DEFAZIO PUSHES TO EXPAND PROTECTIONS AT OREGON CAVES

News Radio 1240 KQEN
By Kyle Bailey
May 20, 2014

Congressman Peter DeFazio is hoping to further protect and expand the Oregon Caves National Monument near Cave Junction. Tuesday morning the House Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on legislation that has been proposed by DeFazio.

A press release issued by the House Natural Resources Committee, of which DeFazio is the ranking member, says the Oregon Caves Revitalization Act would expand the monument by over 4,000 acres and designate the river Styx, the underground stream running through the Caves, as the first subterranean Wild and Scenic River in the nation.

More than 80,000 tourists visit the Oregon Caves each year. Officials say that supports jobs and local businesses and pumps money into the economy of both Cave Junction and all of Josephine County. Congressman DeFazio believes the legislation would increase tourism and bring a much needed economic boost to the area.

When the Oregon Caves National Monument was designated over 100 years ago by President Taft, only 480 acres were included in the monument area. DeFazio says that’s not enough to protect the unique hydrology of the caves and the water supply for future visitors. DeFazio says the grazing and possible fires in the area, has exposed the Marbled Halls of Oregon to serious risk. The Congressman says the legislation would direct the Park Service to complete necessary hazardous fuel work and would protect the underground river under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

The expansion will managed as a National Preserve, which means the National Park Service can preserve hunting and fishing access for the public. The legislation also provides for the voluntary donation of grazing permits within and near the monument to be permanently retired by the National Park Service.

Oregon Caves is the largest marble cave open to the public west of the Continental Divide. It was established in 1909.

A companion bill was passed by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee last year and awaits action in the full Senate. DeFazio says nearly forty stakeholder groups, many of which are small local businesses in Cave Junction and Josephine County have publicly supported the legislation.