Portland-  Conservation groups and an outdoor industry leader today cheered a Senate Subcommittee for taking an important step toward protection of Oregon’s iconic Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge by holding a hearing on the Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Act of 2007.  The bi-partisan legislation, sponsored by Senators Ron Wyden and Gordon Smith, builds on a plan that was introduced last year to protect 128,000 acres of scenic vistas and old-growth forests of Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge as wilderness and 81 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers.

John Sterling, executive director, of the Outdoor Industry Conservation Alliance, testified today that, "Our member companies - many of which are based in Oregon - support the Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness proposal because wilderness is simply good for business. Protected public lands are the preferred recreation destinations for outdoor industry customers.”

The Outdoor Industry Conservation Alliance supports efforts to protect Wilderness and rivers for both environmental and economic reasons.  Their member businesses, which include giants such as Nike and Columbia Sportswear as well as smaller companies like Rough Wear and Keen Footwear, depend on their customers having pristine places in which to use and enjoy their products.

Conservationists believe that protecting the last old-growth forests and waters around Mount Hood makes sense for many reasons.  Forests serve as the lungs of the earth, and filter carbon dioxide-the primary global warming pollutant-from our air.  Recent scientific research has shown that protecting old-growth forests is an important strategy in combating global climate change.

“By protecting areas like Mirror Lake, and Fifteenmile Creek from logging and development we can ensure that they continue to filter carbon dioxide from our air and help reduce the threat of global warming. Protecting Roaring River and the Clackamas Wilderness ensures clean drinking water for generations to come,” noted Erik Fernandez of Oregon Wild (formerly Oregon Natural Resources Council). 

Over the last three years, the Oregon congressional delegation has laid the groundwork for this Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers legislation with summits, listening sessions, and several legislative proposals. 

"It's great to see renewed bipartisan momentum in Congress to permanently protect the last wild areas in Oregon's treasured Columbia River Gorge. We encourage both houses of Congress to work together to pass a strong bill to protect the Columbia River Gorge as soon as possible," said Michael Lang from Friends of the Columbia Gorge.

Additional information, maps and photos of the proposed Wilderness areas mentioned above are available from Oregon Wild -- contact Erik Fernandez at (503) 283-6343 x202 or email ef@oregonwild.org.