Saturday, October 8, 2022 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM PDT
Calling all old-growth forest and wildlife advocates, river lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts!
More info and sign up at the Oregon Wild website here
On October 8th, join Cascadia Wildlands and Oregon Wild on the McKenzie River to oppose the pending Trump-era “Flat Country” timber sale in Oregon’s Willamette National Forest. The vast majority of the proposed logging in this sale would be in mature and old-growth forests with over 1,000 acres of clear-cut style logging, even though President Biden this year ordered his administration to prioritize conserving these forests as a crucial climate protection.
Within the Flat Country sale are the headwaters of the McKenzie River, which flows down from the Cascade Mountains to provide fresh drinking water to hundreds of thousands of residents in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. In addition to the benefits this old forest provides for clean water, clean air, and wildlife, this is a special place for outdoor enthusiasts across Oregon. The McKenzie River is a popular destination for fishing, rafting, drift-boating, and kayaking, and we can’t wait to celebrate its natural beauty with you while we demand its protection.
We’ll gather at 11AM at Lloyd Knox Park, near Leaburg Dam (roughly a 30-minute drive from Eugene/Springfield for light refreshments, games, hear from community groups who oppose the sale, and rousing speeches from organizers who hold this forest, and the watershed it filters, in a special place in their hearts. Then, we’ll launch from the park and paddle in the river together. Post paddle, we’ll eat burritos, sign petitions, and more. Bring your own boat, or borrow one of ours!
Time on the water: 1 hour
What to expect: A BLAST on the river with forest and water advocates from across Oregon. This is a beginner-friendly event and appropriate for boaters of all skill levels. We’ll gather at 11AM for light refreshments, games, and speeches before our volunteer rafting professionals walk us through a safety check. We have plenty of signs available and we encourage you to use this time to secure them to your boats! Feel free to get creative and bring your own, we want the Forest Service to year from YOU!
We’ll send out an email with further instructions as we get closer to the event, including weather updates and a waiver.
What to bring: Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), rain protection (jacket, non-cotton layers, rain pants), water bottle, snacks, personal medication, a boat and PFD if you have one.
