Ron Wyden: “Today I join my friend from Oregon, Senator Smith, in the introduction of the Steens Mountain Wilderness Act of 2000.…”

“Today I join my friend from Oregon, Senator Smith, in the introduction of the Steens Mountain Wilderness Act of 2000. Located in southeastern Oregon, Steens Mountain is, in the words of Oregon environmentalist, Andy Kerr, 'an ecological island in the sky.' Rising a mile above the desert floor, Steens Mountain actually creates its own weather patterns. Though we from Oregon are blessed to have it located within our state boundary, it is truly a National natural treasure. Some have wondered why any legislative action at all is needed to protect the Steens. They say the Steens has been there a long time and is doing just fine. Why not just leave it alone? There are three reasons why inaction at this time is an unacceptable choice. First, there are many landowners today in the Steens with a commitment to protect this ecological treasure. There is no assurance that this will always be the case. Second, our federal land agencies are now committed to protecting the natural ecology of the Steens. There is no assurance that this will always be the case. Third, the Steens includes many wilderness study areas. We now have the opportunity to begin resolving the status of these lands that have been in limbo for twenty years. There is no assurance that Oregon's future elected officials, working with all concerned parties, will ever again have such a unique opportunity to address this contentious issue.”