Western Oregon's forests are home to rich landscapes that sustain abundant salmon runs and habitat for numerous wildlife species.  Old-growth dependant species like the northern spotted owl, the housecat-sized Pacific fisher and the unique Siskiyou Mountains salamander all need these federal lands to survive. Scientists claim that the remaining older forests in the Pacific Northwest ­ including those managed by Oregon BLM ­ are critical to over 1,000 species.

Ancient forests provide an identity for western Oregon, but perhaps nothing compares to the iconic nature of salmon swimming upriver to spawn in one of the many streams that flow from the Cascade, Siskiyou or Coastal Mountains out to the Pacific Ocean.  These strong and determined fish have defined the region for thousands of years, providing nourishment, a robust economy and a profound sense of wonder.

Unfortunately, wild salmon populations are experiencing a dramatic decline and seriously need our help to avoid extinction.  Scientists have begun to make the direct connection between water quality and salmon habitat with the health of the surrounding forest.  How the BLM manages public lands in western Oregon has a significant impact on the health of fish populations and our communities that rely on them.

Click here to download a letter from scientists to the Bush administration.

Click here for a complete lists of scientists who signed on to the letter.

Click to download "On the Backs of Salmon" report

Click here to read about the "Salmon 2100" project.

Click here to send the BLM a message asking for strong environmental protections on BLM land.