Spring Basin and Badlands Wilderness just shy of passage in US House today

S. 22, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 came up just two votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass the US House under suspension of the rules today, with 282-144 members voting in support of the lands bill.  House leaders will now look at other options for bringing the bill up again. With nearly twice as many members in favor of the bill as those against it, supporters say that it is a matter of when and how – not “if” -- S. 22 will move forward.

Containing more than 160 bills, including measures to designate the Oregon Badlands and Spring Basin as Wilderness, S. 22 would protect over 2 million acres of Wilderness in 9 states. 

Despite the disappointment of today’s vote, local supporters of the Badlands and Spring Basin Wilderness expressed optimism about the future of the bills.  “While we’re disappointed that these important measures will be delayed, we remain confident that these areas will be protected very soon thanks to overwhelming local support,” said Brent Fenty, Executive Director of the Oregon Natural Desert Association.  “We are proud that Congressman Walden joined with the rest of Oregon’s Congressional Delegation to vote in favor of Badlands and Spring Basin Wilderness.  These two bills have overwhelming, bi-partisan backing locally, and we are all very grateful for Rep. Walden’s support,” he added.

The Badlands and Spring Basin Wilderness proposals have gained the endorsements of over 200 local businesses and enjoy the support of thousands of citizens and scores of local leaders.  “The entire community has really rallied around the call for more Wilderness in our high desert, and we are so thankful for the work that everyone has put into the efforts to protect Badlands and Spring Basin,” said Gena Goodman-Campbell, Wilderness Coordinator for the Oregon Natural Desert Association.  “We look forward to moving ahead quickly on this important bill, and seeing it signed into law.”

The Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA) is a Bend based non-profit organization that has worked for over 20 years to protect, defend and restore Oregon’s native desert lands.  Photos, descriptions and maps of Spring Basin and the Badlands can be found at www.onda.org.
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