In a major step toward safeguarding some of southern Oregon's special places, Representative Peter DeFazio and Senator Ron Wyden introduced companion legislation in June to protect the Wild Rogue River and expand the Oregon Caves National Monument.

On September 11, 2008, the Oregon Treasures Act of 2008 (HR 6291) was the subject of a hearing in the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources, which includes provisions  for both the Wild Rogue and Oregon Caves. The Senate split the Wild Rogue and Oregon Caves into two separate bills. While the companion legislation for the Oregon Caves had a hearing in the U.S. Senate last month, Senator Smith has not pursued a Senate hearing for the Wild Rogue.

The "Oregon Treasures" legislation proposes to add 143 miles of the Rogue River's tributary streams to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, expand the Oregon Caves National Monument by 4,000 acres, and add nearly 8 miles of Cave Creek to the Wild and Scenic Rivers system - making it the nation's first underground stream, known as the River Styx, to be protected under the Act.  Oregon Treasures also provides for the opportunity to retire a grazing permit on an allotment that overlaps with the Monument's water supply that services more than 80,000 visitors a year.

KS Wild, our supporters and partners, are working hard to secure these protections and are excited about the potential for this dream to become reality in 2008. Oregon Treasures was introduced because people like you asked Congress to take action. Now is an important time to speak up to secure these safeguards so that future generations may enjoy Rogue River salmon and marvel at the wonders of the Oregon Caves.

Please join us in making a proposal become a law.

Contact Representative DeFazio and Senator Wyden and thank them for their work to protect the Rogue River and Oregon Caves.

Senator Ron Wyden
Email him via his website, or call his office at 202.224.5244

Representative Peter DeFazio
Email him via his website, or call his office at 202.225.6416

Where is Senator Smith?

Please contact Senator Smith and ask that he support this legislation to protect the Rogue River and schedule a hearing immediately. Ask your friends and family to do the same - these are national treasures that deserve protection.

Senator Gordon Smith
Email him via his website, or call his office at 202.224.3753