Oregon Wild Spring/Summer 2013 Volume 40, Number 2

A river sucked through it wild summer hikes inside From the Director’s Desk

Working to protect and restore Oregon’s wildlands, A legacy in the making wildlife, and waters as an enduring legacy. Sean Stevens, Executive Director

But this inheritance forces us to to halt the destructive practice of The photo above is of me doing my protected Wilderness areas right Main Office Western Field Office INSIDE THIS ISSUE pause and ask the question: What is suction dredge mining and rally part. Earlier this year, I headed back away – mostly because they stood in 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 Oregon going to look like when I’m support for native wildlife like to Washington, DC to meet with such stark contrast to the clear-cuts A river sucked through it – gone? wolves. administration officials and that appeared in all shapes and sizes www.oregonwild.org Phone 541.344.0675 Fax: 541.343.0996 Zen and the art of rivers {4-7} here are very few places on earth that I love more than Oregon’s Congressional staff. I carried your around them. The e-mail address for each Oregon Wild After all, a natural legacy doesn’t In March, with our conservation Conservation & Restoration Coord. Doug Heiken x 1 Toutdoors. One of them is my message with me – that Oregonians staff member: [email protected] leave itself. People have to fight for it. allies at KS Wild, we launched a new We owe the fact that there is some Western Oregon Field Coordinator chandra LeGue x 2 Oregon Wild Summer {8-9} grandfather’s ranch. Filled with backyardforests.org are proud of our public lands and we (for example: [email protected]) website ( ) wilderness left to protect to the rolling hills, scattered oak, and vistas That is why your support of Oregon want to see them protected as a Eastern Field Office featuring little-known yet stunning generations that preceded us. We owe Membership Associate marielle Cowdin x 213 Get your Ansel Adams on {back cover} that stretch across the Santa Lucia Wild is so critical. Next year we will legacy for those that follow. 16 NW Kansas Avenue, Bend, OR 97701 recreation spots on western Oregon it to future generations to carry on Wilderness Coordinator erik Fernandez x 202 Range that shelters the Salinas Valley th Phone: 541.382.2616 Fax: 541.385.3370 celebrate our 40 anniversary as an BLM lands that are currently on the Sure enough, I was reminded exactly this important work. Thank you for Director of Finance & Admin. candice Guth x 219 from the wild Big Sur coast, the organization. Since 1974, we’ve built chopping block. what is at stake while flying back doing your part. Communications & Outreach tommy Hough x 223 Eastern OR ranch is a special place. up quite a legacy of accomplishments from my trip. As we began our Development Coordinator Jonathan Jelen x 224 Wildlands Advocate tim Lillebo in safeguarding the wildlands, In April, we filed notice with the When my grandfather died earlier descent and broke through the layer Wildlands & Wildlife Advocate rob Klavins x 210 cover photo: Joel Zak Olallie Creek in the Willamette National Forest. wildlife, and waters of this state with Bureau of Reclamation that if they Southern Field Office Throughout Oregon, waterways essential for recreation, drinking water, this year, the ranch was passed on to of clouds I could see ’s Conservation Director Steve Pedery x 214 two million acres of Wilderness didn’t follow the law and protect P.O. Box 1923 Brookings, OR 97415 and salmon habitat are facing a serious mining threat. me and my siblings. We were summit ducking in and out of the Executive Director Sean Stevens x 211 protected, 1,900 miles of Wild & wildlife in the Klamath Basin with Phone: 541.366.8623 entrusted with the stewardship of mist. I could pick out Badger Creek, Scenic Rivers secured, and countless adequate water flows we’d take them lands that have been in my family for Salmon River Meadows, and other Oregon Wild Board of Directors species saved from extinction. With a to court. Wildlands Interpreter Wendell Wood six generations. Megan Gibb, President newly-completed four-year strategic www.oregonwild.org/strategic- Daniel Robertson, Vice President plan As I think about the legacy that my vision Pat Clancy, Treasurer grandfather has left my family, I can’t we are poised to build on that Vik Anantha help but think about the special lands legacy. Leslie Logan www.facebook.com/OregonWild that we all own as Americans. We are To get the job done, we’ll need to use Brett Sommermeyer so lucky to live amongst the towering every tool at our disposal – from William Sullivan old-growth forests, rushing rivers, @oregonwild education to litigation and grassroots Jan Wilson and silhouetted peaks found in activism to legislation. Oregon’s national forests and other Oregon Wild is a tax-exempt, non-profit charitable organization. publicly-owned lands. And we are At the beginning of the year, our staff Newsletter printed on New Leaf 100% recycled, 50% post-consumer, FSC certified paper with soy based inks. fortunate that those who came before geared up for the 2013 Oregon us did their part to pass on this Oregon Wild is printed locally by Environmental Paper and Print, legislative session, preparing to work an Oregon Wild donor and business partner. natural legacy. the halls of the state capitol in Salem nik muir Three Sisters Mirror Lake Sunrise Spring/Summer 2013 Volume 40, Number 2 2 3 Spring/Summer 2013 Volume 40, Number 2 Sucker takes all Umpqua, the Molalla, and even the So who’s in charge of oversight? The activities serve as economic engines Metolius, are being targeted and federal government regulates mining for Oregon, yet are being severely Party like it’s A river sucked through it – Zen and the art of rivers Oregon’s mining reputation seems drastically altered by destructive activities and claims made under the impacted by suction dredge mining pale in comparison to extraction- Erik Fernandez, Wilderness Coordinator & Marielle Cowdin, Membership Associate mining techniques. 1872 mining law (see side bar). 1872 happy states like Nevada or West Suction dredge management and Economic studies from the Oregon Virginia. We don’t have mountain Suction dredging, a particularly nasty associated protection of our rivers, Department of Fish and Wildlife top removal or massive industrial method, is currently the fastest however, are tasked to the State of show that fishing, hunting, and “Getting to know a river can be a a magnetism that not only attracts mines. Yet Oregon plays host to a growing threat. The anatomy of a Oregon…at least in theory. wildlife viewing generate $2.5 lifelong journey. Like the ever changing native flora and fauna, but also vast network of mining that spreads suction dredge involves noisy, billion per year for our state. While out across the landscape into citizens’ polluting gas motors mounted on Welcome to Oregon: our finding gold and ‘striking it rich’ is background of an epic story, in my life adventurers, boaters, hunters, anglers, economic engine the Rogue has been a place to gather and even writers and artists. Zane backyards and onto our public lands. rafts. These motors power a vacuum, the ultimate goal for modern day which sucks up the bed of a river or miners, the reality is the with others, a fortress of solitude, an aid Grey was drawn by the wildness of the If measures aren’t taken to protect To say the 1872 mining law is Mining in Oregon has seen a stream (see diagram on next page). overwhelming majority of suction to memory, a song, a quality of light, a Rogue River, and it became his source our wild rivers, the Zen river overdue for an update would be significant increase over the last ten Anything that lives on the riverbed dredgers will never make enough cradle of dreams, a resting place, a of inspiration. years, most intensely in the experience will quickly be replaced an understatement. When the and is unfortunate enough to meet money to pay for their equipment. 1872 mining law passed, Ulysses source of energy, a giver of joy. And southwest corner of our state. with the aforementioned suction Like Grey, many of us will find the business end of the 4-inch wide Is it worth risking the health of our S. Grant was president and there always the living heart of the valley.” dredge encounter. Rafting, fishing, ourselves at the banks of the Wild Oregon’s most iconic rivers, vacuum hose gets sucked up in the rivers and salmon populations – not were no cars on Oregon roads. and other sustainable, recreational - Roger Dorband, from The Rogue: Rogue this summer, seeking out that including the Rogue, the South process. to mention the economies they Much has changed since then, Portrait of a River transcendent experience only a wild support – to satisfy destructive, but not the primary law governing mining on public lands. river can provide. Wading into the widespread hobby mining? Destructive mining operations on erhaps it’s because our bodies are Rogue’s cool, refreshing waters at the Many miners will argue that they public lands continue to go largely comprised mostly of water that beginning of an epic float trip, one unregulated, with few to no Pwe humans identify with rivers so can’t help but feel connected to the too drive Oregon’s economy, buying protections for sensitive areas or passionately. Rocks and mountains surrounding wildlands. Current and fuel for their dredges and other wildlife. In addition, the public hardly seem as anthropomorphized, body become one, breathing becomes equipment from local suppliers. (owner of public lands) receives but it’s hard to compete with the deep and slow, and the sweet smell of But, which form of economic no reimbursement for the valuable minerals extracted. The Jeffrey pine fills the air. The sun- activity is better for our state – the rushing, gushing, singing river. only guarantee is after the mess Nothing quite compares to that drenched canyon walls and towering one that leaves the resource intact and ready for the next customer/ has been made, the public will steady hum of water over rock; the trees above lull all below deep into this foot the bill for the toxic clean-up. sound that reminds us of the fresh Zen experience. generation, or the one that degrades water we drink, the salmon we eat, the resource and often leaves Several years ago an effort was Suddenly, tranquility gives way to the made to update the 1872 mining and the health of the ecosystem that taxpayers with the clean-up bill? roar of machinery. There, just around law with modern day common allows all life to thrive. Seriously, when is the last time that the river bend, a loud, pollution- DEQ got called in to repair a river sense provisions. Unfortunately, Senate Majority Leader Harry America’s canyons, waterfalls, and belching suction dredge is tearing after you and some friends went Reid hails from the mining-heavy floodplains show their daily visitors a minerals from the riverbed. Rafts are rafting? It doesn’t happen. state of Nevada, and remains a river’s great power to change the maneuvered to avoid the tangle of Mercury cocktails - stirred strong ally to the mining industry. landscape. Yet it is the river’s more dredging equipment. Wildlife and not shaken Given his position and influence, Amy Twiest Rogue River rafters enjoy a wild subtle power, to connect and support quiet recreationists vanish. Zen any attempt at reform faces an day in the canyon. Recreational tourism is a all manner of life, which makes it moment gone. Top (left and right): Memoriee sconce Umpqua River uphill battle in the short term. significant driver of Oregon’s economy Bottom: Greg Burke, pete wallstrom Rogue River Suction dredging not only threatens truly wild. A healthy river system has key economic drivers in Oregon,

Spring/Summer 2013 Volume 40, Number 2 4 5 Spring/Summer 2013 Volume 40, Number 2 gas motor sluice pump destroys spawning beds, leaving fish over the last five years, and the reputation for protecting our rivers, issue of suction dredge mining. Sen. temporarily halt suction dredge without a place to lay their eggs the health of Oregon’s rivers has been in but unfortunately we don’t always Alan Bates (D-Medford) stepped up mining in rivers designated as Rivers in the spotlight following season. Additionally, serious jeopardy. live up to it. This is one of those as a champion in defense of our “essential salmon habitat” as well as suction dredge mining stirs up silt, cases. Lagging behind Idaho in rivers along with Sen. Jackie rivers with bull trout. The new As we like to say, Oregon’s rivers are the lifeblood of the state. While which clouds the river and reduces Even Idaho, the Gem State, has environmental regulations is no Dingfelder (D-Portland). Several regulations would consider off-limit several of Oregon’s most iconic waterways are being targeted by suction oxygen levels for any fish present. taken steps to better regulate suction place to be for any card-carrying bills introduced this session aim to areas, stronger fish habitat dredge mining, the Rogue River (1) and its tributaries in particular are facing dredge mining. By tightening more mining threats than any other waterway in the state. The stakes are environmentalist or state that sees better protect our treasured rivers protections, and a new fee structure high as the Rogue is one of the most important large salmon runs on the vacuum hose Shredding river bottoms with a restrictions on when and where itself as river-friendly. from suction dredge mining. that covers the cost of monitoring suction dredge also has dire suction dredging can happen, their west coast, and Oregonians have already invested millions of dollars in and enforcement. This approach is restoring salmon populations on the Rogue, including the removal of dams consequences for fish food sources. goal is better enforcement and Oregon takes up the torch

??! One approach on the table is to pass not without its pitfalls. Five years is a like Elk Creek. O The dredging process flushes out monitoring of the new protections. legislation that designates certain ˚ The good news is that the Oregon reasonable amount of time to craft ˚˚ much of the insect larvae in the Here in Oregon we have a rivers as “State Scenic Waterways.” Further north, the (2) in Clackamas County provides drinking State Legislature has taken up the new regulations, but what if they water to 25,000 Oregonians in the communities of Canby and Molalla. An riverbeds destined to become fish This designation carries a “no suction aren’t fully implemented or adopted food. As a result, the food supply dredge mining allowed” clause. Sen. all-volunteer community group by the agencies and legislature? It made up of more than 45 civic appears in a short burst, rather than Bates introduced legislation (SB would be a shame if the ban expired and conservation organizations, hatching over a prolonged stretch of 401) to designate about 30 rivers 1: The Wild Rogue (riverkeepers) tiny bits of and suction dredge miners went back including Oregon Wild, has gold time. When the salmon arrive to across the state as State Scenic to business as usual without any new demonstrated overwhelming (maybe) feed, they may find their food source Waterways, including the Sandy, and meaningful protections for our support for protecting the river’s recreational, wildlife, and water has been significantly reduced. Rogue, McKenzie, and South rivers. To fix this pitfall the ban but it also poses a risk for public Suction for salmon Umpqua among others. After values. But despite the support for Given that billions of dollars have should remain in place until the new conservation of the Molalla, the health. Over a century ago, the gold meeting some resistance in Salem, been spent restoring salmon habitat, protections are fully implemented. demand for suction dredge permits rush brought mining to many of Vacuuming up salmon habitat isn’t the bill has since been amended and it is nothing short of amazing that has rapidly grown in the Oregon’s rivers. The mercury used good for salmon. It doesn’t take a now simply requires a study by the As we write, both options are still on scientist to grasp this concept, we allow suction dredge mining to watershed, and threatens the during that time eventually settled state to recommend a list of rivers the table in Salem. The crystal ball on progress of ongoing restoration however, the body of scientific flush that investment downriver. 3: Rushing waters on the South Umpqua into the soil under our riverbeds – a that the legislature would then passage of these bills is about as foggy projects. (Ken deveney) delightful relic of a bygone age. evidence proving the point is California and Idaho consider for designation. as a river disturbed by the churn of a When California banned suction growing. A recent study published stepping up suction dredge, yet one thing is Today, suction dredge miners by the American Fisheries Service To put SB 401 into context, Oregon dredge mining, a significant spike certain. As this problem continues to of activity occurred in vacuum up the gravel from the highlighted myriad negative Oregon already had a suction dredge hasn’t added any rivers to the State grow, our rivers won’t be safe until we 2: Fishing on the Molalla southwestern Oregon rivers and riverbed, stirring up mercury and consequences of suction dredge problem by 2009. At that time, the Scenic Waterway System since 1988, find a permanent solution. Until that (molalla river alliance) streams. One of the rivers releasing it to the river’s food chain. mining, ranging from habitat wealth of scientific evidence on the yet the state is required to make time, the water we drink, the fish we specifically targeted by a group Given that rivers provide us with a disturbance, to increased sediment adverse affects of suction dredge periodic recommendations for eat, and the places we play are sure to 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 key element for our survival – water deposits, to increased turbidity. mining on salmon convinced additions and is now almost 25 years suffer the consequences. By watershed needs more restoration and protection – not more mining. – common sense should tell us that California to ban suction dredging. overdue. If passed, the amended bill advocating for Oregon’s wild rivers, agitating the mercury in our Salmon and other anadromous fish Then Governor Arnold would require a suite of spawn in the gravel beds of Oregon’s Zen might find us once again. Check Perhaps most surprisingly, we’ve seen several permits for suction dredge drinking water source is not in the Schwarzenegger signed a bill recommendations within two years. mining on the Metolius River (4). Arguably Oregon’s most scenic river, the rivers, and these spawning grounds out the Oregon Wild website at interest of our public health. banning the practice in the Golden www.oregonwild.org Metolius has a geology which makes it a near impossibility to find gold there, Alternatively, the Legislature is to see the Additionally, consumers might think are often targets of mining. While State, prompting many California but that hasn’t stopped the continued demand for suction dredge access in debating a possible five-year suction latest news. 4: The Mighty Metolius twice before eating some locally suction dredge mining isn’t supposed dredgers to bring their activity to this river as well. dredge ban while new regulations are (leon werdinger) caught fish if the mercury levels in to happen during spawning season, southern Oregon. Combine that developed (SB 838). The ban would their habitat increased. mining in the off-season still with the price of gold skyrocketing

Spring/Summer 2013 Volume 40, Number 2 6 7 Spring/Summer 2013 Volume 40, Number 2 www.oregonwild.org 

Saturday, June 15 Saturday, July 13 Friday, August 16 Thursday, August 29 to Explore Oregon’s Oregon Wild proudly presents Molalla River Tidbits Mountain Opal Creek Ancient Forest Monday, September 2 Leader: Jonathan Jelen Leader: Chandra LeGue Leader: Jonathan Jelen Crater Lake Wilderness and Klamath wolf country! (Moderate, 5.0 miles, elevation gain 1,000 r e g is t at (Moderate, 4.5 miles, elevation gain 1,000 (Moderate, 5-7 miles, elevation gain minimal, Refuge Service Weekend Wolf Recovery is one of America’s greatest Oregon Wild feet, Table Rock Wilderness, Salem BLM) feet, Willamette National Forest) , Willamette National conservation success stories and Oregon is Leader: Wendell Wood on the cutting edge! In the spirit of getting out Journey to the headwaters of the Molalla Hike up many-pinnacled Tidbits Forest) Walk back in time to an ancient (Sleeping and kitchen accommodations provided) River and explore the unique basalt Mountain through spectacular old-growth Oregon forest in one of the state’s signature on the ground and beyond the headlines, summer 2013 Spend your Labor Day weekend exploring the Oregon Wild launched a pioneering effort – formations of the Table Rock Wilderness. on the way to an amazing mountain view. Wilderness areas. Crater Lake Proposed Wilderness Area, with a the annual Wolf Rendezvous. Visit the places you want to see with Thursday, June 20 Wednesday, July 17 Saturday, August 17 Saturday work day on the Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. The trip has been featured on OPB’s Oregon the people who know them best! Mount June and Sawtooth Ridge chandra le gue Rogue River Tamanawas Falls Tree Identification North Umpqua Trail, Lemolo Falls Field Guide and included participants from Leader: Chandra LeGue Leader: Erik Fernandez Leader: Chandra LeGue Friday, September 13 across the country. Over the years we’ve met Register for hikes and outings at with ranchers, biologists, hunters, local wolf (Moderate, 5.0 miles, elevation gain 1,000 (Moderate, 5.5 miles, elevation gain 500 (Moderate, 6.0 miles, elevation gain 500 feet, Upper McKenzie Waterfalls www.oregonwild.org or call 503.283.6343 advocates, photographers, and even a Nez feet, Willamette National Forest) feet, Mount Hood National Forest) , Crater Lake and Pools Perce elder who shared his grandmother’s Take in the views from forested Mount Explore a diverse old-growth forest along Wilderness Proposal) Experience several of Leader: Chandra LeGue stories about living with wolves in Wallowa Oregon Wild summer outings are guided by June and ridgetop meadows as you explore the crystal clear Cold Spring Creek the North Umpqua River’s spectacular (Moderate, 6.0 miles, elevation gain minimal, County in the 1800s! experts and require online reservations. Please Eugene’s backyard wilderness. leading up to the spectacular Tamanawas waterfalls and take in the general beauty of Willamette National Forest) Oregon’s wolves remain elusive, but their story leave pets at home. For your comfort and Falls. the river and surrounding wildlands. Saturday, June 22 Take in raging waterfalls, clear blue waters, takes place on one of the world’s most safety please wear appropriate attire, bring beautiful stages. Join us on forays into the Tilly Jane Cloudcap Saddle Saturday, August 3 lava flows, fall colors and gorgeous old-growth plenty of water, a lunch, and your sense of forest on this quintessential Eugene-area hike. raptor-rich Zumwalt Prairie, alpine meadows, Leader: Margo Earley Crabtree Valley spectacular canyons, and incomparable adventure! Children are welcome, but must be Leader: Tommy Hough accompanied by an adult. (Strenuous, 6.0 miles, elevation gain 2,200 mountain wilderness! feet, Mount Hood National Forest) (Moderate-Strenuous, 2-6 miles, elevation MARY ELLEN ANDRE Wendell Check the website for more details, sign up, Hike to the treeline through newly gain 600 feet, Salem District BLM) Wood leads a plant identification and join us in the footsteps of Oregon’s Presented by KEEN Footwear designated Wilderness and dramatic Experience one of the oldest forest groves hike in Multnomah Basin. wolves! Special thanks to Willamette Week post-fire re-growth. Top it off with a in Oregon on a day-long expedition to William Sullivan and hikers at Mount Hood. spectacular lunchtime view of Mt. Hood’s this out-of-the way wonder. Find details on the trip at northeast face. www.oregonwild.org/about/hikes_events Saturday, August 10 Friday, June 28 Saturday, July 13 Boulder Lake Metolius River Lost Creek Leader: Erik Fernandez rob klavins 2012 Rendezvous Leader: Jonathan Jelen Leader: Erik Fernandez (Moderate, 5.0 miles, elevation gain 1,100 participants in the Wallowas. (Moderate, 5-6 miles, elevation gain 150 (Moderate, 6.0 miles, elevation gain 200 feet, feet, Mount Hood National Forest) Discover feet, Deschutes National Forest) Mount Hood National Forest) the aquamarine waters of one of the Enjoy the stunning beauty of this central Trek through a mossy forest and potential Mount Hood National Forest’s best-kept Oregon gem as you hike along the pristine Wilderness area the Forest Service has secrets! r e g is t at Metolius River. proposed for logging along the western flanks of Mount Hood.

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daryl lloyd register at  www The Goose is cooked – Goose for all! BLM Special Places Doug Heiken, Conservation & Restoration Coordinator Chandra LeGue, Western Oregon Field Coordinator 10 Most Endangered Places Report 2013 Chandra LeGue, Western Oregon Field Coordinator and the Western Environmental Law Center The Western Oregon public forestlands managed by the Bureau of Land to challenge the timber sale in court. Management (BLM) are the forests surrounding our communities. BLM forests provide recreation, clean water, and community for thousands of In March, a federal judge ruled the Goose Oregonians. These are the forests Oregonians see from their windows or last remaining low-elevation timber sale must be “enjoined,” or delayed, visit on day-trips. They are our old-growth forests in the state. until the Forest Service prepares a full “As the son of a logger and backyard forests. Threatened by schemes to dramatically increase logging to prop Environmental Impact Statement. A win for the active manager of my In March, Oregon Wild and our conservation efforts, this also creates an up county budgets, as well as other own small forest, I know conservation partner, Klamath-Siskiyou opportunity for the Forest Service to Wildlands Center, unveiled an info-rich development plans, a dozen of these pro-actively develop a project with citizen about balancing the needs of website and corresponding report special places are featured in a new promoting the recreational opportunities www.backyardforests.org chandra le gue Goose forest involvement. the land and the people. For report at me, there is no doubt the and special qualities of Western Despite the controversy, the Goose Project Oregon’s BLM-managed public lands at Previous locales with the dubious regon Wild chalked up a significant also calls for hundreds of acres of needed Wellington Wildlands is a www.backyardforests.org. Submitted by distinction of being Oregon’s Most Oregonians with ties to these special victory earlier this year, putting a stop to thinning in dense, young stands of trees. In place for wildlife, for clean adam jewel Many might think that our state’s only National Endangered Place include the places, the featured areas stretch from Othe worst elements of the Goose timber sale Park is protected, yet helicopter tours and nasty logging Klamath Wetlands, the Wild Rogue the future, the Forest Service can avoid water that comes from these southwestern Oregon’s unique botanical located in the Willamette National Forest projects threaten the park and its surrounding wildlands. River, and the forested wildlands headaches if they simply adopt a common watersheds, and the great and recreational regions like the Illinois along the McKenzie River. Controversial from near Crater Lake. Both new and sense strategy to protect the mature forests, recreation opportunities we Valley and Wild Rogue River Canyon; to the start, the project called for logging and spotted owl habitat, roadless areas, and ancient forests tucked away in the ongoing threats to these areas mean have here. ” road building in mature forest and spotted riparian reserves, while focusing on thinning Alsea, Umpqua, and Santiam all three again made this year’s list owl habitat in the Lookout Mountain roadless watersheds. to produce jobs, wood products, and provide – David Calahan s your favorite place in Oregon to popular for quiet outdoor recreation, area, as well as logging close to residential exhaust, and quiet shattered by Threats to this year’s Most ecological benefits. These forests and streams safeguard our clean water, provide habitat for hike, camp, fish, or swim and the wilderness experience so property near the community of McKenzie motors are not what recreationists Endangered Places include suction native salmon and wildlife, and include some of the last remaining Ithreatened by logging, mining, or an many Oregonians (and visitors to the seek in an Oregon outdoor dredge and nickel mining on iconic Bridge. old-growth forests in Oregon. As some of Oregon’s most visited invasion of noisy internal combustion state) cherish on our public lands. experience. As we often say, “no one southwest Oregon rivers, coal exports Evergreen power – leading the charge recreation areas, they also contribute millions of dollars to the state’s engines and destructive off-road use? Old-growth forests, pristine Unfortunately, many economy, and harbor some well-kept secrets right in our backyards. comes to Oregon to hike in a through the , residents of McKenzie Threats like the Goose Project stress the need for Oregon Wild to Sadly, many places in Oregon are, as waterways, scenic views, places for clear-cut.” the ongoing fight to ban float planes Bridge only learned of remain constantly vigilant. Whether it’s challenging harmful timber Yet these forestlands are at risk. Ongoing discussions in Congress and highlighted in the 2013 edition of quiet contemplation and exercise, and on pristine Waldo Lake, and sales or advocating for permanent Wilderness protections, Oregon This year, the Most Endangered the project after the by other political forces about management of federal BLM lands could Oregon Wild’s annual report on the abundant fish and wildlife are drivers aggressive logging proposals in Wild’s Evergreen Society is leading the charge to protect our most have huge implications for these special places including more clear-cuts, Place in Oregon is collectively what public comment period cherished natural places. 10 Most Endangered Places in the of Oregon’s thriving outdoor otherwise healthy forests from polluted water, and other damaging impacts. By highlighting places near we’ve come to call our Backyard had ended. When the state. Since 2009, we’ve been working recreation economy – contributing northeast Oregon to the south Evergreen Society members give us the resources we need to and dear to so many Oregonians, we hope to positively influence this Forests, i.e. western Oregon’s public Forest Service refused discussion and protect our backyard forests. with conservation partners to collect more than $13 billion in spending Willamette Valley. respond to reckless timber sales like Goose and win! Joining the lands managed by the Bureau of to withdraw their charge as an Evergreen Society member is the best way to make a and highlight wild places in Oregon and 140,000 jobs to the state’s decision and get it difference in the efforts to defend our wildlands, wildlife, and waters. Explore the featured places and submit your own stories about special threatened by mining, logging, and economy each year. Recklessly cut Land Management, or BLM. These Learn more about this year’s Most BLM lands at www.backyardforests.org or on Facebook at lands provide nearby recreation to tim giraudier The proposed Devil’s right, Oregon Wild Join today by visiting us online at www.oregonwild.org/membership other industrial development. forests, rivers ravaged by mining, Endangered Places at Staircase Wilderness is the largest www.facebook.com/OurBLMBackyardForests www.oregonwild.org partnered with or by calling Jonathan Jelen at 503-283-6343 ext 224. views spoiled by encroaching thousands of Oregonians, as well as unprotected natural area in the Oregon stevendavidjohnson.com A number of the entries in this year’s Coast Range. Cascadia Wildlands development, air made foul by clean drinking water, important fish 10 Most Endangered Places are and wildlife habitat, and some of the Spring/Summer 2013 Volume 40, Number 2 10 11 Spring/Summer 2013 Volume 40, Number 2 Defending (and celebrating) Klamath wildlife Just the Facts: Andy Kerr reflects on the passing of Kathie Durbin Steve Pedery, Conservation Director Andy Kerr

section. While the rapid logging of the County, about as far from a forest in Oregon If you missed this trip, you will have Earthjustice and WaterWatch of implement the cuts without getting Pacific Northwest’s ancient forests were one can get. It was an all-day field trip from another opportunity to explore the Oregon to launch a legal challenge approval from fish and wildlife beginning to prompt news coverage, local Ontario to see the proposed mine site, and Klamath with Oregon Wild this against the Obama administration biologists likely violates the media remained collectively blind to the we met a couple of local activists, Gary and year. Over Labor Day weekend over a plan to reduce water flows in Endangered Species Act. story. Carolyn Brown, who were giving us the tour. 2013 we’re planning a one-day work the Klamath River. Their decision to party at the Klamath Marsh But as the clear-cut stories ramped up and Gary and Carolyn are the nicest people you the coverage in The Oregonian’s business page have ever met, and when Gary insisted on National Wildlife Refuge located brett cole A young avocet east of Crater Lake. We’ll be became obviously inadequate, Eugene native picking up the tab for breakfast, Kathie helping Fish and Wildlife Service Kathie Durbin, who had been with the paper insisted on paying for herself. Gary and Internet, eventually even prompting biologists build perches for hawks since 1978, began to get ink on the forest Carolyn would have none of it, and a polite President Bill Clinton to send half his and eagles to help avoid needless issue. battle for the check ensued. Kathie finally a. Eugene cabinet to Portland to try to come to deaths to automobile traffic, as well relented as Gary wasn’t going to. I could tell Register-Guard In 1989, the first court injunctions against consensus. it bothered Kathie to no end, but I thought it as planting willows and restoring Eugene Register-Guard Veteran Pacific old-growth forest logging to protect the was nice Gary had won over scrupulous b. Caption: marsh habitat. But it won’t all be Northwest journalist Kathie Durbin died By 1994 the forest wars had peaked this past winter at the age of 68. northern spotted owl were issued, and shortly Kathie. work. We’ll head west to explore politically, and Kathie was pushed out of The Veteran Pacific douglas beall Sandhill cranes afterwards, The Oregonian published a Oregon Wild’s Crater Lake six-part series entitled “Forests in Distress.” Oregonian, leaving on her desk for all to see a After returning from the all-day tour we Northwest n the mid-1980s Oregon Wild was a small Wilderness proposal, including a In it, Kathie Durbin and co-author Paul copy of the coffee-table book Clearcut: The bee-lined for an ice cream shop, where regon Wild’s conservation Northwest. The basin’s diverse group, but despite our size, we resolved to journalist hike to several seldom-visited Koberstein transformed the political debate Tragedy of Industrial Forestry. She took the Kathie maneuvered to buy scoops all around. advocacy isn’t all science waterfowl species put on a show for endI the logging of old-growth forests in Kathie Durban waterfalls. Visit Oregon Wild’s web in Oregon. Here’s how the series opened: time off to write Tree Huggers: Victory, Defeat She then loudly announced for our benefit Oconferences and legal battles—some the group, with tens of thousands of Oregon. At the time, two square miles per site for more information about this and Renewal in the Northwest Ancient Forest — but mostly for hers — this expenditure died this past of the most important work we do white-fronted, snow and Ross’ geese week of Oregon’s ancient forests were being trip. WENDELL WOOD Oregon Wild sponsored Years of overcutting have taken their toll on Campaign, which has become the definitive settled her debt from breakfast. winter at the is getting people out to see the making their annual migration work group at the Klamath Marsh National clear-cut. Northwest forests. As jobs vanish, the timber history of the Pacific Northwest forest wars. places we protect, and rolling up our through the region. In addition to 2013 is shaping up to be another Wildlife Refuge Summer 2012) industry and Northwest politicians will have I was a source and she gave me a voice. We age of 68 We were desperate to make news in this sleeves to work with land managers the bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and drought year in the Klamath Basin, themselves — not just the northern spotted owl Kathie was a reporter just as a reporter were on friendly terms, but we were not pre-internet era, when daily newspapers were to protect and restore habitat. white pelicans typically encountered and that means tough times for — to blame. The first part in a six-part series should be. Tenacious, competitive, and always friends. We used each other, and the forests, the sole papers of community record, and the on such trips, dozens of other wildlife. By participating in trips this week and in future special reports, The wanting to get the facts right. Like all great deserts, rivers and shoreline of Oregon are In early April, a number of Oregon majority of citizens actually read them. species were observed, included like these, you can not only explore Oregonian studies the causes, effects and the reporters, she prided herself on objectivity the better for it. Wild supporters joined naturalist tundra swans, black-billed magpies, the natural beauty of the Klamath, The Oregonian, the state’s largest newspaper, future. and fairness, and was beyond scrupulous. I Wendell Wood for a wildlife Andy Kerr served with the Oregon Natural Resources black-necked stilts, dunlin, greater but also help Oregon Wild protect it. didn’t even have an environmental reporter at could never buy her a drink. She always viewing trip in the spectacular The series went on for pages and pages with Council (now Oregon Wild) for 20 years, and today yellowlegs, and a nesting great insisted on buying her own. consults on environmental and conservation matters as Of course, Oregon Wild is still the time. Rather, it viewed federal forest Klamath Basin. Despite the ongoing horned owl. But the highlight of the powerful photographs, and went as viral as the head of The Larch Company. working hard to protect the management as merely a log-supply issue, I once interested her in a proposed open pit conflict over water and dams in the trip was the presence of a Say’s something could in the days before the Klamath Basin’s wildlife and best covered in the pages of the business cyanide heap gold mine story in Malheur basin, it remains one of the most phoebe, a rare songbird seldom seen wetlands. In March, we joined with beautiful areas in the Pacific in western Oregon.

Spring/Summer 2013 Volume 40, Number 2 12 13 Spring/Summer 2013 Volume 40, Number 2 Featuring the supporters, foundations, businesses, and Conservation round-up volunteers that make our work possible. This issue’s focus: Leaving your legacy with a planned gift! Steve Pedery, Conservation Director Keeping it wild

Names: Amy Wheat and Doug Rathkamp Oregon Wild: How did you first get connected Make your own legacy! of kayakers and canoeists who use Unfortunately, not Location: Gold River, CA with Oregon Wild and which one of our the lake. all news for wolves (but coming to Oregon soon!) Make the protection and restoration of campaigns most interests you? is good. On April Members since: 2012 Oregon’s wildlands, wildlife, and waters your Amy and Doug: We became aware of Oregon The good news is a measure is 26th, the Obama enduring legacy for future generations. advancing in the Oregon legislature Legacy donors since: 2012 Wild through a wolf presentation we administration jasper white The Oregon Treasures Act includes While annual memberships, contributions, attended in California. We have followed the which would address the danger announced it would Wild and Scenic protection for the Molalla River. and grants are critical to the success of Oregon Wild: entry of OR-7 (aka Journey) into California posed by seaplanes. SB 602, which strip federal What’s your favorite spot in Oregon Wild, our future is predicated on our and back into Oregon. Supporting the efforts would ensure Waldo is protected Endangered Oregon Treasures Act Oregon? ability to build a sustainable source of Amy and Doug: of Oregon Wild and the possibility that one forever as a haven for quiet Species Act protection from gray reintroduced in Congress Either the coastal forests or funding that provides for today, tomorrow, day wolves may be reestablished as part of recreation, clean water, and wildlife, wolves in most of the country, despite any of the rivers that flow into the Columbia and beyond. By creating a bequest in your the wild ecosystem of Oregon and California has passed the Oregon State Senate, concerns from scientists and Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff east of the . Also, hikes we have will or trust, you help ensure that the future is of paramount importance to both of us. and now awaits a vote in the House conservationists. President Obama Merkley have introduced S.353, the taken in the and of Oregon Wild continues for generations to Two steps forward, one step Oregon Treasures Act of 2013, in the the wilderness areas outside of Bend. They appears to be bowing to pressure Oregon Wild: How did you go about making come. back on wolves from anti-government groups, who U.S. Senate. It includes the Wild are entirely different landscapes but all Amy Wheat standing with Don the decision to make a legacy gift to Oregon Rogue Wilderness expansion, exemplify the complicated interplay of water, To learn more about creating a legacy with have turned hatred of wolves into a Elder, who helped craft Oregon Wild? What made you choose to give a Thanks to a 2011 legal challenge by Wilderness for the Cathedral Rock Wild’s new four-year strategic plan. geography, and wildlife. We are looking Oregon Wild, please call Executive Director, symbol of their political grievances. legacy gift to Oregon Wild? Oregon Wild and sister groups, for and Horse Heaven areas in Eastern Legacy donors Amy Wheat and Doug forward to visiting many more of the Sean Stevens at 503-283-6343 ext 211 or This means state-level advocacy by Rathkamp chose to make a lasting Amy and Doug: [email protected] Our concern is that we keep email him at the last two years the Oregon groups like Oregon Wild will Oregon, and Wild and Scenic River gift to keep wild places wild. beautiful wild places in Oregon that we have Greg Zurbrugg The vast majority only read about. the remaining of visitors to Waldo Lake prefer quiet Department of Fish and Wildlife has become more important than ever. protections for the Molalla and wild places wild. ODFW Part of Amy and Doug’s motivation to support Oregon Wild recreation to keep the lake pristine for all. been banned from shooting or Chetco Rivers. Oregon Wild: Oregon Wild comes from a desire to create a future for these Wenaha Pack pups. trapping gray wolves (an endangered Oregon Wild staff and volunteers like to get How has Oregon changed in shares that species in Oregon) at the behest of out and spread the good word about our the last 40 years? Have your favorite places passion and its the livestock industry. This has led an work to protect our state. You might have changed? Amy and Doug: As relative newcomers to the mission aligns Keeping Waldo Lake quiet and Unfortunately, the Oregon Aviation increasing number of northeast seen us at the Organic Brew Fest in Portland, state, we can only marvel at what the state with what is clean Board, spurred on by a handful of Oregon ranchers to embrace a recent Wild Wednesday, or at the Eugene may have been like before errant logging most important recreational seaplane pilots, non-lethal measures to prevent Celebration. But it was on an unconventional practices, agriculture and water to us. We chose Oregon Wild has been working to prevented the new Waldo Lake conflicts between livestock and trip to California to participate in a wolf impoundment and diversion altered the to become legacy protect the crystalline waters of protection rules from restricting their wolves, rather than simply demand awareness event that we came across this landscape. Despite the past, we believe supporters to Waldo Lake for over two decades. In high speed take-offs and landings the animals be shot once a cow is issue’s featured supporters – two of our Oregon still has more natural beauty to offer help grow their 2010, our work convinced the from lake — despite the risk of lost. The results are in. Wolf numbers newest legacy donors, Amy Wheat and Doug than any other state in the lower 48. efforts for the Oregon State Marine Board to enact crashes, fuel spills, invasive species, in Oregon rose from 29 to 46 from Rathkamp. Talk about a long distance future. a ban on noisy, polluting internal and danger to the tens of thousands 2012, while the number of cows lost ODFW caught this Snake River pup connection! howling on camera last August. combustion engines on the lake. to wolves dropped from 13 to 4.

Spring/Summer 2013 Volume 40, Number 2 14 15 Spring/Summer 2013 Volume 40, Number 2 NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID Portland, OR 5825 N. Greeley Ave. Portland, OR 97217 Permit No. 226

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