Merkley Encouraged by Old Growth Forest and Wilderness Plans

On Preserving Oregon's Natural Treasures, Gordon Smith is Lost in the Woods

Oregon House Speaker and U.S. Senate Candidate Jeff Merkley issued statements today on Senator Wyden's draft legislation to protect old growth forests and "Oregon Treasures" legislation from members of Oregon's congressional delegation:

Senator Wyden's Plans for Protecting Old Growth Forest

"I support Senator Wyden's goal of protecting old growth forests and roadless areas on public lands in Oregon, while investing in restoration activities that can create jobs and bolster local economies in rural Oregon.

"After eight years of misguided forest policies from George Bush and Gordon Smith that have failed rural communities, threatened our forests, and created gridlock, it's time for federal land management agencies to receive clear direction from Congress to protect Oregon's oldest forests, while focusing management on thinning young stands and restoration to improve water quality and habitat for fish and wildlife.

"These critical investments in our rural communities will create jobs and protect our environment. It is time to invest in Oregon's federal lands and rural communities by actively restoring our public lands and protecting our old growth forests so they can continue to contribute to clean drinking water and wildlife habitat and increase their value in the fight against global warming. I look forward to working with Senator Wyden to pass important old growth protection and land restoration legislation. It is time for Senator Gordon Smith to come clean about whether he will protect Oregon's old growth forests and roadless areas."

Oregon Treasures Legislation

"I applaud U.S. Representatives Blumenauer, DaFazio, Wu, and Hooley as well as Senator Wyden, for introducing legislation to protect Oregon's Rogue River, expand the Oregon Caves National Monument, and protect Mt. Hood's forests and rivers. These special places are cherished by all Oregonians for the recreation, clean water, and fish and wildlife habitats they provide.

"It has become increasingly important to protect our wild forests in the fight against global climate change. These Oregon treasures provide refuge for imperiled fish and wildlife species threatened by global warming and keep tremendous amounts of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

"Because it's an election year, Gordon Smith has ramped up his rhetoric on stopping global warming, but when it comes to protecting places like Oregon's Rogue River and the towering forests that shelter it, he's lost in the woods."

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Posted June 20, 2008
Press