The Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Act of 2007 would protect more than 128,000 acres of wilderness and 81 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers. There is hope that this bill will protect the rugged backcountry of Roaring River, raptor migration corridors in Bonney Butte, Memaloose Lake’s stunning old-growth forest, Salmon River Meadows’ extraordinary fish and wildlife habitats, and the huge variety of native plants and wildlife in Fifteenmile Creek.

The senators’ bill would designate the first new wilderness on Mount Hood in 23 years, along with 81 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers.  This bill will preserve special wild treasures like the rugged backcountry of Oregon’s Roaring River, magnificent 1000-year-old cedar trees in Big Bottom, and Salmon River Meadows’ extraordinary fish and wildlife habitats. Wilderness designation protects our forests from clear cuts and reckless development, safeguards clean drinking water, preserves habitat for wildlife, and ensures that future generations will be able to enjoy Oregon’s natural areas just as we do today.

During the last session of Congress there were bills in both the House and the Senate, but time ran out in the congressional session before the legislation could be passed into law. Fortunately, Senator Wyden and Smith have taken the important first step of introducing new legislation for Mount Hood in this new session of Congress.

To learn what you can do to support this bill, please contact Kelley Beamer at kelley@gorgefriends.org or 503-241-3762x110.

Read more about the bill on the Oregonian's website here. 

Maps of the proposed area can be seen at http://wyden.senate.gov/mthood/maps.html