Nearly 40,000 acres of some of Oregon's most dramatic and picturesque landscapes-lava flows, castle-like rock formations, ancient junipers and blooming wildflower meadows-are a step closer to permanent protection today, as legislation to designate the Oregon Badlands and Spring Basin areas was heard by the Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests.
Introduced by Senator Ron Wyden (D), the Oregon Badlands Wilderness Act (S. 3088) would protect nearly 31,000 acres of wilderness just east of Bend, while the Spring Basin Wilderness Act (S. 3089), cosponsored by Senator Gordon Smith (R), aims to protect over 8,600 acres of wilderness overlooking the John Day Wild and Scenic River.
Pressure Ridge in Badlands; © Greg Burke
"We are pleased to see movement in the Senate on these two conservation measures," said David Dreher, Washington Representative of the Campaign for America's Wilderness. "These bills enjoy broad bipartisan support from the business community, local landowners, sportsmen, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservationists because Oregonians recognize that wilderness provides not just clean air and water, but affords numerous opportunities for recreation, including hiking, hunting, fishing, camping and horseback riding."
"Congress has many issues to deal with before it adjourns for the year," said Dreher. "But we know that Senators Wyden and Bingaman understand the importance Americans put on ensuring a natural legacy for those who will come after us, and are working hard to pass these wilderness bills and send them to the president."
