Oregonians Get "Wild" in the U.S. Senate-Call for Mt. Hood Wilderness
Thursday, May 3, 2007
It's been two decades since Congress protected any new wild lands on Mount Hood, and a group of Oregonians is telling the U.S. Senate today it's time to change that. They're testifying for the Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Act of 2007, which would protect additional wildlife habitat and drinking water supplies on Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. John Sterling with the Outdoor Industry Conservation Alliance says it's good for Oregon and it's good for business.
“A lot of outdoor industry companies are based in Oregon, and not only is it important to provide places for their customers to recreate, but it also plays a key role in protecting the high quality of life for the future.”
Sterling notes that less than 4 percent of all Oregon lands have wilderness protections.
“California is about 14 percent wilderness. So, on balance, I'd say we have a long way to go toward protecting what is a reasonable amount of wilderness in Oregon.”
The bill would protect another 128,000 acres. If passed by the Public Lands and Forests Subcommittee, it will move to the Senate floor for consideration.
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