Wilderness Watch commends the Forest Service (FS) for its goal of restoring part of the Roaring River Wilderness in Oregon by removing a microwave reflector, though we’re concerned about the agency’s proposal to complete this. The reflector was installed in 1972, and abandoned after its permit expired in 2002. The Wilderness was designated in 2009.
The 36,548-acre Roaring River Wilderness is bordered by the Clackamas and Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness areas. It’s home to native wildlife like salmon and steelhead, black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, elk, and northern spotted owls.
Earlier this year, the FS skirted environmental analysis and limited public participation when it issued a categorical exclusion (CE) for the project. The proposed use of motorized tools and up to 16 helicopter landings in the Wilderness requires analysis through an environmental assessment (EA).
The microwave reflector is less than 1,000 feet from the nearest road, which further diminishes the perceived need for motorized tools and helicopter use within the Wilderness. The agency should explore wilderness-compatible, non-motorized options, such as dismantling and moving the components to the road via human power or with pack stock, to be hauled away from there with a motor vehicle.
As noted in our comments, the agency has failed to disclose relevant information such as: how the reflector was constructed, what the largest and heaviest components are, and why the components can or can’t be taken apart or otherwise reduced to a packable size. The agency should explain why sledgehammers/chisels/wedges aren’t adequate to break up the concrete pillars, and why using traditional tools, like a star drill and explosives, wouldn’t suffice instead of a motorized jackhammer.
Helicopters are only allowed in Wilderness under the rarest of circumstances. This is far from the case with this project. In our comment letter, we described the many impacts helicopters can inflict on Wilderness, including disturbance to native wildlife and their habitat. We also noted that the project’s specific impacts to fish and wildlife are unknown due to a lack of analysis by the agency.
A CE is not appropriate for this project. The FS needs to complete an EA that not only includes a detailed analysis of the potential impacts of helicopter use and motorized tools, but also explores alternatives that respect the Wilderness. An EA would also facilitate meaningful public involvement.
Photo: U.S. Forest Service
