“... the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument is an ecological wonder, with biological diversity unmatched in the Cascade Range." From the Monument Proclamation 7318, June 9, 2000.
Many dozens of scientists agree that adequately expanding the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument is essential to protect the Monument’s important biological connectivity, outstanding biodiversity, and make it more resilient to the effects of climate change.
Recognizing the Monument’s contribution to the local economy and regional quality of life, the Chamber of Commerce boards, City Councils, and Mayors of Ashland and Talent – the two closest towns to the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument – unanimously support science-based expansion of the Monument.
We have the opportunity to expand the national monument to provide comprehensive and cohesive protection of this biologically unique and valuable landscape.
We support science-based Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument expansion in order to fulfill the promise of the original monument proclamation.
Comment to Senator on the proposed expansion before November 20, 2016
You still have an opportunity to provide public comment to Senator Jeff Merkley about the proposed expansion of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument from now until November 20, 2016. Call and leave him a message at (503) 326-3386. Or comment to Senator Merkley online.
Public Hearing on Proposed Expansion of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument
Three public hearings have been conducted to collect comments about the proposed expansion of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. Senator Merkley hosted one in Ashland. The Jackson County Board of Commissioners convened a meeting in Medford; and Klamath County Commissioners held one in Klamath Falls.
On October 14th, 2016. US Senator Jeff Merkley and Mike Connor, Deputy Secretary of the Interior convened a public meeting about expansion of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Expansion in Ashland, OR. Listen to the JPR story.
Ornithologist Pepper Trail, Ph.D., Ashland presented testimony about the scientific basis and urgent need to protect the biodiversity of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. Read Pepper's guest opinion at the Mail Tribune.
Sen. Merkley said, ""I wanted to make sure, absolutely sure, that the president’s team heard directly from the citizens with the full spectrum of thoughts."
See photo slide show of the expansion public hearing. Photos by Matt Witt © 2016.
IN blue shirt, at Microphone: Suzi Given, friends of cascade-siskiyou national monument stated support for the expansion to the Jackson County Board of Commissioners (seated panel at right). T Dickey Photo
October 27. Jackson County Board of Commissioners conducted a public hearing about the proposed expansion. More than 400 people attended and there was a diverse range of opinions about the proposed expansion of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.
November 1. Klamath County Board of Commissioners conducted a public hearing about the proposed expansion. Though most of the proposed Monument expansion is in Jackson County, county lines are not ecological lines. According to Sen. Merkley’s office, the Klamath County portion of the proposed Monument expansion is 18,626 acres. Listen to the entire hearing (Herald and News) 2hrs. 38min.
If you have not been able to go to any of the public hearings, listen to Amy Amrhein, southern Oregon field representative for Sen. Merkley's office on the proposed expansion. It is the first 3 minutes of testimony at the Klamath County Board of Commissioners hearing in Klamath Falls.