This article was published on: 12/22/10 12:00 AM

Bulletin vs. wilderness

Published: December 21. 2010 4:00AM PST

The Bulletin’s put-down of wilderness status for the lower Whychus and Deschutes junction was predictable. If any environmentalist or environmentalist group proposes something, it will almost certainly be opposed by your paper.

Wilderness status would not really change the use of this area, but give it the recognition it deserves. It is rugged and difficult to access, and nonwilderness uses are not appropriate in the canyon.

It seems difficult for me to see where any Crooked River Ranch private properties would be impacted.

We vacation in the Palm Springs area in March. I do not golf or swim but enjoy hiking the numerous trails provided next door to the large population of this whole valley. Palm Springs and its neighboring cities are surrounded by state and federal lands, much of which is dedicated wilderness, national park and ecological area set aside for wildlife. These areas are a plus for the Palm Springs area just as Whychus Wilderness would be a plus for this area.

Gene McMullen

Bend

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