7/22/08

Defenders of Wildlife are currently running a letter campaign to encourage the USFW to begin a nation wide wolf recovery effort. You can view the campaign by going HERE


7/16/08

Eastern Oregon Land Exchange

In July of this year Dr. Scott Campbell gave notice that he is petitioning our Oregon Congressmen to exchange 1000 acres of his recently purchased Steens Mt property for approximately 10 to 11,000 acres of BLM ground in and around the Silvies Valley west to within a couple miles of Yellow Jacket Reservoir. This is country between Burns and John Day, Oregon. The lands to be acquired belong to BLM and are sagebrush/forest transition land, mostly within the Silvies River drainage.

The 1000 acres of Steens property holds two small streams (portions of Fish and Lake Creeks), supports sagebrush, some juniper and aspen, some deer, and would be accessible to walk in access for about 6 months each year after the BLM took it over.

The 10 to 11,000 Silvies acres he hopes to acquire consist of about 50% sagebrush and 50% ponderosa pine forest. This area contains excellent deer and elk habitat, supports valuable timber, has year round accessibility and would be closed to public access if acquired.

There are absolutely no warranties that he would not subsequently subdivide or develop the properties. Dr. Campbell will not furnish maps, or discuss his plans for potential development of those lands and stated that he will not solicit nor encourage any further public input.