April 15, 2022 3:30 a.m.

On Thursday, Congressman Peter DeFazio introduced the Wild Rogue Conservation and Recreation Enhancement Act.

A release said the legislation would expand the Rogue Wilderness Area and create the Rogue Canyon Recreation Area.

DeFazio said “I’ve long been committed to the conservation and protection of Oregon’s most iconic areas”. DeFazio said he is proud to champion legislation “…that would protect Oregon’s most unique and magnificent lands for the enjoyment of current and future generations”.

The release said the bill would expand the existing Wild Rogue Wilderness Area by approximately 60,000 acres. The land included within the wilderness expansion proposal has already been set aside by federal land managers as land that should be protected and conserved. It would also establish a 98,000 acre recreation area on the banks of the Rogue River in southwest Oregon, adjacent to the existing Rogue Wilderness Area.

The release said the legislation requires federal land managers create a wildfire mitigation plan to reduce wildfire risk to communities and enhance fish and wildlife habitat.