This article was published on: 12/3/19 12:00 AM
U.S. Sen Ron Wyden, D-Ore., will make an appearance in Bend on Dec. 14 to discuss his campaign to increase the number of Oregon rivers protected under the national list of Wild and Scenic Rivers.
A total of 226 rivers in 40 states have so far been protected. In Oregon, 1,917 miles are designated as wild and scenic, about 2% of the state’s river miles. Waterways already listed in Central Oregon include Whychus Creek, the Deschutes River, the Little Deschutes River, the Metolius River and the Crooked River.
Wyden’s promotion of the campaign has resulted in hundreds of nominations for currently unlisted Oregon rivers, including at least one for Tumalo Creek, submitted by a handful of sixth graders from Pacific Crest Middle School.
The event with Wyden is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Riverbend Community Room at 799 SW Columbia St. in Bend.