SAVE THE WILD ROGUE
The Rogue: A Stunning River that Deserves More
Ashland is nestled on the north slopes of the Siskiyou Crest in the Rogue watershed. Many would argue that Lithia Park and Ashland Creek are the crown jewels of our town. For an Ashland resident or visitor, perhaps there is nothing so lovely as a spring stroll through town, up the creek and into the forests that bring water to our taps. If one follows a raindrop down from Mt. Ashland and into Ashland Creek, they will arrive at Bear Creek, eventually reaching the greater Rogue River watershed and then the mighty Pacific ocean.
Southwest Oregon’s Rogue River flows through one of the most spectacular and biologically unique wildlands in the United States. Right now, only part of the lower Rogue’s watershed is protected, leaving a large adjacent roadless area open to commercial logging, mining, and road-building. With each timber sale and new road built, the roadless area shrinks in size, the valuable wildlife habitat is degraded, and recreational opportunities are lost. Now is the time to protect these roadless areas and free-flowing streams for this and future generations by expanding the incredible Wild Rogue Wilderness Area.
A Recreational Haven
The lower Rogue River is internationally renowned for fishing and boating. Hiking and nature viewing are also extremely popular. The Rogue River National Scenic Trail begins here and the Rainie Falls Trail on the south side of the river affords easy access to witness salmon jump Rainie Falls. Because of the demand, BLM placed limits on boating downriver from Graves Creek and set up lottery system to award permits. Tourism on the Rogue generates $13 million annually.
A Refuge for Wildlife
The Wild Rogue area is extremely important for wildlife. Habitat exists for rare species like the northern spotted owl and bald eagle. Mergansers, osprey, river otter, elk, black bear, and many other species use the river and surrounding environments. There are two distinct elk herds on the southern portion of the Zane Grey. BLM describes this area “source” habitat for the surrounding degraded landscape.
A Plant Museum
The Wild Rogue has exceptional botanical diversity, including rare plants, mosses and fungi. The white flowered ginger (Asarum caudatum var. novum) occurs near creeks in old-growth forest habitat. This species has yet to be described as “new” (to science). This species and the Rogue River Stonecrop (see Focus on the Family page 11) have only been found on BLM lands in the Wild Rogue.
Rich in History
For thousands of years Native Americans lived along the Rogue. Early French trappers fought local tribes and named them “les Coquins” (the Rogues). The river became known as “La Riviere aux Coquins” (the Rogue River). Gold was discovered in 1859 and white settlers moved into the area. The last battle of the “Rogue Indian Wars” was fought here on the lower Rogue, before surviving Native Americans were marched to the Siletz and Grande Rohde reservations in the north. The famous author Zane Grey purchased an old mining claim at Winkle Bar, where he went on to write several books. His cabin still stands today and is a popular destination for river and wilderness visitors.
The Future of the Rogue
Approximately 100 miles of streams that feed the Rogue River are eligible for protection under the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act and nearly 60,000 acres of roadless wildlands should be protected as Wilderness. Now is our chance. Please contact Rep. Peter DeFazio and ask him to “Save the Wild Rogue.”
Representative Peter DeFazio
405 East 8th Ave. #2030, Eugene, OR 97401; (541) 465-6732
Visit our coalition’s new website to learn more: www.savethewildrogue.org
