiday trip around the entire Crater Lake and Tim Lillebo (R) experiences along its far eastern side some aving Wilderness Wilderness. 20-plus years ago. Rim. isn’t always done by writing letters, drawingS maps, and taking Piccolo Namek We can’t The first snows had come, but the lower Never expecting to get as far as we did, we had The bald-faced hornet pictures. Taking a Senator, Representative or control the elevations on the eastside of the Cascades only minimal provisions, so we hastened our Congressional aide out to see a place first weather, but were not yet blanketed. In my old Ford return falling down the icy slopes knowing the hand, where they can have a good time and we can Bronco, my wife Kathy and I drove up sun was setting soon. We got back to our car learn why it’s worth saving, will do more than compensate. Winema National Forest log roads to the on this late November day just as it grew dark any map, photo, or letter. I’ve done a lot of On a horse roadless eastern boundary of Crater Lake – tired, but a little heady with our these trips over the last four decades. trip to a National Park. An old map I found buried in accomplishment. Sometimes they go well. Sometimes they roadless area our Eugene office showed a trail to the rim of in the Blue Crater Lake that paralleled Anderson Bluffs wendell wood Wendell’s wife, don’t. Kathy Wood, during their 1992 ski Mountains, on the eastside. The Park Service explained to trip up the eastside of Crater Lake. We once showed a Senate staffer a spectacular what was me that this trail was no longer maintained, area in eastern Oregon with magnificent supposed to be blue skies turned first into a bit constructed decades earlier in a vain attempt views, old-growth pine, and elk herds on all of rain and snow and then into a deluge. We to provide future fire control. sides. Unfortunately, the staffer was stung in assumed the area was lost. But we had done the face by a vicious bald-faced hornet near our homework, and after applying copious At the edge of the park boundary the snow the end of the tour. We spent the rest of the quantities of the staffer’s favorite bourbon, was deep enough to ski on, so we parked the trip climbing cross-country out of a canyon miraculously the North Fork John Day car and headed cross-county into the woods. while their face swelled up to the size of a became the largest eastern Oregon area added This forgotten trail took us past some of the basketball. “Bald-faced Hornet Gulch” did not to the 1984 Wilderness bill. park’s most stately, old-growth western white make it into the next Wilderness bill. pines. While we never expected to get to the Of course we also use satellite imagery, maps, rim we just kept on going and, much to our The same staffer visited another relatively and science to make the case for saving surprise, by mid-afternoon we had arrived at “average” roadless area – no high peaks, few wildlands and rivers. But it often comes down Kerr Notch overlooking Crater Lake and spectacular views, and the tallest waterfall was to a simple matter of logistics. Get a Senator, Phantom Ship.

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