FEDERATION OF WESTERN OUTDOOR CLUBS

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HELLS CANYON--CHIEF JOSEPH NATIONAL PRESERVE

The Hells Canyon-Wallowa Mountain Ecosystem in eastern Oregon and western Idaho is a vast expanse of wild beauty and is culturally significant. The region encompasses the high peaks of the Wallowa Mountains and the depths of the Snake River Canyon.

Currently, the public lands within this ecosystem fall under the charge of the Forest Service, which, unfortunately, has neglected to fend off threats to this ecosystem and live up to its stewardship responsibilities. Among the threats are violations of livestock grazing rules and construction of more than one hundred miles of logging roads. In addition, such practices as the nearly unchecked use of jet boats on the Snake River markedly impair much of the area's wilderness character and wild river values.

In 1999, the FWOC adopted a resolution calling for transferring the administration of this area from the Forest Service to the National Park Service and for designating the entire area as the Hells Canyon-Chief Joseph National Preserve. The resolution supported an end to inappropriate logging and livestock grazing and emphasized the protection of biological diversity and wilderness. It also called for better monitoring and, where necessary, altering commercial and motorized activities.

The Hells Canyon-Chief Joseph National Preserve Project is seeking to move in this direction through getting legislation enacted.

The Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs fully supports the establishment of the Hells Canyon-Chief Joseph National Preserve through legislative action.


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