Oregon WildBlog

In a landmark decision prioritizing wildlife conservation and public safety, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has implemented a nationwide ban on the use of M-44 cyanide devices on public lands it manages. M-44s, colloquially known as "cyanide bombs," have been deployed by federal and state agencies, notably fish and wildlife agencies, to kill predators. While designed to target specific animals, like coyotes, considered threats to livestock grazing on public lands, these devices have tragically resulted in the unintended deaths of non-targeted wildlife and domestic dogs.

Learn about the recovery of the peregrine falcon from renowned birder and advocate Bob Sallinger.

Today, Oregon Wild, along with a coalition of wildlife conservation groups, applauds the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) decision to grant federal protections to wolverines, listing them as a "threatened" species under the Endangered Species Act. This landmark decision comes after more than 20 years of dedicated advocacy by wildlife conservation organizations working to safeguard the wolverine population.

‘Tis the season for giving thanks, and we couldn’t be more thankful for Oregon’s beautiful array of fish and wildlife, majestic forests, breathtaking coastline, and pristine waterways that make this state one of a kind. As much gratitude as we feel for this special place, we acknowledge it would be much more difficult to push back against those who seek to undermine it without your tenacious advocacy!

Waldo Lake and the forests and trails all around it is one of my “happy places.” Every summer, I love to paddle and swim in the clear, deep blue water and pick huckleberries for camp breakfast. I’ve hiked through the young forest on the north side of the lake, recovering slowly from the Charlton Fire that severely burned the high-elevation area. And I included the Black Creek trail, leading from the west side of the Waldo Lake Wilderness through diverse forests to the edge of the lake, in my ancient forest hiking guide. 

Despite its location in the semi-arid climate of central Oregon's high desert, the Deschutes once had some of the most stable year-round flows in the world. It is also the world's largest spring-fed river. But where does the water in the Deschutes come from, and what happened to these historically stable flows?

Oregon is renowned for its wild rivers, lush forests, and breathtaking landscapes. These natural wonders not only provide opportunities for recreation but also serve as the primary source of drinking water for a majority of the state's population.

A new report published in Nature underscores the need to preserve existing forests rather than just planting new trees to fight climate change. The report, from 200 scientists worldwide, stated that allowing forests to reach maturity and become old-growth has tremendous carbon storage and biodiversity conservation potential — a win-win natural climate solution. 

I grew up hiking, fishing, and camping along the banks of the Metolius and Deschutes rivers in central Oregon. Though close in proximity to my childhood home in Bend, spending time at these rivers would transport me somewhere far away.

In this month's newsletter, you'll get an overview of the recent victory to ban wildlife killing contests in Oregon, Oregon's plan to send wolves to Colorado, and more.