The staff at the University Outdoor Program is concerned about plans to log old-growth forests near the McKenzie River and McKenzie River Trail.
Every year, we host dozens of trips to the McKenzie River and McKenzie River Trail. This area is one of the most popular and accessible recreation destinations in western Oregon for hiking, biking, whitewater sports, fishing and camping. The popularity of this area owes much to the beauty of the unique nature and old-growth forests in the McKenzie River Watershed. Because of its accessibility, the trail is often one of the first introductions to Oregon’s ancient forests for students and residents in Eugene. However, the Forest Service is endangering this area by auctioning off ancient forests for timber harvest. Some of the proposed timber sales are detrimentally close to popular recreation sites. For instance, the proposed TwoBee Project lies just 200 feet off of the 26.5-mile McKenzie River Trail.
When Congress designated 13 miles of the McKenzie River as Wild and Scenic in 1988 (thus nationally recognized and protected), it did so to preserve this stretch of wilderness for future generations. However, the timber projects planned in the McKenzie River Watershed do not recognize the national importance of the river and the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail. These projects endanger the natural qualities and recreation opportunities of the area. What would the McKenzie River Trail be without the forests that make it so enjoyable? Aside from recreational and aesthetic values, old-growth forests provide important ecological functions that younger forests do not, help purify the water and reduce the amount of sediment in the McKenzie River. We cringe at the thought of rafting down the McKenzie if the water is muddied with sediment and erosion increased from logging.
There are very few old-growth forests left in the United States. As outdoor enthusiasts, we recognize the value places like the McKenzie forests have for recreation, ecology and sanctity of mind and spirit. We all have a responsibility to protect these places. We are not asking the forest service to stop logging completely, but it is not necessary to log the nation’s last old-growth stands. We ask that the McKenzie Ranger District lead by example and create a policy that does not tolerate old-growth logging.
We also ask that the Forest Service and purchasers such as Rosboro, Freres, Seneca and Herbert revoke their current plans to log native forests in the McKenzie. Fellow outdoor enthusiasts, please help protect the beauty of the McKenzie River Trail and the forests that make it unique. Speak out against mature and old-growth project sales in the McKenzie River Watershed.
Mary Allison, Dallas Emch
and Yoko Silk live in Eugene