FOMR President’s Message

A few weeks ago, we added our voice to those calling for the addition of more than five miles of Bridge Creek to Senator Ron Wyden’s proposed River Democracy Act that would enlarge Oregon’s wild and scenic rivers network. This section of Bridge Creek, all of it within the BLM’s Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area, flows into Malheur National Wildlife Refuge a few miles north of Frenchglen and adds its water to the Donner and Blitzen River.

In coming months, I will be using this space to share with you insights into issues that I hope will help you understand some of the many challenges facing both the Malheur Refuge and its Friends group. These will range from the severely impaired state of the Pacific Flyway – a region-wide effect the increasing aridity affecting the Intermountain West – to the opportunities we have to make our organization even more supportive of the refuge. As I write, I’ll be looking for ways to share with you how each of you – as our members – can help us succeed.