Spring Basin Protection Passed by Senate Committee

Press Release

Spring Basin Protection Passed by Senate Committee
Legislation Preserves More Wilderness in Oregon

The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today passed S. 2089, the Spring Basin Wilderness Act of 2008, cosponsored by U.S. Senators Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) and Ron Wyden, (D-Ore.) which would designate as Wilderness over 8,600 acres overlooking the John Day Wild and Scenic River.

"The Spring Basin wilderness bill will ensure this very special and unique Central Oregon treasure is protected for future generations to enjoy," said Smith. "It will also unite landholdings for both the wilderness area and the Warm Spring Tribes. I am pleased to cosponsor this bill, and will continue to work with Senator Wyden for its passage in the full Senate."

"This is a great day for Oregon's scenic areas," said Wyden. "These special places are what make our state unlike any other."

Spring Basin is one of Central Oregon's premier wild areas, with rolling hills that burst with color from spring wildflowers. Overlooking the beautiful Wild and Scenic John Day River, Spring Basin provides recreational opportunities for hikers, horseback riders, hunters, botanists, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Spring Basin was recommended to Congress as a wilderness area by the Bureau of Land Management in 1989.

Together, Senators Smith and Wyden have championed Wilderness protection for 170,000 acres of Wilderness on Steens Mountain, 128,000 acres around Mt. Hood, 24,000 acres on Soda Mountain and nearly 14,000 acres in the Copper Salmon area.

Source