Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley introduce legislation for two new wilderness areas in the John Day Basin

The Cathedral Rock and Horse Heaven Wilderness Act of 2010 was introduced today by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley(D-Ore.).  This proposed legislation will consolidate land ownership and protect 16,400 acres of new wilderness along the John Day River.  The Cathedral Rock and Horse Heaven Wilderness Areas would encompass dramatic basalt cliffs and rolling hills of juniper, sagebrush and native grasses, along with a hidden pine forest.  The area offers world-class opportunities for outdoor recreation as well as crucial wildlife habitat for elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep and native fish such as salmon and steelhead trout.

This proposal is a collaboration between diverse groups of stakeholders, including Young Life, a Christian youth organization that owns and operates nearby Washington Family Ranch, local ranchers, and the Bend-based Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA).   The proposal has been endorsed by Jefferson, Wasco and Wheeler Counties, local businesses, and the Redmond Chapter of the Oregon Hunters Association. 

Forrest Reinhardt, an independent consultant helping assemble the landmark legislation, stated that the benefits of this proposal are twofold.  “Obviously, with thousands of teens visiting Washington Family Ranch each year, safety is a top priority.  Consolidation of public and private land will reduce the number of hunters who wander on to camp property.”  Reinhardt went on to say, “The reduction of private and public land fragmentation also promises to improve land management and add thousands of acres for public access and recreational opportunities.”

The effort will specifically expand access for boaters and anglers by transferring nearly five miles of the Wild and Scenic John Day River into public ownership.  This will expand fishing, hunting, camping and hiking opportunities for the public in the area.  John Crafton of the Redmond chapter of Oregon Hunters Association, said, ‘It is tremendous.  This proposal expands a few thousand acres of usable public lands into over 16,000 acres, and that is a huge benefit for wildlife because it creates wintering grounds for game animals where they are left alone to winter naturally."

Under the proposal, BLM is positioned to receive approximately 8,821 acres in exchange for 12,323 acres going to Young Life, with two other land owners also taking part in the land swap.  The larger acreage going to private landowners is due to BLM receiving river frontage along the John Day River, which comparatively has much greater value.  The equal-value exchanges will be subject to an appraisal.  “In the end, it’s really about protecting this amazing place for future generations and for native fish and wildlife like wild salmon and steelhead,” said Aaron Killgore of the Oregon Natural Desert Association.

Click here for more information and to thank Senators Wyden and Merkley

Please ask Representative Walden to support the designation of these important wilderness areas by clicking HERE.