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.
What We’re Working On
Mt. Hood Wilderness Land Exchange
Mt. Hood is home to pristine wilderness, beautiful alpine lakes, scenic landscapes, and the historic Timberline Lodge. Since 2001, Crag has fought to protect the North Side of the mountain from Mt. Hood Meadows’ misguided development proposal.
Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex
The Klamath Basin contains five National Wildlife Refuges established to protect fish, wildlife, and waterfowl habitat. Unfortunately, the refuges have been severely damaged and degraded from competing commercial agricultural uses over the last century.
Tongass National Forest Old-Growth Logging
The Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska, known as the “crown jewel” of the National Forest System, is America’s largest and wildest national forest. Nearly 17 million acres in size, the Tongass is the largest intact temperate rainforest on Earth.
Ochoco National Forest OHV Trail System
Ochoco National Forest reflects the tremendous value our public lands provide. Unfortunately, the Forest Service approved a 137-mile off-highway vehicle (“OHV”) trail system in the Ochoco National Forest located within the Ochoco Mountains in Central Oregon.
Up with Salmon, Down with Clearcuts
Clearcuts threaten commercial fishing families and coho salmon. “Stronger protections for streams to protect the coho, clean water and fishing-dependent jobs and communities is decades overdue.”
Keeping Mt. Hood Wild & Free
Working to keep the North side of Mt. Hood wild and free is no small feat. Crag has been working with local orchardists, the Oregon Nordic Club, climbing groups like the Mazamas, conservation organizations and recreational clubs for nearly 17 years and we are not letting up…
Climate, Forests and the Eagle Creek Fire
The Eagle Creek fire burned through the Columbia River Gorge this summer, and clouded our skies with smoke. As the fire was burning, Congressman Greg Walden proposed to open the Scenic Area to logging. Expert scientists tell us the forest will recover best on its own. After the smoke cleared, we visited with local communities and made a film about the fire’s and to learn about forest recovery….
Lawsuit Launched to Prevent Damaging Off-Road Vehicle Project on Central Oregon Forest
On July 13, 2017, Crag filed a detailed complaint on behalf of Central Oregon LandWatch to a Forest Service decision to carve up the Ochoco National Forest by creating a 137-miles off-road vehicle (ORV) route system. The Forest Service released the final decision on...
Klamath Advocates Go To Court Over Wildlife Management
On January 17, Crag filed suit on behalf of three conservation groups, Audubon Society of Portland, Oregon Wild and WaterWatch of Oregon, in federal court against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failure to follow federal law in the creation of the Comprehensive...
Letter from the Tongass
In 1879 on his first trip to Southeast Alaska in what is now the Tongass National Forest, naturalist and wilderness lover John Muir was overcome by the dramatic landscape. He first witnessed the region from aboard a passenger ship, sailing through the island...