OREGON WILD - OREGON WILD AND SCENIC SUMMER Also: The fight for a livable climate
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OREGON WILD
Summer 2021 Volume 48, Number 2
OREGON WILD AND SCENIC SUMMER
Also: The fight for a livable climate
Working to protect and restore Oregon’s wildlands, wildlife,
and waters as an enduring legacy for future generations.
Main Office
5825 N Greeley Avenue Portland, OR 97217
Western Field Office
P.O. Box 11648 Eugene, OR 97440 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Phone: 503.283.6343 Phone 541.344.0675 Fax: 541.343.0996
www.oregonwild.org Oregon Wild & Scenic Summer {4-7}
The e-mail address for each Oregon Wild Conservation & Restoration Coord. Doug Heiken
Western Oregon Field Coord. Chandra LeGue
staff member: initials@oregonwild.org The fight for a livable climate {10-11}
(for example: ef@oregonwild.org)
Northeastern Field Office
P.O. Box 48, Enterprise, OR 97828 After the fires {15}
Climate Forest Policy Cooridinator Lauren Anderson x 210 Phone: 541.886.0212
Communications and EDI Associate Alijana Fisher x 223
Development Director Jonathan Jelen x 224 NE Oregon Field Coordinator Rob Klavins
Wildlife Policy Coordinator Danielle Moser x 226
Central Oregon Field Office
Conservation Director Steve Pedery x 212
2445 NE Division St, Bend, OR 97701
Communications Manager Arran Robertson x 223 Phone: 541.382.2616 Fax: 541.385.3370
Executive Director Sean Stevens x 211
Development Associate Wren Wells x 205 Public Lands Campaigner Jamie Dawson
Finance Manager Ellen Yarnell x 219 Wilderness Program Manager Erik Fernandez
Oregon Wild Board of Directors
Kate Ritley, President Faith Briggs
Lisa Billings, Vice President Judy Clinton
Clara Soh, Treasurer Vail Fletcher
Stacey Rice, Secretary Darcie Meihoff
Vik Anantha Seth Prickett
Naila Bhatri
www.facebook.com/OregonWild
Oregon Wild is a tax-exempt, non-profit charitable organization.
@oregonwild @oregonwild Newsletter printed on Endeavour, 55% recycled with 30% post-consumer content JOEL Z AK Olallie Creek in the Willamette National Forest.
and FSC certified, printed with vegetable based inks.
Summer 2021 Volume 48, Number 2 2
From the Director’s Desk
Tree huggers
Sean Stevens, Executive Director
With hugs on my mind, I was chance to see wild salmon Well, I think we can start by turn our attention to saving the
maybe more attuned to noticing swimming up a mountain stream, hugging a tree. Bathing in a wild special piece of it that we have
that classic bumper sticker Tree and the final steps to a river. Listening to the hooting of here in Oregon.
Hugging Dirt Worshipper the breathtaking summit rank high a great gray owl in the still of the
other day on a car in front of me. on your list. How should we night. And after we re-establish
I ’m sure many of you have
encountered the same
experience in recent months that
Obviously, someone sporting this
sticker is making a statement
appreciate and honor these
incredibly special things in
that deep connection with the
wild world that we love, we can
about their unabashed values. our lives?
I have. You head over to a friend But, as a card-carrying
or family member’s home. You environmentalist, you’ve probably
cautiously walk inside (without a been called a tree hugger before
mask on!). You exchange a glance – sometimes affectionately and
that asks, “Are we doing this?” sometimes derisively.
And then you give your loved I think it’s time to lose any
ones a big, joyous hug. hesitation we might have in
owning the identity of a “tree
After so much social isolation hugger.” After all, we really only
and separation, these reunions are hug the things that we care about
truly a gift. I’m desperately - the things that we love.
looking forward to seeing my Certainly, the past year-and-a-
Oregon Wild colleagues in half has made us realize what it
person very soon - hopefully feels like to live without the
gathered around a campfire. things that are most precious to
Thanks again to all the frontline us.
workers, vaccine researchers, and
anyone who has sacrificed for our And aside from our family and
community well-being during the friends, what is it that you care
pandemic. about most in this world? I’d
imagine that Oregon’s awe-
BRIZ Z MEDDINGS Sometimes the big ones are hard to get your arms around, but that doesn’t mean we
inspiring old growth forests, the shouldn’t still tr y to hug them!
3 Summer 2021 Volume 48, Number 2
A love
letter to
Wild &
Scenic
Rivers
Jamie Dawson, Public Lands Campaigner
NW RAFTING
H ow do we know a place is
“special”? Is it about a
feeling? How many generations
intangible about them. For
many, those special places are
rivers. They connect us in nearly
an eddy on its natal stream, the
juvenile chum salmon it chased
down in the sea.
involved in the lawmaking
process and nominate their own
special place for a Wild &
How Oregon’s biggest river
bill came to life
need to visit and feel the same every way imaginable: Scenic designation. These are To understand where the River
way before it gets the title? communities upstream and Likewise, the River Democracy protections that will last beyond Democracy Act came from, we
Does it need to meet some downstream, families Act, legislation that would my lifetime and provide an have to rewind back to the
scientific standard? throughout decades. They even designate just under 4,700 miles opportunity for those rivers and 1980s when a then-
As far as I’m concerned, what connect multiple species of rivers as Wild & Scenic, their surrounding landscapes to Congressman Ron Wyden first
makes a place special is not through a food web; if you eat connects Oregonians across the be preserved as “special” for dipped his toes in the Wild &
always quantifiable. Sometimes, an adult salmon, you’re state. This proposal has created generations to come. Scenic pool. In those days,
they’re special because they just connected to whatever it ate the opportunity for individuals Oregon was still intensely
are - there’s something - the caddisfly it scooped from from all walks of life to become logging public lands, and
Summer 2021 Volume 48, Number 2 4
Indigo Creek: Indigo Creek (left) With that history in mind, had to turn people away in fear
is a textbook example of how
Congressman Wyden worked of breaking fire code.
important tributaries are to a
watershed, and how critical it is with Oregonians and other
to maintain healthy waterways members of our Congressional River lovers of all stripes
from the headwaters on down. delegation to create the 1988 showed up: students, guides,
This remote stream feeds into Oregon Wild and Scenic members of watershed councils,
the Wild & Scenic Illinois River, Rivers Act. He sees the River hunters, anglers, retired
which itself is a tributary of the Democracy Act of 2021 as a biologists, drinking water
Rogue River. Indigo Creek is
known for its exceptional water
continuation of that legacy. providers, and more. Breweries
quality and near-pristine fish nominated the clean water
spawning and rearing habitat, To describe its origin story, sources that make their beer
and during summer’s low flows now-Senator Wyden said it top-notch. Anglers nominated
it provides 15-20% of the Illinois best himself in a recent short their favorite stretches of fishy
River’s water. The world-class film that Pacific Rivers created waters. In my neck of the
fishery of the lower Rogue about the River Democracy woods in Central Oregon, a
would not be what it is without
cool, clean tributaries like Indigo
Act: group of local middle schoolers
Creek. Though difficult to teamed up to nominate Tumalo
access, this secluded creek “This [bill] embodies all the Creek - a place they recreate
also provides a truly intimate dreams we had back then. But I with their families and conduct
and challenging paddling always wanted to pick up on this citizen science projects for class.
experience for whitewater incredible legacy with this bill. Their nomination letter even
boaters – though it’s not for We’re fulfilling that vision. We’re got them on the front page of
the faint of heart.
going to call it the River the Bend Bulletin:
Democracy Act because the
recommendations for the future of “We believe that Tumalo Creek
safeguards for the state’s rivers the Wild & Scenic Rivers system should be designated as a Wild
and waterways were severely in Oregon didn’t come from and Scenic River to protect it for
lacking: only 317 of our total Washington DC – it came from years to come because it represents
110,994 miles (0.003%) of our Oregonians in every nook and everything that we love in Bend, P AT R I C I A K O L B E R G
rivers were protected. The Wild cranny of our state.” OR – the beautiful outdoors, being
with friends/family, and having Tumalo Creek: Tumalo Creek is a recreational hotspot. It’s
& Scenic Rivers Act seemed perhaps most well known for Tumalo Falls, a nearly 100-foot
like a natural solution to this To say that his efforts were well fun! [We] feel the need to protect
waterfall that draws tourists from around the world. It also
issue; the Rogue River was one received would be an the creek because it is part of our boasts a variety of hiking and biking trails that tie into the larger
of the original 8 rivers protected understatement. At his “Rivers community.” trail system on the Deschutes National Forest. Perhaps most
when the Act was passed, and Town Hall” in Bend in 2019, it importantly, this watershed is the source of Bend’s drinking
it’s been a wild success ever was standing room only. A film All told, after more than two water, so we are grateful to see sections of both Bridge and
since. screening I co-hosted on the years of public meetings, town Tumalo Creeks included in the River Democracy Act.
topic was so popular we nearly halls, and intense discussions
5 Summer 2021 Volume 48, Number 2
And they’re backed by staked. The river gets a buffer of As our Wilderness Program
Oregonians: a January poll protection on either side – in Manager Erik Fernandez puts
showed that 87% of surveyed some places this means a it, “You can go hiking, hunting,
Oregonians support designating backcountry roadless area, and fishing, swimming, camping,
more Wild & Scenic Rivers, others are home to some of trail running, mountain biking,
including 75% of Republicans. Oregon’s most beloved trails snowshoeing, skiing, and the
(think: the Rogue River trail). like. Just leave your recreational
What is Wild & Scenic & Clearcutting and old-growth bulldozer at home!”
what’s in the bill? logging generally don’t make
the cut as acceptable pursuits, At the end of the day, it’s all
The anatomy of a Wild & but all sorts of recreation worth it
Scenic River is pretty variable, activities do, depending on the
but a good general rule is that development level of the area. When the bill passes and is
no new dams can be built and signed into law, what will we
no new mining claims can be get for our collective efforts? I
PAC I F I C R I V E R S C OA L I T I O N S e n a to r R o n W yd e n , h o l d i n g
a photo of himself from 1988. The sign behind him reads: Sandy River: Just a stone’s
" O r e g o n : t h e W i l d & S c e n i c R i v e r c a p i t a l o f t h e w o r l d ."
throw from Portland is one
and research, the River far as magnitude goes. The of Oregon’s most popular
fishing rivers – the Sandy
Democracy Act accrued more proposed 4,700 miles of River! The Sandy and its
than 15,000 nominations from additions to the National Wild tributaries provide excellent
Oregonians across the state. It’s & Scenic Rivers System would habitat for a number of fish
heartening to know that bring Oregon up to nearly 6% species including spring and
river-lovers across multiple of our rivers protected. It has fall Chinook, coho salmon,
generations recognize the the potential to make us a winter steelhead trout, and
importance of protecting our nationwide leader on river eulachon. Drift boaters, day
hikers, steelhead anglers,
waterways, and that Senator protection. and whitewater paddlers
Wyden took their nominations flock to this watershed
seriously. Since its introduction the bill because of its interesting
has received enthusiastic geology and incredible
Jeff Merkley, Oregon’s other support from businesses, and scenery. A number of
senator, joined Ron Wyden’s elected officials from across the outfitters run guided trips in
this region, showcasing the
introduction of the River state. In mid-June, a collection
importance of Wild & Scenic
Democracy Act in February of of over 50 breweries from across Rivers to Oregon’s
this year. I think it’s safe to say Oregon recently published a recreation economy.
DANIEL HOWL AND The Little Sandy
River is an impor tant tributar y to
that it’s the first of its kind as letter showing their support. t h e m a i n s t e m S a n d y R i v e r.
Summer 2021 Volume 48, Number 2 6
was pondering this question This is what the Wild & Scenic
recently as I hiked a trail along Rivers Act - and Senator
Central Oregon’s absolutely Wyden’s River Democracy Act Upcoming Wild & Scenic Summer Webcast
iconic Metolius River. If you - is all about. This is the beauty Jamie Dawson, Public Lands Campaigner
haven’t been to the Metolius of public lands and the
yet, I hope one day you can find protections that envelope them.
Summer is upon us, and it’s a great time to get out on the river. We hope you’ll join
time to visit. It’s easily one of There are a lot of uncertainties us to learn more about these fellow river-loving friends:
the most beautiful rivers I’ve in this world, and there are
ever glimpsed. Springing forth certainly things coming down
from seemingly nowhere near the pike that we can’t yet
the base of Black Butte, it has imagine. But through it all
some of the clearest, bluest these places will be protected,
water I’ve ever seen in my life. thanks to this bill and bills like
Towering ponderosa pines line it.
its banks and cunning fish fill
its waters. It’s not too often that regular
people have the chance to
A number of private cabins contribute to legislation in such
flank the shoreline outside of a meaningful way, but in
Camp Sherman, and on this Oregon it just makes sense. We
particular occasion I was have a strong history of
walking on the river trail politicians who care about our
thinking, “Wow, it sure would rivers, and an even stronger
be nice to own one of those!” history of Oregonians standing
Immediately following that up for special places. 15,000
thought came a wave of intense nominations can’t lie - people Lampreys of Oregon
gratitude, because I realized I across the state showed up in
will never need to own a cabin droves because they care about Wednesday, July 28, 6-7pm PST
to enjoy this place - it’s part of our public waterways and all
our public lands system, and that they provide. Though we Join us for a discussion about Oregon’s are fish!) are indicators of a healthy and
already designated Wild & may have different motivations, most lovable fish species, the lamprey! If you diverse ecosystem, and Oregon is fortunate
Scenic! It was originally the end goal is the same: make look beyond their boneless bodies and to have 10 species of native lamprey. Come
protected as part of Senator sure these places are here for slightly terrifying disc mouth, you’ll find learn a little about these unique creatures
Wyden’s efforts in the ‘80s, and future generations to admire there’s a lot to respect. These fish (yes, they and their ecological and cultural importance.
here I am nearly 40 years later and enjoy. I hope you’ll join me
still reaping the benefits. in doing all you can to make You can learn more about this webcast, see the entire list of programs, and
that vision a reality. RSVP for all presentations at oregonwild.org/explore-oregon
7 Summer 2021 Volume 48, Number 2
Wild & Scenic Rivers critters
Danielle Moser, Wildlife Program Coordinator
When we safeguard our rivers and waterways, we’re not just protecting them for people. An
incredible diversity of wildlife reap the benefits of Wild & Scenic River designations!
Pacific levels. In large part most endangered group of support suitable habitat and eastern
Lamprey through the animals in North America? provide food for a number of fish. Oregon.
leadership of The
Though the Pacific Freshwater mussels. Oregon is home to several native presence
not Northwest freshwater mollusks including of healthy
known as tribes, efforts Despite their integral role in Western Pearlshell, Floaters, riparian
Oregon’s are aquatic habitats, these mollusks Western Ridged Mussel, and conditions,
most underway to are often undervalued. They Fingernail and Pea Clams. such as an
adorable help this provide a number of abundance of
creature, species “environmental services” such as Redband Trout woody debris, undercut
this recover. improving water quality by banks and overhanging
anadromous Specific removing excess Redband trout are a vegetation have been associated
(meaning they examples of their bacteria and subspecies of with robust redband trout
migrate from efforts include nutrients rainbow trout that populations.
freshwater to the ocean advocating for the removal through their have a distinct
and back again) eel-like fish is of dams, relocation of lampreys to filter- evolutionary Habitat degradation and
tenacious, having lived through their historic range, installation of feeding. The history. This fragmentation, plus the
three ice ages and five mass passage structures, and restoration movements has allowed introduction of non-native species
extinctions! of aquatic habitat. of mussels them to into Oregon’s waterways, has not
also help adapt to a only reduced their range and
Unfortunately, because of dams, Freshwater Mollusks stir oxygen variety of caused extirpations (local
reduced access to clean water and and habitats and extinctions), but could also put
habitat, and climate change, this What’s extremely important for nutrients into conditions that their future in jeopardy.
ancient fish is at risk and has been the health and vitality of the sediment other trout would
designated as a species of concern freshwater ecosystems, culturally and water. Finally, find unsuitable, like
at both the state and federal significant, and considered the they help create and the arid landscapes of
Summer 2021 Volume 48, Number 2 8
The restoration of beavers (and those protected by the Wild &
beaver ponds and dams) can Scenic Rivers Act) are critical
provide a solution to some of components for allowing the
the mounting environmental
challenges of our time. Beavers
species to thrive in the state. Just one species
Jonathan Jelen, Development Director
are an invaluable ally when it
comes to mitigating
severe drought and Sitting along any one of for all the others. And if
floods, improving the Oregon's amazing rivers, you're reading this,
you can hear a symphony chances are that you're of
quality of fish
of nature’s sounds. The that unique species!
habitat, and calls of kingfishers. The
reversing rapid-fire taps of a Your voice and your
biodiversity loss woodpecker hard at work. donation can help us
protect 4,000+ miles of
Kingfisher Even the rivers themselves rivers, ancient forests, and
offer a rhythmic serenade the myriad of species that
Often heard as the water mimics the depend on these
Beavers before seen, drum beats as it rushes ecological arteries. We
over, under, and around can't do it without you.
These ecosystem engineers (and the Belted
rocks. Each and every part And again, only one
Oregon’s state animal) provide a kingfisher is of this place brings its own species can help in this
number of benefits to riparian Oregon’s only sound, its own voice. regard.
environments such as creating and kingfisher species.
restoring habitat like wetlands, Unlike woodpeckers, But of all the countless Seriously, we've asked
capturing excess sediment, which typically eat species that depend on river otters for donations
recharging groundwater, and much insects, this uniquely our rivers, only one species and all we’ve gotten in
more. It has been said that next to crested bird frequents open has a voice that can speak return are blank stares.
humans, beavers do more to shape lakes, ponds, rivers or estuaries
their environment than any other looking for a vantage point to Please consider making a donation in honor of
1 ) M I C H A E L D U R H A M 3 ) N AT I O N A L
animal. catch fish. As such, having clean PA R K S E R V I C E 4) U S F I S H A N D your favorite river critter.
and healthy bodies of water (like WILDLIFE SERVICE
9 Summer 2021 Volume 48, Number 2
Natural climate solutions take
center stage at state agencies
Lauren Anderson, Climate Forest Policy Coordinator
for a new state forester, we will process of developing a Natural riparian buffers. The report
be advocating for a new leader and Working Lands Report to should also recommend that
who will center climate change, the Governor highlighting the emissions from logging be
clean water, and other policies and practices that will included in the Department of
conservation values in the work be needed to increase carbon Environmental Qualities
of the agency. sequestration and reduce Greenhouse Gas Reporting
emissions in Oregon forests and Program - emissions from
Oregon Wild is also working agricultural lands. We are logging are not currently
with a broad coalition of working hard to ensure that this measured in Oregon. This report
stakeholders to provide feedback report will highlight key is an important opportunity to
for ODF’s first ever Climate climate-smart forestry practices position Oregon as a national
Change and Carbon Plan such as old growth carbon leader in climate smart forestry,
(CCCP). The agency was reserves on public lands, longer and we will do everything
PA M E L A W I N D E R S
directed to create this plan by logging rotations, increased possible to ensure this ambition
Oregon Governor Kate Brown green tree retention and bigger is met.
T hese last few months have
brought big changes for the
and the broader interests of
Oregonians.
and offers an excellent
opportunity for the public to
agencies that oversee Oregon’s
state forest policies and
encourage strong climate action → Take action! ←
Meanwhile, the head of the from ODF. You can view the Please email the Oregon Global Warming Commission at
regulations. Three new members Oregon Department of Forestry CCCP on ODF's climate Oregon.GWC@oregon.gov and tell them to include old
were nominated to the Board Peter Daugherty resigned under change webpage where an
growth carbon reserves on public lands, longer logging
that oversees the Oregon pressure from the Board of informational webinar has been
rotations, increased green tree retention and bigger
Department of Forestry (ODF), Forestry and Oregon legislators. riparian buffers in their Natural and Working Lands
posted. Comments on the draft Report. Also tell them to require that emissions from
a change that shakes up what Daugherty opposed plan can be submitted through logging be included in the Department of Environmental
has historically been a very modernizing the agency, the portal on the website. Qualities Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. These
logging-focused entity. The new especially in light of the need to recommendations are simple, important steps Oregon
make-up of the Board shifts the address the pressing threat of Meanwhile, The Oregon Global can take to reduce emissions and improve carbon
focus toward more carefully climate change. As the Board Warming Commission is in the sequestration.
considering conservation values conducts a nationwide search
Summer 2021 Volume 48, Number 2 10President Biden must recognize that forest
defense is climate defense
Lauren Anderson, Climate Forest Policy Coordinator
overemphasize wood executive order, the Department conserve “at least any specifics, we are working to
products as a climate of Interior, along with other 30 percent of our lands and use its framework to ensure the
solution. We know this land management agencies, also waters by 2030,” the first-ever highest level of protections for
to be an ineffective released a new report titled, national goal for the Forest Service and Bureau of
strategy - in Oregon, 65 “Conserving and Restoring stewardship of nature in Land Management lands in
O regon
Wild has been leading efforts to
percent of wood carbon
harvested since 1900 has
America the Beautiful.” Biden is
directing federal agencies to
America. While the report itself
was very high-level and lacked
Oregon, including our
remaining intact forests.
returned to the atmosphere, and
include the protection and only 19 percent remains in
restoration of Pacific Northwest long-term products. But there is
forests as a critical climate
some progress on that front, as
solution. In a significant win for the agency did recently pen a
forest advocates, the Biden report stating: “Maintaining the
administration released its health and integrity of
national plan highlighting America’s forests is vital to
intended climate actions in the protecting their carbon
US that explicitly calls for forest sequestration potential,
protections. We are now including conserving old-
pursuing next steps, like growth forests from wildfire and
pushing for the administration other threats.” While logging is
to take immediate executive a far bigger threat to old growth
action to pause all timber sales than wildfire, it was still
on federal lands that have encouraging to see old-growth
mature and old growth forests. forests specifically called out in
the report.
In more disappointing news, the
US Department of Agriculture, Under the Biden
which oversees the Forest administration’s climate change
Service, continues to GREG LEIF
11 Summer 2021 Volume 48, Number 2Oregon wolf digest
Danielle Moser, Wildlife Program Coordinator
T his year has already been an
eventful year for Oregon’s
wolves. Unfortunately, 2021
February when ODFW officials
received a “mortality signal” from
a GPS collar on one of the
started off on a bad note when wolves. All signs point to
the Trump administration - in a poaching, but ODFW cannot
parting shot - removed the offer confirmation until the
remaining portion of protected necropsy lab gets the results
gray wolves in the country from (which we’re still awaiting).
the federal Endangered Species
list. As a result, wolves Coincidentally, this isn’t the first
throughout Oregon no longer time we’ve seen questionable
have any state or federal (legal) behavior toward wolves in
protections. The loss of Union County. In 2018, a man
protections could jeopardize wolf illegally trapped and shot a wolf,
recovery in the state, which is but was absolved of any harsh
why Oregon Wild and partners punishments when the local
filed a lawsuit against the District Attorney blamed the
identified in western Oregon,
administration to reinstate them. wolf itself for getting trapped.
and human-caused fatalities
And in 2017, a man shot and Finally, ODFW recently released remain a cause for concern.
Shortly thereafter, the Oregon killed a wolf that he claimed was the annual wolf report. The Oregon Wild will continue to
State Police and the Oregon charging him - however the agency’s surveys documented monitor wolf management
Department of Fish and public records revealed that the wildlife does not reflect the true 173 individual wolves, a decisions while advocating for
Wildlife (ODFW) announced wolf was, in fact, running away values of Oregonians, which is population increase of 9.5% over full species recovery across the
the death of five wolves in Union from him. This culture of why we need a wildlife agency the previous year. Alarmingly, state. The report illustrates that
County. It appears that the permissiveness around poaching and justice system to hold the number of breeding pairs while wolf recovery in Oregon is
deaths occurred in early and inhumane treatment of our perpetrators accountable. dropped, no new packs were progressing, it’s still slow.
Summer 2021 Volume 48, Number 2 12
ODFWConservation roundup
Steve Pedery, Conservation Director
The rhetoric and threats from this Simpson (R-ID) over the fate of for their removal. However, we
far-right group are abhorrent, but the lower four Snake River Dams. cannot support linking that to
the larger problem is politics. For weakened protections for rivers
twenty years, politicians have Simpson wants to tie removal of like the Upper Willamette,
ignored the elephant in the room these dams to a $33 billion dollar McKenzie, Santiam, Clackamas,
- too much water has been scheme to weaken clean water Deschutes, and John Day (which
promised to too many interests. protections and subsidize is Simpson’s plan). We recently
agribusiness and development joined with dozens of other
We recently urged the Biden over salmon and steelhead in Pacific Northwest conservation
administration and Oregon’s dozens of other watersheds. groups, including Willamette
elected leaders to break this cycle Unfortunately, some Oregon Riverkeeper and the Orca
and establish a program to buy politicians willingly entertain the Conservancy, to urge elected
back water rights and retire them. idea. officials to pursue Snake River
Such a program, coupled with Dam removal without linking it
efforts to restore wetlands and The lower four Snake River Dams
are enormous fish killers and to Simpson’s $33 billion package
reduce pollution flowing into of anti-environmental measures.
Upper Klamath Lake, is the only Oregon Wild has long advocated
realistic way to end the water
crisis in the Klamath Basin.
Promise and Peril on Snake
River Dams
The Snake River
Two Decades Later, some irrigation diversions in One reason for the failure to
Klamath Water Crisis Rages order to honor the senior water address the Klamath crisis was
On rights of The Klamath Tribes and the “Klamath Basin Restoration
protect endangered fish in Upper Agreement” or KBRA, a
Klamath Lake. A far-right group complicated scheme that linked
Twenty years have passed since affiliated with Ammon Bundy removal of dams on the Klamath
the 2001 Klamath Basin water has rushed to exploit this River to the unsustainable status
crisis. Now, in the summer of situation, purchasing property quo of water for high desert
2021, the Basin is facing a near a key irrigation facility and irrigation. A similar proposal is
drought that could be even worse. threatening to violently seize it. now being floated by Rep. Mike
Water managers have closed
R. SHIPLEY Pelicans on Upper Kalamath Lake
13 Summer 2021 Volume 48, Number 2Conservation conversations: Migrations
highlighting BIPOC voices
Alijana (Ally) Fisher, Communications and EDI Associate
W e’re facing huge
environmental challenges,
from climate change to the
in the complex dance of figuring
out my identity and beliefs. This
life experience has fueled my
GABY DIA Z WREN WELLS A L LY F I S H E R JA R E D K E N N E DY
extinction crisis. To address aspiration to tell stories Even during the pandemic the Joining the team as our new diverse perspectives and
these issues we must draw on a highlighting the unique world kept turning. And that Development Associate is addressing the climate crisis
has meant new adventures for Wren Wells. Having spent the through an equity lens. We’re
wealth of knowledge across all perspectives that BIPOC
Oregon Wild staff and board, last several years as a looking forward to Ally
our communities; however, the individuals bring to
as well as new faces joining Stewardship Coordinator in bolstering our ability to
conservation movement has environmentalism. Through our team! Missouri working with communicate with our
excluded non-white voices. The these virtual interviews, I've government agencies and members and the general
good news is that this is starting discussed the issue of climate After five years working closely conservation partners, Wren public (and maybe to a cello
to change. More diverse change extensively and how it with Oregon Wild members is thrilled to be joining the and ukulele concert!).
perspectives are being integrated intersects with equity, diversity and managing all sorts of Oregon Wild team. Her love of Welcome Ally!
into the movement thanks to and inclusion. Additionally, outreach and fundraising the outdoors stems from her
efforts from BIPOC (Black, biracial identity and events, Membership and Event time spent in Utah’s red rock Finally, we’re bummed to
JA S O N G O N Z A L ES B re a k i n g t h e l a w, t h e O re g o n F o res t
Indigenous, and people of color) multiculturalism has played a Manager Gaby Diaz is moving R e s o ucountry
r c e s I n sand
t i t u ther
e p adventures
a r t i c i p a t e s i n a report
l o g g i n gthat
i n d uboard
s t r y l omember
b b y d a y.
leaders. But a lot still needs to significant role in many of these on. Gaby first came to the climbing 57 of the 58 Jared Kennedy is leaving the
be done to make the conversations as it relates attention of Oregon Wild when 14,000-foot-tall mountains in Oregon Wild board after four
environmental field more towards the navigation of white she joined us for our inaugural Colorado. We’re excited to years of service. But, we can’t
welcoming and equitable. I’ve spaces. These interviews wildlife lobby day back in 2016. have Wren on board – be too sad, because Jared
been working on a project to do illustrate the enormous Soon she was moving from welcome! has taken a job with close
volunteer to staff member Oregon Wild allies, Greater
just that - a series of opportunities available to the
and taking on an ever- Also joining the team this Hells Canyon Council. Our loss
conservation conversations conservation community when
expanding portfolio of spring, after starting as an is certainly GHCC’s gain as
aimed at inspiring people of engaging with diverse responsibilities. No doubt intern in the winter, is our new Jared has shown his passion
color to enter the realm of perspectives to make the many of you have seen Gaby’s Communications and EDI for public lands protection
conservation, promoting movement more inclusive. You smiling face at the Mississippi Associate, Alijana (Ally) Fisher. (and for connecting people to
allyship, and building can view these conversations, Street Fair or Call of the Wild She recently graduated from those lands) in spades over
community. and many more in the in recent years. We will miss Willamette University with a the years. We’ll look forward to
months to come, at Gaby’s contributions to the degree in environmental partnering with him in his new
I’ve had my share of struggles oregonwild.org/ team, but feel lucky that she is science. As a person of color, role and we thank him for his
- from trying to assimilate to convos staying in our orbit as the new she is committed to making time at Oregon Wild.
challenging the status quo - all Development Manager at 350 the conservation realm a
A L LY F I S H E R PDX. Thank you Gaby! more inclusive space filled withAfter the fires
Chandra LeGue, Western Oregon Field Coordinator
A ll forests in Oregon were, at
some point, born from fire.
As a naturally-occuring
are ravaged by new roads, heavy
equipment, and chainsaws soon
after a fire is out. Though this
have already been cleared in
watersheds like the McKenzie
and Santiam.
disturbance, wildfire boosts so-called “salvage” logging is the
diversity in forests by helping to Along Oregon’s scenic roads and
most destructive action that can
create complex biological highways impacted by last year’s
be taken after a fire, it continues
legacies and habitat like fires, we’ve seen abuse of “hazard
to be business-as-usual for
standing dead snags, downed tree” logging by Oregon
forest managers across the state.
woody debris, and natural Department of Transportation
openings. Sadly, these important Oregon’s already-lenient forest contractors. Though legitimate MICHAEL HU DSON Logs stacked after
roadside logging near Breitenbush
complex fire-burned landscapes management laws allow private hazards must be addressed along
are becoming increasingly rare timberland owners to expand roads, what whistleblowers have pushed forward a plan to log post-fire logging in the Santiam
as both private and public lands clearcutting after a fire, and reported (and most people can over 3,000 acres of wildlife canyon, McKenzie watershed,
thousands of acres of these lands plainly see) is overly aggressive habitat areas. We’ve joined North Umpqua, and in southern
ERIC FERNANDEZ cutting that has impacted litigation to prevent the fast- Oregon. We’re fighting for these
Planned, Completed, and Ongoing Logging of 2020 Fire Landscapes wildlife habitat and scenic tracking of this damaging public lands through all legal
Holiday Farm Fire corridors. We’ve called on proposal and are awaiting our avenues available to us.
Governor Brown to halt day in court.
ODOT’s abuses, but the State’s Despite all of our efforts and
response has been weak. Federal public lands aren’t those of our allies, more action
immune from post-fire logging. is needed to ensure our forests
In the Santiam State Forest, the While the majority of our can recover and endure. We’ll
Oregon Department of Forestry National Forests impacted by continue to call on state and
last year’s fires are not being federal agencies and our elected
proposed for logging, thousands leaders – from Governor Brown
µ of acres along hundreds of miles
of Forest Service roads – some
not even open to the public –
to our Congressional
representatives – to increase
oversight, reform lax laws and
are at risk of logging under the loopholes, and fight for reform
This map displays known post fire planned, complete, and
ongoing logging in the 2020 fire areas. Tribal Reservations
0 2.5 5 Miles guise of public safety. Proposals that helps communities recover,
logging is not shown. Other land ownerships likely
have more logging completed than is currently shown and
more planned not yet shown.
by the Bureau of Land adapt, and prepare for future
Service Layer Credits: USGS The National Map: National
Post Fire Roadside Logging - Forest Service
BLM - Post Fire Logging
Management are using Trump- wildfires without harming our
approved logging loopholes to precious natural landscapes.
Boundaries Dataset, National Elevation Dataset, Geographic
Names Information System, National Hydrography Dataset, Private Lands - Post Fire Clearcutting (9/2020 -12/2021)
National Land Cover Database, National Structures Dataset, and
National Transportation Dataset; U.S. Census Bureau - Fire Perimeters
CASCADIA WILDLANDS
expedite thousands of acres of
TIGER/Line; HERE Road Data. Data Refreshed July, 2017.
15 Summer 2021 Volume 48, Number 2Join the club
and hit the
trail!
Jonathan Jelen, Development Director
We know you love Oregon and the Members will receive an exclusive from the constant threat of logging,
countless world-class outdoor set of 3 suggested hikes throughout working to protect public lands and
recreation opportunities it offers. Oregon each month June through Wild & Scenic waters, or speaking
Heck, with so many amazing September – specially selected by up for imperiled wildlife, your
mountains, rivers, ancient forests, our staff to get “out there.” These dependable support is crucial to our
and coastline, you could spend a hikes will feature: work. Plus, your membership will
lifetime exploring them all. always be current and more of your
• Directions and general dollars can go toward protecting
So even though Oregon Wild will not information (distance, difficulty, places in Oregon that are special to
Printed on recycled paper with vegetable based ink.
be leading public hikes this summer, season, permits, etc) you. So no matter what trail you're
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
connecting people to our public • Ecological features of the area hiking, you can rest assured that
lands continues to be a vital part of • Relation to our campaign work you're playing a key role in helping us
5825 N. Greeley Ave.
our work. The last fifteen months • Suggested Oregon Brewshed® keep Oregon wild.
Portland, OR 97217
have also demonstrated how Alliance partner brewery stop
important our outdoor spaces are for a post-hike beverage This special Evergreen promotion
for our health, community, and • Action you can take to help will run until the end of September
sanity. preserve the wildlands, wildlife, 2021. We hope you’ll join us in
and waters in that area discovering new trails and help us
That’s why we are bringing back the continue to preserve our wildlands,
Oregon Wild Hiking Club. This benefit Being an Evergreen member is the wildlife, and waters. Sign up today
is automatically available to all best way to support our campaigns using the enclosed envelope or at
current Evergreen Society members – helping to advance conservation www.oregonwild.org/hikeclub
and new members who join at $10/ year-round. Whether we’re
month or more. defending our old-growth forestsYou can also read
