Add to nearby wilderness
April 10, 2004
To the Editor: As property owners near one area proposed to be added to the Mount Hood Wilderness, we wholeheartedly support the endeavor.
Federal roadless areas near us would benefit from this additional wilderness designation. The Clear Creek and Old Maid Flat areas have unique geological features and habitat that will complement the nearby wilderness areas.
The Northwest Forest Plan began protection for these areas. The salvage rider of the 1990s and many present-day logging activities ignored the plan's requirements for species inventory and protection. More recently, we believed that the Clinton Roadless Area Policy would protect these lands, but now that policy protection is questionable.
Many lower-elevation lands near the Clear Creek portion of the proposed wilderness are privately owned and zoned for residential use or timber management. Local domestic water resources will be better protected by additional wilderness.
In our 18 years here, we have witnessed a significant increase in recreational activities on the wilderness areas near us. These areas are being used to near-capacity.Additional wilderness designations, such as Sen. Ron Wyden's proposal, are necessary for future generations to experience the benefits of wilderness.
DON MENCH and CHRISTY SLOVACEK
Zigzag