To:

Senator Jeff Merkley
One World Trade Center, 121 SW Salmon Street, Suite 1250, Portland, OR 97204

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

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

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RE: Wild Rogue

Dear Congress Member,

I am writing in support of the roadless, old-growth forests and critical habitat for wild salmon of the Lower Rogue River watershed northwest of Grants Pass.  I want to thank Senator Wyden and Representatives DeFazio, Blumenauer and Wu for their excellent leadership by introducing companion legislation in June 2009 that would add 143 miles of Rogue tributaries to the Wild and Scenic Rivers system.

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 through fishing and other recreational activities.

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.

I particularly applaud Senator Wyden and Representative DeFazio for taking action to protect this special corner of the planet for this and future generations. Their action demonstrates visionary leadership in protecting our natural resources to recover salmon, protect our quality of life, and mitigate climate change.

I ask that you work to pass legislation in 2009 that will safeguard these important Rogue streams. Please act swiftly to secure hearings in the House and Senate for the Lower Rogue Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 2009 (H.R.2890 and  S.1271).

In addition, I ask that you protect the nearly 60,000 acres of roadless lands along the Wild Rogue as Wilderness.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS