Adding 4,000 acres to Cave Monument proposed
From our weekly issue dated June 25, 2008
The mountains surrounding Oregon Caves are composed of ocean crust including rocks uplifted directly from the mantle. These mantle rocks make up one of the largest serpentine rock outcrops in the nation. (Photo courtesy National Park Service)
“To expand economic development opportunities, increase recreation and protect the drinking water for some 80,000 visitors a year, Congress is proposing to enhance protections for Oregon Caves National Monument.”
That announcement about the proposed legislation was made Thursday, June 19 by the National Parks Conservation Association (NCPA) based in Washington, D.C.
The legislation, introduced June 19, would add approximately 4,000 acres to the monument near Cave Junction by transferring land from the U.S. Forest Service to the National Park Service.
The legislation also would designate approximately 7 miles of streams within the monument as “wild,” “scenic,” or “recreational” under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. It would include the River Styx, which would be the first underground river in the country to receive such designation. A subsurface stream, it maintains many of the unique features in the cave.
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NCPA added that, “The proposal also would protect the monument drinking water from possible contamination from cattle by allowing the buyout of grazing permits within the expanded boundary and upstream watershed.
“Grazing has long been a concern of the park service, which collects its water from a surface stream that flows through the Bigelow Lakes Botanical Area at the heart of the allotment. Funds for the buyout would come from private sources, and all parties involved are agreeable to the proposed grazing retirement,” said NCPA.
“We are working with the rancher (Phil Krouse, of Applegate) to come up with a solution that works for everyone," said Joseph Vaile, of Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center.
“The monument and the local economy will be enhanced by this proposal,” Vaile claims. “In order to make it a reality, the rancher needs to be compensated for the money he stands to lose from his investment.”
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Added Cave Junction resident Greg Walters, “I want to thank Rep. DeFazio and Sen. Wyden for championing this legislation that will greatly benefit the communities in Josephine County.” Walters is an historian, and co-owner of Jefferson State Financial Group.
Four members of the Oregon delegation also announced what they called “two new pieces of legislation that will provide a long-term stewardship plan” for Mt. Hood, Oregon Caves and the Wild Rogue. Reps. Earl Blumenauer, Peter DeFazio, Darlene Hooley, and David Wu introduced the Oregon Treasures package following several years of extensive negotiations and input from the public and stakeholders.”
Known primarily for its vast marble caves, the 480-acre Oregon Caves National Monument was established in 1909 by proclamation of President Taft.
The National Park Service formally has proposed adjusting the monument boundary to encompass nearby caves and the surrounding Cave Creek Watershed several times. The first time was in 1939; then in 1949, and most recently during 2000.
The legislation, as part of the Oregon Treasures legislative package, also encourages restoration that would enhance the monument’s forest to make it more fire-resilient, said NCPA. Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers protections also are included for Mount Hood, as well as Wild & Scenic protections for tributaries to Rogue River, the organization added.
