Klamath Falls, Ore. – ‘Oregon Wild’ has proposed expanding the wilderness designations around Crater Lake National Park by nearly 800 square miles…however, the idea faces strong opposition from a Klamath County Commissioner.
‘Oregon Wild’ says their proposal would protect 500,000 acres within and outside the park boundaries by designating them as wilderness.
Klamath County Commissioner Tom Mallams doesn’t like the idea…
“I haven’t heard exactly yet, the paperwork, how many acres it is – but as far as I’m concerned, one more acre is too much.”
Mallams claims the proposal would be a financial loss to the county…
“We have a big percentage of our county that is not under private ownership – which means, no tax revenues, very limited what you can do in those areas.”
Oregon Wild disagrees – claiming that expanding the wilderness areas would only enhance tourism.
A resolution to oppose the Crater Lake wilderness designation will go before the Klamath County Commissioners Tuesday morning.
Arran Robertson of Oregon Wild says he’s ‘discouraged’ the commissioner didn’t reach out to learn more about the proposal before making his resolution.
You can learn more about the wilderness designation proposal at: www.oregonwild.org
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