AW has been a supporting organization for the proposal to create a legacy for the wild rivers and wilderness lands in the shadow of Mt. Hood (see past article). We came one step closer to our goal when the U.S. House recently passed legislation that would move us toward greater protection for Mount Hood's clean water, fish and wildlife and world-class recreation opportunities by protecting five rivers totaling over 26 miles under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Now we need Senators Wyden and Smith to use their position of leadership and introduce a bill with Wild and Scenic River protections for additional rivers on Mount Hood this year.

Background

Two weeks ago, the U.S. House passed a bill that would designate five rivers under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. While the legislation would move us toward greater protection for the mountain's rivers, we need Senators Wyden and Smith to introduce a bill this year that includes Wild and Scenic protection for these and additional rivers on Mount Hood not included in the House bill.

The House bill calls for Wild and Scenic River designation for stretches of the South Fork Clackamas (4.1 miles), Middle Fork Hood (3.7 miles), South Fork Roaring (4.6 miles), Zig Zag River (2.9 miles) and Eagle Creek (8.3 miles). The Senate has a great opportunity to improve the House bill and add protection for special stretches of the Collawash River, East Fork Hood River, Fish Creek and Fifteenmile Creek.

A Wild and Scenic river designation forever protects the free-flowing condition and outstanding values of our country's most precious rivers. To qualify, a river must be free-flowing and must be deemed to have one or more "outstandingly remarkable" scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values. Oregon has protected more rivers as Wild and Scenic (49 river segments) than any other state in the country. (To learn more about Wild and Scenic rivers, visit www.AmericanRivers.org/wildrivers.)

We are asking that our members and supporters in Oregon contact Senators Wyden and Smith today, and ask them to introduce legislation that would designate additional Wild and Scenic Rivers around Mt. Hood this year.

Senatior Ron Wyden
230 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-3703
web contact form

Senator Gordon Smith
404 Russell Building
Washington, DC 20510
web contact form

Link to more information:
http://www.americanrivers.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AMR_MtHood

Sample letter (but customize to describe you personal relationship to the river and why it is worthy of Wild and Scenic designation).

Dear Senator xxxxx,

I urge you to protect the outstanding rivers of Mount Hood by introducing legislation this year that includes new Wild and Scenic River designations for the rivers in Mount Hood National Forest. Your leadership can improve our rich Oregon legacy of protecting our last, best free-flowing rivers and their great values. While I support protections for the rivers in the House bill, the South Fork Clackamas, Middle Fork Hood River, South Fork Roaring River, Zig Zag River, and Eagle Creek, there are several more rivers that are deserving of protection. The Collawash River, East Fork Hood River, Fifteenmile Creek and Fish Creek represent the rich diversity of cultural, ecological and recreational heritage in Mt. Hood National Forest and you should add them to your legislative package.

Please support protecting Oregon's outstanding, free-flowing rivers on Mt Hood.

Sincerely,

xxxxxx