Smith Announces Support for Copper Salmon Wilderness

Smith says the legislation will protect 13,700 acres of unique Oregon forests and rivers.

Senator Gordon H. Smith

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Senator Gordon H. Smith (R-OR) today announced his support of legislation designating the 13,700 acre Copper Salmon area of Southwest Oregon as wilderness.

“Wilderness is not a designation I take lightly, nor is it something that I categorically oppose,” Smith said at a hearing today of the Forest and Public Lands Subcommittee. “The Copper Salmon proposal has a tremendous level of support from local elected officials, sportsmen and conservationists.”

Sen. Smith is optimistic that a number of key issues will be resolved. Smith is hoping the Senate and the Forest Service can reach agreement on the boundaries of the wilderness, as well as retain access for the Coquille Indian Tribe.

“The Copper Salmon area has strong ancestral and historic interest to the Coquille Indian Tribe,” Smith said. “I want to be sure that cultural gathering activities are not impeded by a wilderness designation.”

Joel Holtrop, who testified on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service, stated that wilderness would not affect existing access rights and agreed to work with Sen. Smith and the tribe toward formalizing an access agreement.

The designation is supported by The Port Orford Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor of Port Orford, the Curry County Commissioners, and a majority of the local fishing guides and lodges.