Dear Senators Wyden and Merkley:
The lands and river included for protection in the Oregon Wildlands Act are true Oregon treasures. The Rogue River and its tributaries are renowned for their wild salmon, clean water, and the ancient forests. Devil’s Staircase, located in the heart of Oregon’s Coast Range, is as wild as they come. It’s home to wild salmon, river otters, black bear, and the endangered marbled murrelet. And the Molalla River and the other 200+ wild river miles that are protected by this bill provide clean drinking water for Oregonians in both rural and urban communities.
Our businesses are built on the bedrock of clean water and a healthy environment. Protecting our watersheds and public lands is critical to keeping Oregon craft beer flowing. In addition, special wild places and public lands such as those in the Oregon Wildlands bill provide boundless inspiration and access to world-class recreation. Part of the reason we all live and work in Oregon is because we have incomparable rivers and landscapes to get out and enjoy. These special places make Oregon the great state it is. Simply put, safeguarding these public lands and waters is crucial to our economy, health and our communities.
According to the Oregon Brewers Guild, each year, the Oregon brewing industry supports more than 30,000 jobs directly and indirectly, and contributes $2.83 billion to the state’s economy.
And Oregon craft brewing companies give back to their communities, donating $2,450,000 to Oregon-based causes in 2014. The numbers don’t lie, Oregon craft brewing companies lead the nation and part of the reason we do is because we have a vital and healthy place to produce our delicious brews.
Protecting our environment and ensuring that we continue to have access to public lands like the Rogue, the Molalla and Devil’s Staircase means our customers have places to play and enjoy the outdoors. And that’s good for business because we all know how great it is to enjoy a cold beer after a hike or around the campfire under the stars. It also means that our teams continue to live healthy, active lives outside of work—in lands that belong to all of us. This is why we are proud to live and work in Oregon.
This is an historic opportunity that will leave a lasting legacy. Permanently protecting these wild lands is ultimately about leaving some lands just as they are so that our children and grandchildren have places to enjoy and to explore, just as we do today and as so many generations have before us.
We thank you for your strong effort in protecting Oregon’s most important public lands and waters, and we look forward to working with you to do the same for the Oregon Wildlands.
We’re confident that together we can safeguard the Rogue, the Molalla, and Devils Staircase, and keep Oregon healthy and thriving for our communities today and for future generations.
Sincerely,
^5 Cider
7 Devils
The Ale Apothecary
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