Oregon WildBlog

2020 was a record year for public lands recreation in Oregon, and this year is projected to see similar high use in National Forests, parks, and Wilderness areas. Meanwhile, popular trails are crumbling, there aren't enough campgrounds or restrooms to accommodate demand, and public lands agencies don't have the funding they need. Watch this presentation to learn how these issues are being addressed for quality recreation. 

The Fish and Wildlife Commission will soon decide whether or not to uplist the marbled murrelet -- a rare nesting seabird -- from threatened to endangered. Please join us for an advocacy training on Monday, June 21st where you’ll craft and submit public comments in support of this imperiled species.

Once again, conservation groups have been forced to take the Ochoco National Forest to court to protect sensitive fish and wildlife habitat. And once again we’ve prevailed.

Contributed by Sofia Green

In the past few months, we’ve seen incredible momentum in the United States for our leaders to take bold, concrete action on climate change and environmental justice.

Hello everyone! My name is Shannon, and I am so excited to be joining Oregon Wild as a Climate and Forest Policy Intern this summer! I'll be working to develop an alternate model for federal county payments that promotes more conservation of our federal forestlands and their wildlife. Born and raised in Western Oregon, I have a deep connection to and appreciation for the diverse ecosystems of this state. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to help guide the conversation on federal actions that could help protect them.

The wild landscapes of Utah are breathtaking, but offer much more than what meets the eye. Three adventurers from Oregonians for Wild Utah (OFWU) provided a virtual tour and explored how to advocate for public lands.

In this month's wildlife newsletter, we cover a wide range of topics from restoring federal wolf protections to wildlife legislation, Fish and Wildlife Commission appointments and more.

Beloved and abused

Think of one of your favorite, and most beautiful hikes. Now think of one of the most overrun, busy, and abused places you’ve been in recent years. For many people, Tamolitch Pool on the McKenzie River probably falls into both of these categories. As the word has spread about the relatively easy (and beautiful) hike and the gorgeous pool at its destination, this special place is one of those in danger of becoming “loved to death”. 

Oregon's incredible wildlands are inhabited by an abundant diversity of fish and wildlife. But some of the heftiest members of the state's native megafauna club no longer range its forests, hills, and valleys. Naturalist Ethan Shaw explored the history of two of the West's most iconic species - the mighty American bison and grizzly bear - and their relationship to Oregon. Ethan dived into some of what we know about the where and the when of these big beasts in the Beaver State and how they may have once integrated into local ecosystems.