A Resolution Opposing the Proposed Crater Lake Wilderness Area
By The Oregon Logging Conference – Adopted February 23, 2017
WHEREAS, Oregon has 50 federally protected Wilderness Areas spanning more than 2.9 million acres in addition to millions of additional acres off limits to active forest management practices, and
WHEREAS, a proposal has been advanced by environmental organizations to add another 500,000 acres of public land to the federal Wilderness System, including the Crater Lake National Park, and
WHEREAS, the Wilderness Act of 1964 defines such areas as land “where man himself is a visitor who does not remain” and was intended to preclude motorized and other forms of developed recreation, and
WHEREAS, the Crater Lake National Park is one of Oregon’s most popular recreational destinations, including an extensive paved road system, developed lodging facilities and commercial concessions which are clearly inconsistent with the intent of the Wilderness Act of 1964, and
WHEREAS, the land proposed for Wilderness designation is currently open to all forms of forest recreation that generates substantial economic benefits for local communities much of which would be precluded by a Wilderness designation, and
WHEREAS, the forest land surrounding the park is at high risk of catastrophic wildfire due to the absence of active management, unnatural accumulation of forest fuels and insect and disease infestations, and
WHEREAS, a Wilderness designation would put the Crater Lake National Park at risk of destruction should uncontrollable wildfire occur in an area “where man himself is a visitor who does not remain” and where fire suppression activities would be precluded.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oregon Logging Conference (OLC) go on record in strong opposition to the creation of a Crater Lake Wilderness Area.
BE IT FURTHERE RESOLVED that the OLC urge the Oregon congressional delegation to oppose efforts to legislate the creation of this Wilderness Area proposal.