"The Wilderness Act is the gold standard when it comes to protecting our natural treasures,” says Erik Fernandez, Wilderness Coordinator of Oregon Wild. “It has stood the test of time as the most effective tool to protect places like the Three Sisters, Mount Jefferson, and Mount Hood." The presentation is part of the Know Wilderness series this September, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act that established the National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS) and set aside an initial 9.1 million acres of wildlands for the use and benefit of the American people.

Thursday, September 25 • 6:00 p.m.
East Bend Library

During his presentation Erik will consider the value of wilderness areas, and explore current campaigns to expand wilderness protections in Oregon. He will highlight the world class scenic landscapes of the Crater Lake Wilderness proposal and explore the "found nowhere else on earth" botanical treasures of the Kalmiopsis wildlands. He says protecting wild areas is important and that Oregonians can support efforts to protect Oregon's most treasured landscapes by“becoming a member of Oregon Wild, or calling your Congressional Representative/Senators and encouraging them to protect our wild rivers and recreational destinations as wilderness." Picking his favorite wild area is impossible. “That is kind of like having to pick your favorite child.” However, Erik was willing to go on the record that Mount Hood, Three Sisters, and the Eagle Cap are at the top of his list.

Erik, the recipient of the Skidmore Award for his important work to protect Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge as federally designated Wilderness, is the Wilderness Coordinator for Oregon Wild He has been doing GIS (Geographic Information Systems) mapping that is crucial to Oregon Wild’s work since 2000.

Oregon Wild works to protect and restore Oregon’s wildlands, wildlife and waters as an enduring legacy for all Oregonians. Founded in 1974, Oregon Wild (formerly the Oregon Natural Resources Council or ONRC) has been instrumental in securing permanent legislative protection for some of Oregon's most precious landscapes, including nearly 1.7 million acres of wilderness

For more information about this or other library programs, please call 312-1032 or visit www.dechuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Liz at 312-1032.