Portland, OR-The conservation organization Oregon Natural Resources Council (ONRC) today announced that it is changing its name to Oregon Wild.  The change is aimed at more accurately representing the mission and values of the thirty-two year old organization, which has long been a leader in efforts to protect Oregon's unspoiled wildlands and rivers, and the fish and wildlife that call them home.

"For over thirty years, Oregonians who treasure wildlife and wild places have looked to us to help them protect these values," noted Regna Merritt, Executive Director of Oregon Wild.  "Our new name will better reflect that mission."

The organization also aims to eliminate confusion between the old name and other groups, such as the Natural Resources Defense Council. 

"What isn't changing is our mission or our commitment to restoring and protecting Oregon's wild places," added Merritt.  "From Mount Hood to the Klamath Basin, the Rogue River to the John Day, and from gray wolves to coho salmon, we will continue to defend Oregon's natural heritage."

Oregon Wild has established an impressive track record over the last thirty years.  The group has long held a national reputation as an effective defender of old-growth forests and the fish and wildlife that call them home.  Oregon Wild was a major force behind the adoption of the Northwest Forest Plan and the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, as well as the recent court victory that overturned the Bush administration's repeal of the rule.

Oregon Wild's wilderness campaigns have led to the protection of nearly 1.5 million acres of Wilderness in Oregon, including spectacular areas like the old-growth forests of Opal Creek and the rugged backcountry of the North Fork John Day Wilderness.  Oregon Wild was a major force behind the federal legislation to safeguard the Bull Run watershed (the source of Portland's drinking water) from logging.  The organization has also taken tough stands to ensure the survival of threatened fish and wildlife in the troubled Klamath Basin.

"For over three decades, Oregon Wild has been a strong voice for balance and conservation," concluded Merritt.  "From protecting the wildlands and waters around Mount Hood and in the Columbia Gorge to defending the fish and wildlife of the Klamath Basin, we will remain committed to keeping Oregon a special place to live, work, and raise a family."

Along with the new name, the organization also announced the launch of a new, easier to navigate web site (www.oregonwild.org).  The new site features not only information about Oregon Wild's conservation campaigns, but also free outdoor trips, suggested hikes, and a new outdoor photography contest aimed at capturing the scenic beauty of Oregon's wild lands and rivers.

For additional information about Oregon Wild, the name change, and the organization's conservation campaigns, call (503) 283-6343 ext. 212