Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) today introduced a measure to permanently protect nearly 30,000 acres of Oregon's prized Devil's Staircase area as wilderness. Devil's Staircase is located on Wassen Creek in Oregon's Coast Range between the Smith and Umpqua Rivers, and is considered by some to be the most remote location in the entire state. This "staircase" of waterfalls with plunge pools carved into the sandstone is a spectacular site, and well worth the effort to experience it.
"We applaud Rep. DeFazio and Sen. Wyden for taking action to protect one of the most secluded and wild treasures in Oregon. It's a remarkably bizarre and wonderful place," says David Dreher, Washington Representative for the Campaign for America's Wilderness. "The area contains some of the finest examples of classic old growth forest left in the Coast Range and is home to a great web of native species, including threatened spotted owls, elk, black bear, mountain lions, river otter and mink. Wilderness protection would ensure that this ecosystem remains intact," adds Dreher. The bill would also designate more than 14 miles miles of wild and scenic river for Wassen and Franklin Creeks.
The new wilderness measure was one of three bills introduced by the two lawmakers today. The others would expand protection for the Oregon Caves National Monument and designate more than 140 miles of tributaries to the Rogue River as wild and scenic.