"We applaud the leadership of Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Peter DeFazio for their introduction of the Copper Salmon wilderness proposal to protect the headwaters of the Elk River on the southern coast of Oregon,” said Mike Matz, executive director of the Campaign for America's Wilderness. The measure would permanently protect nearly 14,000 acres as wilderness, and designate more than nine miles of the river as "wild and scenic." A largely intact ancient forest, the Copper Salmon is home to some of the healthiest wild chinook and steelhead runs on the West Coast, and is greatly valued by hunters and anglers. In fact, sportsmen have led the effort to protect this area for more than a decade. The area is also home to blacktailed deer, black bear, and mountain lions. “Conservation of this area as wilderness is a gift to future generations of Oregonians, all of whom will benefit from this visionary act, as will all Americans from all walks of life. We look forward to working with Senator Wyden and Representative Peter DeFazio and their fine staffs in making wilderness for Copper Salmon a reality in the 110th Congress," said Matz.
