In praise of Walden

Letter to the Editor, The Oregonian

I want to personally thank Rep. Greg Walden for his recent vote in support of legislation in Congress protecting over 2 million acres of public land across the U.S. as wilderness.

Of special significance to us who live in Walden's district, the legislation includes the Spring Basin wilderness along the wild and scenic John Day River, the Badlands wilderness (Bend's "backyard" wilderness), the Soda Mountain wilderness inside our new Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument and of course, the incomparable Mount Hood wilderness.

It has been a long journey through Congress, and to their credit, our delegation responded to Oregonians' call for permanently protecting these special places.

So please join me in thanking Rep. Walden, along with your own representative, for their efforts on our behalf. Also, a special thanks to Sen. Ron Wyden. Without his leadership over the years, no land in Oregon would be part of this historic legislation.

BILL MARLETT
Bend

Marlett is past director and senior conservation adviser of the Oregon Natural Desert Association.