By Sara Pipinich
My favorite thing to do on a Saturday morning is connect with nature. Recently, I joined an Oregon Wild hike to the Fall River. The Fall River is a spring-fed stream that flows near Sunriver in Central Oregon. The trail is a 4.4-mile loop filled with old-growth trees, clear streams, beautiful wildflowers, and a lovely waterfall. Oregon rivers, like the Fall River, are essential for fish habitat, clean drinking water, and outdoor recreation activities.
When we entered the forest, we were greeted by giant Ponderosa pine trees and various trails to choose from. Once we got a little deeper into the forest, our senses became alert to the sights of the crystal-clear Fall River framed by trees and wildflowers. The water was cold and refreshing. We saw several fly fishermen casting their lines and catching rainbow trout, enjoying the solitude the forest and river can provide. The sound of birds were out singing to one another while the fish were jumping and eating flies. We even saw signs of beavers chewing on the trees along the streambank! My favorite outdoor activity is hiking through the Oregon wilderness. These are the places I go to find calmness and relaxation in nature.
The Fall River is a key tributary of the Deschutes River and provides clean, cold water for fish and downstream communities. The ecosystem here appears healthy and strong. It is important to protect places like this so that we can continue to have natural spaces to enjoy. And it’s important to protect not just for ourselves, but for all of the wildlife that also depends on them, like the rainbow trout and beavers at the Fall River.
Right now, there are two big opportunities where you can help protect many rivers all across Oregon, including the Fall River: The River Democracy Act and the National Old Growth Amendments.
The River Democracy Act
The Fall River, and 3,200 miles of other Oregon rivers, are included in Senator Ron Wyden’s River Democracy Act. All of these rivers would be designated as Wild & Scenic Rivers, which would protect fish and wildlife habitat, clean drinking water for over 1.3 million Oregonians, and outdoor recreation activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. The best way to advocate for the Fall River and these other rivers is to contact our members of Congress through email, phone, sending postcards, and writing letters to the editor. You can also show your support for the River Democracy Act by becoming a Citizen Co-sponsor and sending a message to Senators Wyden and Merkley telling them to pass the bill. If we all take action, we can make a difference and protect these treasured rivers.
National Old Growth Amendments
There is also a current opportunity for all us to tell the Forest Service to protect mature and old-growth forests all across the U.S., including the old-growth Ponderosa pine forest around the Fall River. These were some of the biggest trees I have ever seen and they are extremely important because they are naturally fire resistant, provide habitat for many animals and other wildlife, and one of our best tools to fight climate change. The last day to send a comment letter to the Forest Service is September 20, 2024. If enough of us send comments, we can make sure the protections in the Amendments are as strong as possible. Send your letter to the Forest Service here.
Speaking Up for Oregon’s Rivers and Forests
It was mid-afternoon when we stopped for lunch. I sat my pack down and explored around. I saw so many wildflowers lining the little islands on the fallen logs in the river. I could see little birds flying all around. My hands touched the water and it was so cold and refreshing. I saw lots of fly fishermen casting towards fish somewhere below the water. Just watching their motion was like looking at art, so calming and peaceful. I saw fish jumping and biting their flies and the smiles on their faces made me think of my father. My Father was a big fisherman. He was a strong believer that fishing and being out in nature can fix any problem. It was his way of connecting with nature and also being able to provide for his family. I never got to fish with him because of his old age but he still taught me everything I needed to know. Whenever I feel a part missing of him I go by a river and cast or watch people cast. Human beings have many different ways we show our love for nature, this way is my way.
Now we can help protect these amazing places in nature. Help be the difference. Your voice and actions are how we can make change. Help us protect these areas because wildlife habits, forests, our atmosphere, and human beings depend on it. I hope the River Democracy Act can be passed and strong forest protections are made so that people can continue to enjoy the future with nature in it.
Sara Pipinich is a Junior at Caldera High School in Bend, Oregon. She spent the summer interning with the Oregon Wild Bend office. Sara’s favorite wild place in Oregon is the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness.
