July 26, 2002

TO: FSEEE members
FROM: Andy Stahl, Executive Director

Now is the time to say "yes" to Oregon Wilderness. Protecting Oregon's diminishing wild, undeveloped forests is never easy. Today, famous wilderness areas such as Mt. Hood, Three Sisters, and the Kalmiopsis are saved because Oregonians have spoken out in favor of wilderness since 1964.

But our work is not yet done. Still unprotected are wild, old-growth forests like Wassen Creek, perhaps the most wild, untamed watershed in Oregon. Wassen Creek rests between the Smith and Umpqua rivers in Oregon's Coast Range east of Reedsport. Its ancient forests are the most extensive remaining in the Coast Range. The stream itself is home to salmon and trout. A hike into Wassen Creek is more than a challenge, it is an adventure because there are no trails. Only a handful of intrepid bushwhackers have made the complete journey from Wassen Creek's headwaters along the creek to the Smith River—a several-day journey.

Senator Gordon Smith holds the key to future wilderness protection in Oregon. As Smith goes, so will go a 2002 Oregon wilderness bill. FSEEE encourages its members who care about protecting our natural heritage to call Senator Smith and tell him to say "yes" to Oregon wilderness.

Senator Smith's offices:
Portland—(503)326-3386
Pendleton—(541)278-1129
Medford—(541)608-9102
Eugene—(541)465-6750
Bend—(541)318-1298
Washington, D.C.—(202)224-3753

For more information on Oregon's unprotected wilderness lands, please visit the website of the Oregon Wild Campaign at www.oregonwild.org