Robert Smith: “This bill, supported by the entire Oregon delegation, is a very unique piece of legislation to enhance the protection of…”

“This bill, supported by the entire Oregon delegation, is a very unique piece of legislation to enhance the protection of Steens Mountain in Southeastern Oregon, while preserving the local ranching economy. As the sponsor of the Senate companion bill, S. 3052, cosponsored by my colleague, Senator Wyden, I am here to thank my colleagues for the swift consideration of the House-passed bill. This bill enjoys broad support, ranging from the local community officials and the Oregon Cattlemen's Association, to Oregon Trout and the Sierra Club. For those of my colleagues who have not had the good fortune to visit this special place, the Steens Mountain area in southeastern Oregon is a unique geologic formation that is home to a wide diversity of flora and fauna. The Steens Mountain fault block stretches sixty miles. It rises to an elevation of 9,700 feet and drops 5,500 feet in three miles to the historic lakebed of the Alvord Desert.”