Category: Press Room

Press Release: Cascadia Wildlands Statement on Oregon’s 2022 Minimum Gray Wolf Population Count

April 18, 2023 — Today, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) released its annual report of the minimum 2022 gray wolf population and pack count for the state, which shows a continuing pattern of very low growth. The 178 wolves documented in 2022 is only an increase of three wolves over year-end 2021 numbers, while the number of wolf packs increased from 21 to 24. The state’s minimum wolf population only grew by two wolves in 2021, from 173 to 175 wolves. The stagnant population numbers are a cause for great concern in a state with significant suitable –  yet unoccupied –  wolf habitat. Removal of state Endangered Species Act protections was predicated on an assumed steady population increase, an assumption that has proven false since 2020.

Press Release: Legal Challenge to BLM’s Late Successional Reserve Logging Scheme

April, 10, 2023 — Today a coalition of conservation organizations filed a legal complaint challenging the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) “Integrated Vegetation Management” (IVM) program that would aggressively log forest stands located within Late Successional Reserves, areas purportedly set aside for forest conservation. In particular, IVM authorizes so-called “gap creation” and “open seral” logging prescriptions within mature and old-growth forests that are fire-resilient and provide important habitat at-risk wildlife species.

Press Release: Legal Agreement Will Bring New Protections From Logging to Oregon Coast Coho Salmon

March 23, 2023 — Resolving multiyear litigation over the harms of logging to coho salmon, conservation groups reached an agreement today with the Oregon Department of Forestry to greatly expand stream buffers across more than half a million acres of the Tillamook and Clatsop state forests.

Press Release: Eugene becomes first city in Oregon to phase out gas in new construction as electrification movement grows

February 6, 2023 — The City of Eugene voted five to three tonight to phase out fossil fuels like gas in new homes and buildings, a historic step that will cut climate pollution, improve air quality, and lower utility bills for households. The vote from the City Council delivered a major victory to the dozens of climate, environmental justice, health, housing and racial justice groups who organized for more than two years in favor of the policy.

Press Release: Eugene Water and Electric Board’s Unanimously Votes to Decommission Leaburg Hydroelectric Project on the McKenzie River

January 4, 2023 — Following years of extensive research, analysis, and outreach, the Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) Commission voted unanimously to initiate a plan to decommission the Leaburg Hydroelectric Project on the McKenzie River at its January 3 meeting. The Board of Commissioners formally approved EWEB General Manager Frank Lawson’s December 6 recommendations to decommission the project, which discontinued electricity generation in 2018, and remove the aging Leaburg Dam. 

Press Release: Oregon Court of Appeals Rejects Oakridge Mining Proposal

December 16, 2022 —The Oregon Court of Appeals recently ruled against the proposal to mine TV Butte on the eastern edge of Oakridge, citing significant impacts blasting and industrial operations would have on resident deer and elk herds. The ruling was a major victory for Oakridge residents and local businesses who have long opposed the gravel mine proposed by Ed King III of King Estate Winery.  

Cascadia Wildlands Statement on Eugene Water and Electric Board’s Recommendation to Decommission Leaburg Dam on the McKenzie River

December 7, 2023 — Following two years of extensive research, analysis, and outreach, the Eugene Water and Electric Board’s (EWEB) General Manager and staff presented a recommendation to decommission and remove the Leaburg Hydroelectric Project and Dam at the December 6 Board of Commissioners meeting. In agreement with the recommendation, the Board directed EWEB staff to convert the recommendation to an action item for the Board to vote to approve early next year. 

Press Release: Eugene City Council Hears Overwhelming Support for Healthy Homes Policy

November 22, 2023 — Over 100 community members rallied ahead of a Eugene City Council hearing last night to support the city’s proposed policy to phase out gas in new homes over climate and health concerns. At the rally, 63 people testified in support of the proposed ordinance, providing hours of testimony to the council about the benefits of electrification.