Wilderness Committee Update
Robbin Schindele
Spring, a time of rejuvenation and renewal, is here and almost over. In a few weeks, it will be Summer, a time of fun and recreation. I’d like to begin this article with a shout-out to some Wilderness Committee members.
First, to Bob Hoehne for the fine wilderness update presentation he gave at this year’s annual banquet. Bob gave a short update of what the Crater Lake Wilderness proposal hopes to accomplish and a comprehensive report on what the committee has done to build citizen and business support for the proposal. Good job Bob.
Second, to Susan Applegate. Susan has been working to arrange a meeting with Umpqua National Forest management to determine the impacts of recent fires and subsequent salvage operations within the boundaries of the proposed wilderness area. She also penned an excellent letter requesting that the proposal be included in the American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas (Atlas), part of the 30×30/America the Beautiful plan. The letter describes our plans for the proposed wilderness area and their importance to the ongoing fight against global warming. 30×30 is an initiative that President Biden put in motion with his 2021 Executive Order proposing that 30% of American land and waters be conserved by 2030. It is a part of a worldwide effort with over 50 countries pledging to work towards the same goal. Good work Susan.
And finally, kudos to Diana Pace, who works tirelessly for all things related to the proposal and Umpqua Watersheds.
Our coming summer activities will once again start with grassroots efforts at the Umpqua Valley Farmer’s Market. Every second Saturday from June through September committee members will staff a booth at the market asking people to sign postcards supporting our mission. The cards have a printed message that asks federal legislators to support the proposal by introducing a bill in congress to create the Crater Lake Wilderness. We will mail the signed cards to our members of congress. The program has been a success, with booth members gathering over a hundred signatures on average per Saturday. Stop in and see us and grab a tee shirt or cap so you can show your support wherever you might go.
Another perennial activity is our summer hikes. For many years we have been guiding hikes into areas within the proposed wilderness and we will be doing so again this year. But some hikes don’t need guides. Here are a couple of easy, family-friendly hikes you can use to kick off your summer:
Lemolo Falls. Rated easy. 3.4-mile round-trip on the North Umpqua Trail Dread and Terror section to a 100-ft waterfall. At 1.7 miles you’ll be at the top of the falls. Go a few hundred yards further on the trail for a better and safer view of the falls. From Roseburg take Hwy 138 for 70 miles to paved road 2610 to Lemolo Lake. After 5 miles cross Lemolo Lake dam and keep left on road 2610 for 0.4 miles. Here there is a bridge across the canal to trailhead parking.
Lemolo Falls
Warm Springs Falls
Warm Springs Falls. Rated easy. 0.6-mile round-trip to a massive 70-ft waterfall over a 100-ft columnar basalt cliff. Once you’ve been here it will be one of your favorites! Great hike for children. From the Lemolo Falls parking lot, take road 2610 and continue for 2.4 miles. Go left on Road 680 for 1.6 miles to the trail sign on the left side.
Have a Great Summer!
~ Robbin Schindele
