Lawmakers seek support for gorge land acquisition

By Shannon Wells

The Gresham Outlook, Nov 28, 2009 (3 Reader comments)

File photo / The Outlook

A local example of a Forest Service land acquisition is the 1,380-acre Sandy River Delta at Troutdale.

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A Northwest Congressional delegation is seeking President Barack Obama’s support to fund public land acquisition and economic development in the Columbia River Gorge in the upcoming fiscal year.

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act, four U.S. senators and seven U.S. representatives from Oregon and Washington are seeking the administration’s support in securing $1.5 million for the U.S. Forest Service land acquisition program.

The program, which went without funding in fiscal 2010, is designed to purchase key gorge properties from willing sellers for “habitat protection, scenic values and public enjoyment” in the gorge, according to the Friends of the Columbia River Gorge organization.

“In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act in 2011,” the delegation’s letter reads, “we urge the president to set aside $1.5 million for (fiscal year) 2011 for the U.S. Forest Service to purchase key properties from willing sellers in the Gorge.”

Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Washington Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell signed the letter. Oregon Reps. Earl Blumenauer, David Wu, Kurt Schrader and Peter DeFazio joined in the funding request, as did Washington Reps. Jay Inslee, Jim McDermott and Norm Dicks.

“There are several spectacular parcels currently available to the Forest Service, and the president and Congress must act quickly to purchase these properties and preserve them as protected public lands,” Blumenauer said. “Every parcel that is acquired helps to enhance the beauty and accessibility of the gorge for Oregonians and visitors from across the nation.”

In 1986, Congress authorized the Forest Service to purchase land to protect scenic views, fish and wildlife habitat, cultural resources, and to provide public recreation opportunities. Since then, the Forest Service has acquired more than 38,000 acres within the National Scenic Area.

Because the Forest Service received no land-purchase funding this year, it’s more important than ever to get back on track, said Kevin Gorman, Friends of the Columbia Gorge executive director.

“This created a backlog of properties that need urgent protection,” he explained. “By purchasing and transforming private lands into protected public spaces, we are protecting watersheds, habitat corridors and unique recreation opportunities for future generations to enjoy.”

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