Ron Wyden: “Mount Hood is a cherished wild place that is often photographed, visited and enjoyed by scores of Oregonians and many…”

“Mount Hood is a cherished wild place that is often photographed, visited and enjoyed by scores of Oregonians and many non-Oregonians as well. Today, I am introducing, along with my colleague Senator Smith, a new bipartisan Oregon Wilderness bill: the ``Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Act of 2006.'' In tribute to the great river-dependent journey of Lewis and Clark, our legislation adds nine free-flowing stretches of rivers to the National Wild and Scenic River System. This reflects the Oregonian wish to protect but also actively experience our State's treasures. This bill contains many elements of the bill I introduced two years ago while incorporating many of the provisions adopted in the House- passed version of Mount Hood Wilderness protections, HR 5025. My bill builds upon the House version by adding more wilderness, more wild and scenic rivers, and providing a recreation area to allow diverse recreational opportunities. It protects the lower elevation forests surrounding Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge as Lewis and Clark saw them. These forests embody the natural beauty of Oregon. They provide the clean water necessary for the survival of threatened steelhead, Coho and Chinook salmon. These forests provide critical habitat and diverse ecosystems for elk, deer, lynx and the majestic bald eagle. And these are the forests that provide unparalleled recreational opportunities for Oregonians and our visitors.…”