To:

Representative Peter DeFazio (4th District)
405 East 8th Ave. #2030, Eugene, OR 97401

Senator Ron Wyden
1220 SW 3rd Avenue, Suite 585, Portland, OR 97204

Security Plaza, 1175 East Main, Suite 2D, Medford, OR 97504

RE: Wild Rogue

Dear Congress Member,

I am writing in support of the roadless, old-growth forests in the Lower Rogue River watershed northwest of Grants Pass.  I want to thank Senator Wyden and Representative DeFazio for their excellent leadership by introducing companion legislation that will add 143 miles of Rogue tributaries to the Wild and Scenic Rivers system. This action demonstrates visionary leadership in protecting our natural resources to recover salmon, protect our quality of life, and mitigate climate change.

I am disappointed that Senator Smith has yet to support this effort.

The value of protecting these wildlands is clearly a benefit to Oregon. The roadless region and nearby Rogue River exemplify the grandeur of Oregon’s natural heritage. Every year, thousands of people from around the world travel to this area to float the river and enjoy and the stunning landscape, and in doing so contribute millions of dollars to the local economy. The area is widely enjoyed for wildlife viewing and fishing. 

The Zane Grey Roadless Area protects important tributaries to the Rogue River, safeguarding water quality and critical habitat needed for salmon and steelhead. With our salmon runs still frighteningly low, we must take swift action to protect remaining high quality habitat that is necessary to recover these iconic symbols of Oregon.

Together with the existing Wild Rogue Wilderness area just to the west, the area also serves as an important wildlife corridor, containing designated critical habitat for the northern spotted owl and providing habitat to dozens of other species, including bald eagles, black bear, river otters, and Roosevelt elk. 

I applaud Senator Wyden and Representative DeFazio for taking action to protect this special corner of the planet for this and future generations.

I urge Senator Smith to throw his support behind this effort and help push this legislation through Congress.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS