The Wild
Preserving the Wild
From the dry pine forests of Central Oregon to the coastal temperate rainforests of the Tongass in Southeast Alaska, we work with a diverse coalition of conservation clients in Oregon, Washington and Alaska to advocate for sound forest management, sustainable outdoor recreation, and restoration of native fish and wildlife populations. Crag’s first case was to work with local community and conservation groups to protect the north side of Mt. Hood. Since then, we have expanded our efforts to protect public lands, wildlife, and native fish across the Pacific Northwest.
Public Lands
We, the public, own much of the land in Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. Government agencies manage these lands for a variety of uses, and if properly cared for, these lands can continue to provide clean air and water, healthy habitat for native fish and wildlife, and abundant recreational opportunities. To protect these wild lands for current and future generations, Crag launched the Public Lands Program in 2001.
Wildlife
Native Fish
The Pacific Northwest is renowned for its native fish populations. Although our rivers and streams once teamed with millions of trout and salmon, today, populations are only fractions of what they once were. It has been a decades-long struggle to protect native fish, which still face threats of extinction from rising water temperatures, pollution, dams, and drought. In support of efforts to revive native fish populations, Crag works with our clients to maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems across our region.
What We’re Working On
Protecting the few remaining owls
Protecting the few remaining owls last updated September 18, 2023We filed a new lawsuit to stop a Forest Service logging project that will harm a successful breeding pair of the imperiled northern spotted owl. Photo by Carlos Porrata.New lawsuit challenges logging...
Restoring salmon protections
Restoring salmon protections last updated September 5, 2023Proposed changes in Oregon’s fish passage rules will hurt native fish and tribal treaty rights. Photo by Laura Mahoney/USFWS.Crag files legal challenge over fish passage rule changeNew case filed! On behalf of...
Stopping one of the largest logging projects in California’s history
Stopping one of the largest logging projects in California’s history last updated July 21, 2023Burned trees provide many ecological benefits for forest regneration, wildlife habitat, and more. Photo by Klamath Forest Alliance.In July 2023, Crag filed a lawsuit on...
We can’t fight climate change with a chainsaw
We can’t fight climate change with a chainsawForests and the climate are inextricably linked. Ask an Oregonian about climate change, and likely the first thing we’ll think of is forest–or rather, forest fire, the most visceral and dramatic symptom of the climate...
Defending Southern Oregon from Unlawful Logging
The Forest Service is misusing an old rule to pursue massive new commercial logging projects that threaten thousands of acres of forest in Southern Oregon.
Protecting Large Trees in Eastern Oregon
In June 2022, Crag filed a lawsuit on behalf of six conservation groups, challenging a Trump-era rule change that allows logging of mature and old growth forests on over 7 million acres across Eastern Oregon and Washington.
Post-Fire Logging in Oregon
Crag and our client’s post-fire legal work has not only stopped several unlawful logging projects, but has reaffirmed our values of integrity, environmental protection, and community advocacy.
Advocating for Eelgrass Protection
Below the surface of the ocean, a type of seagrass with ribbon-shaped leaves and flowers that bloom every summer works to do everything a rainforest might do, but within a marine habitat. This fascinating and vital type of seagrass is called eelgrass. Eelgrass grows...
Unlawful Botched Repairs At Winchester Dam
Crag is representing a coalition of fishing and conservation organizations to intervene in the DEQ enforcement action to hold Basco Logging accountable for a botched repair at Winchester Dam.
B2H Threatens Historic Oregon Trail and Imperiled Sage-Grouse Populations
In the historically and culturally rich region of Eastern Oregon, dedicated organizations representing thousands of eastern Oregonians have filed a legal challenge to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) approval of the “B2H”...