Number: 1978-27
WHEREAS, a Middle Santiam Wilderness Area in Linn County, Oregon, is proposed in legislation currently before the U.S. Congress; and
WHEREAS, most of the area currently is classified by the U.S. Forest Service as commercial forest land; and
WHEREAS, the existing stand of timber is overripe and degenerating because of age, blowdown, disease and insect damage; and
WHEREAS, the final draft environmental impact statement and multiple use land management plan recommends commercial timber harvesting by scattered clearcutting, preservation of outstanding and unique trees, protection of stream corridors and scenic areas, and enhancing of wildlife habitat; and
WHEREAS, three presently designated outstanding wildernesses are located near the proposed Middle Santiam area; and
WHEREAS, intense public pressures are being exerted upon existing recreational facilities;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 16-19, 1978, in Phoenix, Ariz., hereby opposes designation of the Middle Santiam areas as wilderness, and recommends that it be managed under multiple use concepts as outlined in the land use plan.