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

I am writing in support of the roadless, old-growth forests in the Lower Rogue River watershed northwest of Grants Pass.  I am very concerned about plans by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to log hundreds of acres of old-growth in the Zane Grey Roadless Area through the Upper East Kelsey timber sale.

While public opinion is clearly in support of protecting old-growth and roadless forests, the BLM continues to push forward with highly controversial timber sales like Upper East Kelsey. The BLM should focus on thinning, rather than creating flammable tree farms out of ancient, roadless forests. The Zane Grey Roadless Area is a unique national treasure that should be protected for future generations, not logged for short term profit. I am worried that the BLM is regressing in its management of our public lands rather than changing with the times.

The value of protecting these wildlands is clearly a benefit to Oregon. The roadless region and nearby Rogue River exemplify the pristine 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 pristine 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.  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. 

Due to the ecological and economic importance of these wildlands, and their suitability as potential Wilderness, I urge you to take action during the 110th Congress to protect this area under the Wilderness Act of 1964 and the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act of 1968.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you on this important matter.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS