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S,@i@ljv) Viiioii,i Foie@t Coastal zone @oit-,t St,tvwc USDA WILDERNESS information Center SUITABILITY REPORT JA N 2 4 19*7'5 R"i FR. 11 COASTAL R@;NNE 7, INFOM@". ,211v N TH QH 76.5 .o7 W55 NATIONAL 1974 RECREATION AREA Wilderness Recomm Oregon Dunes Recreal Siuslaw Nation property of CSC Library DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA -ENTER COASTAL SErVICES CENTER 2234 Hobson AVENUE CHARLESTON, SC 29405-2413 public outdo enjoyment of ocean s forested areas, United States Depart Section 2(c) of Public Law 88-577, the Wilderness Act, defines Wilderness as: "A Introduction wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate the landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain. An area of wilderness is further defined to mean in this Act an area of undeveloped Federal land retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent This is a summary of a report and proposal improvements or human habitation, which which is a direct result of Public Law is protected and managed so as to preserve 92-260, of March 23, 1972, the Act its natural conditions and which (1) establishing the Oregon Dunes National generally appears to have been affected Recreation Area. Section 13 of that Act primarily by the forces of nature, with the states: imprint of man's work substantially unnoticeable; (2) has outstanding "Within three years from the date of opportunities for solitude or a primitive and enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall unconfined type of recreation; (3) has at review the area within the boundaries of the least five thousand acres of land or is of recreation area and shall report to the sufficient size as to make practicable its President, in accordance with subsection preservation and use in an unimpaired 3(b) and 3(d) of the Wilderness Act (78 Stat. condition, and (4) may also contain 890; 16 U.S. C. 11 32(b) and (d), his ecological, geological, or other features of recommendation as to the suitability or scientific, educational, scenic, or historical nonsuitability of any area within the value." recreation area for preservation as a Wilderness, and any designation of any All portions of the NRA were weighed such area as a Wilderness shall be against the criteria stated above to accomplished in accordance with said determine suitability or nonsuitability for subsection of the Wilderness Act. wilderness. .......... @@J\ 4@, 7-g V:j SEATTLE SALEM rLORENCE *EUGENE REE SPORT COOS Oq@AV An analysis of all lands within the Oregon OREGON DUNES Dunes National Recreation Area has -N.R.A. determined that no portion of the Area meets the requirements for wilderness as stated in Wilderness Act, P.L. 88-577. The 6qCARqI Forest Service, therefore, proposes that the Secretary of Agriculture convey to the President the recommendation that no lands SAN qMANCracqo within the Recreation Area be designated as wilderness and added to the Wilderness Preservation System. A Ifi e National Recreation Area .... . ........ ...... . . .. .. ... ..... .... ...... . .... ... ... ........... . ........ NATIONAL RECREATION AREA 101104 INLAND SECTOR NON FEDERAL OWNERSHIP ROAD PARKING LOT CAMPGROUND PICNIC AREA BOAT RAMP & PARKING 011ARDONER god (TIN, rrr ONEYMAN 5t@ TE A@ FLORENCE THREEMALE CR. FORMER CO-E, LAND The active sand dunes of the NRA are one of the most important scenic features. Approximately one-third of the total area is open sand and is one of the largest areas of active coastal dunes in the world. Some of the dunes have reached a height of 300 feet. The large oblique dunes within the area, The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area with lengths up to 5,000 feet are unique. (NRA) was established by Public Law 92-260 These dunes seem to have no counterparts on March 23, 1972. It is a long, narrow strip in other dune areas of the world, occurring of land located along the central Oregon only in the Coos Bay Dune Sheet of the Coast within the Siuslaw National Forest. It Oregon Coast. contains 32,186 acres, varies in width from less than 1 / 16 mile to 2-3/4 miles, and has National The ocean frontage of the NRA is also an 38-1/4 miles of ocean shoreline within its Sector Forest State County Private Total important attraction. The beaches are broad Wand 11 2,934 231 184 6,131 9,480 boundaries. The Recreation Area is Dunes - 18,617 2,922 523 644 22,706 and sandy, interrupted only by the mouths approximately 150 miles southwest of TOTAL 21,551 3,15321 707 6,775 32,186 of a few rivers and streams. The Umpqua Portland, Oregon. 1 / Section 3, P.L. 92-260, defines "Inland Sector". All and Siuslaw are the major rivers. Siltcoos other land within the NRA is known as "Dunes River, Tahkenitch, Threemile, and Tenmile The following table gives the acreage within Sector" (see appendix). Creeks are the minor streams. All of the the National Recreation Area as of July 1, rivers and streams are valuable as 1974@ 2/ Contains 589 acres of meandered water. anadromous fish habitat. eL@ 21� ft 01 P;, 0 Vil R -qw X V -0 & gIV WIN iiTiR,; 1-11V- RWER C14 SAY V g f - - - - - - - -....... M6 ggesz, !VZ;A FORMER C01. LAND JETTY PACIFIC OCEAN Vegetation in the Oregon Dunes is quite varied, depending on the severity of the site and the relationship to the seasonal water table. The beaches and open sand areas are devoid of vegetation, but pioneering plant communities reach out even into these hostile environments. On the drier sand areas, the pioneering species are European and American beach grass. These are succeeded in time by bearberry, manzanita, and shorepine. On the wetter sand areas, the pioneering species are sedges, rushes, and grasses, followed in time by willow, waxmyrtle, and Sitka spruce. Further inland, where vegetation has been established for a longer time and the salt spray and wind from the ocean are less severe, salal, rhododendron, Pacific waxmyrtle, and evergreen huckleberry are common shrub species, with Sitka spruce, western hemlock, Douglas-fir, red alder, and shorepine being the common tree species. Along the easterly edge of the active dunes is a zone of confrontation between shifting sand and forest. Wind either deposits sand against the trees, gradually burying them or blows the sand away, leaving the trees undermined. In places, several acres of forest have been isolated by the advancing sand and left as islands in a sea of sand The easterly advance of the sand front 0 varies with location but generally averages 6 to 10 feet per year. The commercial timberland lies along the eastern edge of the NRA, mostly on private land within and adjacent to the NRA. The species are mainly Sitka spruce, western hemlock, Douglas-fir, western redcedar, and red alder. Almost all of the timberland has been cutover in the past 50 years, and is now a second-growth forest of varying age classes. .. .. .... .. ...... ... . ... ....... .... Other facilities outside the adjacent or nearby, include the following Resources capacities of people at one time: National Forest Campgrounds - 770; State of .... ... Oregon Campgrounds - 3,385; County campgrounds - 750; County parking areas where overnight camping is allowed - 1,000; State of Oregon picnic areas - 2,000; and private campgrounds - 1,000. Within or adjacent to the NRA there exists Recreation developed capacity to accommodate a total of 11 568 persons at one time exclusive of Recreation use within the NRA is estimated day use in undeveloped sites. at 344,000 visitor days of use in 1973, Access to the dunes and the beach is During the majority of the recreation season provided by four paved roads - one at the visitor use is considered moderate to heavy extreme north end, one at the'extreme south throughout and adjacent to the NRA, end, one down the Siltcoos River, and the There are many campgrounds within and other just south of the Umpqua River. adjacent to the National Recreation Area. Additional foot access is available from They vary in size and design from 3 or 4 unit campgrounds adjacent to U. S. High 101 . In primitive camps to nearby State and County addition there are numerous access points park *systems of over 300'units with and Primitive sand roads utilized by dune complete hookups for recreational vehicles. buggies and 4-wheel drive vehicles throughout the area. Camping is primarily confined to developed campgrounds, although limited camping occurs in undeveloped areas by both off- road vehicle users and hikers. The number of persons that can be accommodated at one time on National Forest facilities within the NRA are: campgrounds - 1,280; picnic areas -50; beach parking lots - 1,165; swimming areas - 40-1 and boat ramps - 128. In addition, private enterprise maintains facilities for 50 campers and 30 boaters The activities available within the NRA are within the NRA. Douglas County beach many and varied. They range from passive parking lots accommodate 320 persons at to active. Some of the most popular are one time within the NRA. An organization picnicking, beachcombing, dunebuggying, camp on National Forest land within the fishing, hiking, sand play, photography, NRA provides facilities for an additional 176 wildlife observation, waterfowl hunting in people. season, and clamming. Major recreation use within the NRA occurs Adjacent to the NRA, charter boats for primarily during the spring, summer and ocean fishing are available on the Siuslaw fall. Many activities are available year- River, Umpqua River, and Coos Bay. around, including beachcombing, fishing Marinas with launching facilities for private and off-road vehicle use. boats are also available on these estuaries. Concentrations of people are found on the One of the most popular marinas in the beaches within a mile radius of the beach Fishing use is heavy on the rivers and State is the Douglas County marina at streams within the NRA, as well as the large Winchester Bay on the Umpqua River. parking lots. Ten parking lots adjacent to lakes adjacent to it. Surf fishing is the beach provide a capacity for 1,485 increasing in popularity. The rivers, lakes Bird hunting is popular within the NRA, people. In addition, hikers precipitate and ocean are open to fishing year-around. occurring primarily on the rivers and lakes, across the open sand dunes to the beaches Clamming is primarily confined to the mud and the high water table areas adjacent to from the campgrounds and day use areas flats within the estuaries of the Siuslaw, the beach and foredunes. Some deer located on the perphery of the NRA adjacent Umpqua and Coos Rivers. hunting also occurs throughout the area. to U. S. Highway 101. The beach parking lots and the campgrounds are also the dispersal points for people entering the open sand areas on foot for hiking, sand play, or general exploration and nature study. Several undeveloped areas adjacent to Highway 101 also provide access for visitors on foot. Off-road vehicle enthusiasts utilize the ti- entire NRA west of Highway 101 with the exception of areas that have been specifically closed to them. Closed areas include the Umpqua Dunes Scenic Area "_. d4 (between Umpqua Lighthouse State Park and Tenmile Creek) and designated closures on the beaches adjacent to parking lots 1t, where heavy concentrations of foot traffic occurs, as shown on map. Approximately 85% of the NRA is open to off-road vehicles at this time. Favorite ORV play areas are the dunes between the South Jetty Road and Threemile Creek, the Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, and the dunes south of Tenmile 10@1 Creek. The beaches are also favorite ORV play areas. Wildlife and Fish The NRA and offshore waters of the Pacific Ocean are inhabited or used by 426 species of wildlife. Birds are the most numerous, including songbirds, birds of prey, and migratory birds. Although less conspicuous, a large number of mammals inhabit the area. The Columbian black-tailed deer is the most common terrestrial mammal, while the California sea lion is one of the more common marine species. The NRA is inhabited or used by 10 species of wildlife considered or suggested as being rare, endangered or peripheral in Oregon or the nation. Five of these species, the bald MV eagle, osprey, snowy plover, common egret, and the white-footed vole, are of concern because man's activities might have a detrimental effect on them. There are 83 species of fish present in the waters of the NRA. The greatest numbers are found in the estuaries. Nine species of anadromous fish use the ocean and estuaries, freshwater streams and lakes during part of their life cycles. Salmon, steelhead trout, and c6t-throat trout are the most popular with sport fishermen. In ad dition there are 20 species of freshwater In addition, two species of shellfish are fish that inKa-bit the streams and lakes. present. These are the razor clam and the The variety of wildlife provides both sport Rainbow trout, large-mouth bass, and soft-shell clam. The razor clams occur in the and pleasure to those visitors who are crappie are some of the more common sandy beaches and the soft-shell clams in hunters, fishermen, cameramen, or just like ones. the river mud flats. to observe wildlife. 9 ?I "it J Water 6 A A, The rivers and streams within and adjacent to the NRA are valuable as anadromous fish habitat. Along with the lakes, these rivers and streams also support both warm and cold water fisheries. The larger lakes, Siltcoos and Tahkenitch, are especially abundant in warm water species. International Paper Company maintains two dams, one on the Siltcoos River and the other on Tahkenitch Creek. These dams maintain the water levels of Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes. Water is pumped from Siltcoos Lake to Tahkenitch Lake and then to their pulp mill at Gardiner. Provisions in P.L. 92m260 protect their right to obtain water from these lakes. The sand dunes are an excellent aquifer. The sand absorbs and stores as fresh ground water, a large percentage of the 70 inch average annual rainfall. The Coos Baym North Bend Water Board has a 30 year term 04 special use permit for removal of ground water. The water is used for both municipal and industrial purposes. There are 18 wells in production at present. Long range plans call for a total of 64 wells, the last proposed well being just south of Tenmile Creek. The permit makes it mandatory for the Water Board to continually monitor the aquifer to prevent lake drawdown and salt water intrusion. Provisions in P.L. 92m260 protect the continuance of this operation. V, xTA "big The lakes, streams, ponds, marshes, and estuaries are ideal nesting places for migratory waterfowl. The NRA is within the Pacific Flyway. 10 Forest Cover K@ On the naturally stabilized dune surfaces /* the forest canopy is open. The trees are relatively small with their crowns showing the effect of wind forming and pruning. The shrub layer beneath is dense to the point of being an impenetrable thicket. This forest 'V@i plant community consists of shorepine, Sitka spruce, western hemlock, western redeedar, and Douglas-fir, with minor amounts of willow and red alder. The important shrub species are rhododendron, salal, evergreen huckleberry, trailing blackberry, salmonberry, thimbleberry, manzanita, Pacific waxmyrtle, and bearberry or kinnikinick. All of the forested area east of U. S. Highway 101, and most of the area west of the Highway, has been cutover from 10 to 50 years ago and is in various stages of regrowth. Most of the commercial timberland is in private ownership. Continuance of the sustained yield production of timber is protected under 92-260. There is a small provisions of RL amount of National Forest land that is classed as commercial forest land, but it has never been included in any allowable harvest calculation for the Siuslaw National Forest. This too has been cutover in the 7717- past and supports vigorous stands of second-growth timber. This timber is harvested for salvage, control of diseases, and for maintenance of aesthetics. Through the years the beach grass has spread naturally along the coast, creating a vegetated foredune adjacent to the beach Geology-Minerals the entire length of the NRA. This foredune acts as a barrier to additional sand The geological history of this area is not yet movement from the beach. The dunes are The sand within the NRA has proven to be fully understood, but research of available now feeding upon themselves as they of suitable quality for glass manufacturing. information provides some indication of slowly move eastward. Inland from the Besides the glass sand, there are no other past significant events. foredune the sand is removed by wind mineral values within the NRA. There are no action down to the water table. This moist known valid mineral or other claims within Most of the area is related to Tertiary (60 sand creates an ideal seedbed, with natural the area. Public Law 92-260, the Act million years ago) and Pliestocene (one vegetative succession occurring very creating the National Recreation Area, million years ago) activities and deposition rapidly. Scientists predict that within 90-200 withdrew all lands in the area from entry materials (sedimentary formation) formed years the Oregon Dunes will be vegetated under both the Mining and Mineral Leasing during these periods, due to the existence of the foredune barrier. Laws. Through geologic time, mountains were created, volcanic activity took place, the ocean rose and fell several times, and there were several cycles of glaciation. At the end of the last (Wisconsin Period) glaciation, the present sand dune activity began. As the glaciers melted and the sea rose, the sand moved inland ahead of the advancing ocean, reaching its maximum development at the end of submergence, about 6000 years ago. The breakdown of older geologic formations along the coast and within the distant interior marks the origin of the sand making up the present dunes. The sand is transported by the rivers to the ocean. The offshore currents distribute it along the coastline. The tides and waves move the sand up onto the beach where it becomes exposed to the wind and is blown inland. 5'k'@j` The movement of sand from the beaches to the dunes has been seriously disrupted within the last 30-50 years by the introduction and spread of European beach 4'@' 9 rass. European beach grass was planted near the mouths of navigable rivers years ago to prevent sand from blowing into and ?4 blocking the channels of these rivers. 12 Wilderness The Wilderness Act, Public Law 88-577, The term "untrammeled" as used in the defines Wilderness as: Wilderness Act means an area where action by man has not or should not impede the "A wilderness, in contrast with those areas free play of natural forces. Wilderness is a where man and his own works dominate the characteristic of the land - an aura or landscape, is hereby recognized as an area distinctive atmosphere - which can be where the earth and its community of life readily recoanized by a person on that land. are untrammeled by man, where man Manipulation, or trammeling, of the flora himself is a visitor who does not remain. An and/or fauna or the surface of the land by area of wilderness is further defined to man would destroy that atmosphere, but mean in this Act an area of undeveloped that atmosphere could also be eroded or Federal land retaining its primeval character destroyed by external and internal and influence, without permanent influences which may have very little or no improvements or human habitation, which physical effect on the area or its biota. is protected and managed so as to preserve Forage its natural conditions and which (1) One of the qualifications of wilderness is generally appears to have been affected that it must contain undeveloped Federal Being almost one-third open sand at the primarily by the forces of nature, with the lands retaining its primeval character and present and over one-half open sand 50 imprint of man's work substantially influence. Lands that have been developed years ago, there is little evidence of grazing unnoticeable; (2) has outstanding or modified by man do not retain this of domestic livestock in the NRA. There was opportunities for solitude or a primitive and primeval character. Intensively managed some grazing in the vicinity of Tenmile unconfined type of recreation; (3) has at forests, developed recreation sites or areas Creek, but it was rather minor. At present least five thousand acres of land or is of of extensive vegetative modification are there is one owner who grazes some cattle sufficient size as to make practicable its examples where primeval character is on his land. He converted a shorepine forest preservation and use in an unimpaired lacking. Primeval character may also be to pasture prior to the NRA Act. condition; and (4) may also contain influenced by nearby developments or ecological, geological, or other features of activities. Private, State, or County lands The NRA is not suited for production of scientific, education, scenic, or historical may not be included in the Wilderness forage for domestic livestock. value. Preservation System. 13 An area of wilderness must be of at least 5,000 acres or of sufficient size to make practical its preservation and use in an unimpaired condition. For an area to be managed in an unimpaired condition, it must have a readily recognizable boundary. Wilderness boundaries should be located Wilderness is further defined as an area to: (1) avoid conflict with important existing without permanent improvements or human or potential public uses outside the habitation. Residential developments, boundary which might result in demands for homes or recreation cabins may not occur invasion of the Wilderness with within a wilderness. nonconforming structures or activities; (2) be readily and accurately described, A wilderness must generally appear to have established and recognized on the ground; been affected primarily by the forces of and (3) where possible, conformwith terrain nature with the imprint of man's work or other features that will constitute a @@ntially unnoticeable. Modification of subst barrier to prohibited uses and to the extent the vegetation or development of the land practicable, act as a shield to protect the reduces or eliminates the impression that it Wilderness environment inside the boundary is affected primarily by the forces of nature. from the sights and sounds of civilization Evidence of man's adjacent works and their outside the Wilderness. A ridge top influences also have an effect on this generally serves this purpose much better criteria. than does a canyon bottom. Another characteristic inherent in the Wilderness philosophy, Wilderness wilderness resource as defined by the classification and Wilderness management Wild ,erness Act is that it must offer go hand-in-hand. All must be considered in outstanding opportunities for solitude or a studying an area for inclusion in the primitive and unconfined type of recreation. National Wilderness Preservation System. The presence of large numbers of people on an area of land, even though they are All lands within the Oregon Dunes National managed very carefully to prevent damage Recreation Area were weighed against this to the soil and vegetation or pollution of criteria for Wilderness suitability. water, will certainly erode and eventually remove this aspect of the wilderness The following pages discuss the wilderness resource. The size of the area and proximity suitability of the NRA as it relates to the to the sights and sounds of civilization also criteria for wilderness as stated in the bear a.relationship to the degree of solitude Wilderness Act. The NRA is divided into or primitive recreation experience available four sections, from north to south, to within the area. provide logical discussion points. 14 Siuslaw River - led" " 77,7 @7L7, 'MP OWERSHIP CA 0, Siltcoos River @"',-2,!`,P,,,LAlNTATI ON' A-A- ''NE-LIN V n@,@@,,"JELEPHO-, 7,777, j2 FORMER C.O.E. LAND The Siuslaw and Siltcoos Rivers have been modified by man to accommodate economic livelihoods -nearby. Extensive rock jetties on the Siuslaw River protrude into the sea so that ships, barges and fishing boats may This area includes the northern extremity of The Siltcoos Road also extends to the beach enter and leave the ocean with some degree the NRA. It is bounded by the Siuslaw River just north of the Siltcoos River mouth, of safety. Rock groins extend into the river on the north, the NRA boundary on the east, where it terminates at a large parking lot at several points in an effort to harness Siltcoos River on the south, and the Pacific with a capacity of 300 people at one time. nature so that it se@f-channehzes the river, Ocean on the west. It is approximately 10 Two Forest Service campgrounds are rather than requiring man to dredge it. miles long and ranges from one-fourth to located along this road adjacent to the north Channel markers on the shore help guide two miles wide. side of the Siltcoos River. The beaches and navigators to prevent them from running dunes in this area are focal points of activity aground. The area contains a total of 7,146 acres. for both hikers and ORV enthusiasts. This Included are 6,332 acres of Forest Service area is also popular year long. The entire tip of the Siuslaw River spit was administered lands, 250 acres owned by formerly owned by the U. S. Army Corps of Lane County, 218 acres of State land and U. S. Highway 101 near the eastern Engineers and may still be used to the 346 acres of private land (266 acres of the boundary of this area also provides several extent necessary to perform work on the private lands are located within the Inland attractions for the visitor to walk, ride or fly jetties and river bank. Lane County lands Sector). In addition, the beach is owned and into or over the area. Thousands of visitors near the eastern boundary and adjacent to controlled by the State of Oregon. to Honeyman State Park, adjacent to the the Siuslaw River may require sand NRA boundary at Cleawox Lake, hike up the stabilization plantings to reduce the arnount While portions of this area are, and gives large sand dune overlooking the lake. This of sand blowing into the channel. the appearance of being primarily affected dune is located within the NRA. Many by the forces of nature as witnessed by the continue on to the beach, which is visible to Hundreds of acres of open sand dunes have giant sand dunes gradually inundating the the west. A large Girl Scout organization been stabilized with exotic plant species to forests, man's works are substantially camp is located on the shiores of Cleawox control the movement of sand, thus noticeable throughout. Lake immediately north of Honeyman State protecting man's improvements and Park and within the NRA. Two private dune preventing additional siltation of the rivers. Two paved access roads lead to the beach, buggy concessions south of Honeyman Species planted were European beach pouring several hundred thousand visitors State Park offer excursions into the NRA grass. scotch broom, and shorepine. annually into this narrow area. The South from bases located adjacent to the NRA Jetty Road protrudes into the northern tip of boundary. A floatplane concession In the past, extensive areas were drilled to the NRA for about five miles, with over operating from Woahink Lake provides grain to provide feed to wildlife and 3-1/2 miles of this road paralleling the scenic flights over the NRA for visitors waterfowl existing within the area. These beach. Six beach parking lots and one river travelling U.S. Highway 101. Additional plantings occur adjacent to the South Jetty parking lot are adjacent to this road. Visitor visitors emanate from commercial Road and north of the Si(tcoos use of this road is heavy all year, with enterprises and private homes all along this Campgrounds. Viewing of wildlife. beachcombing, wildlife viewing, jetty portion of the highway adjacent to the NRA. particularly the large populations of fishing and dune buggying the most popular Tyee Campground and boat ramp are whistling swans attracted to the area. is activities. The parking facilities along this located on the east side of the Highway now a popular activity for winter visitors to road accommodate 565 persons at one time. where it crosses the Siltcoos River. the NRA. 16 The area is too developed, small, narrow and close to civilization to offer an opportunity for solitude or a primitive and The Siltcoos River has been harnessed by a unconfined type of recreation. Primeval steel and concrete dam so that the level of character exists immediately upon areas of water in Siltcoos Lake may be regulated to open sand but is lost as one looks in any allow withdrawal for paper manufacturing direction to see evidence of man's purposes. The dam is located within the developments and modifications of the NRA. The gates are regulated with large landscape. electric motors. Heavy equipment access is The thick, almost impenetrable, coastal required for maintenance. vegetation requires that visitors precipitate to areas of open sand. This increases the The U. S. Coast Guard maintains an visibility of other people wandering through overhead telephone line paralleling the beach for the entire segment of this area. the area, erasing the feeling of solitude that US" Maintenance of this line requires the one may gain in other areas outside the NRA where vegetation serves as a natural continual use of motorized equipment on the primitive sand road paralleling this line. screen. The small tracts of commercial sized forests The area offers excellent opportunities for within the area have been harvested in the nature study, photography, sand play, day hiking. waterfowl hunting, camping, recent past. After logging, some of these tracts in the vicinity of Cleawox Lake were beachcombing, and dune buggying. The area also contain,-, ecological and geological subdivided. with several private homes now situated on the lots. The Oregon Dunes Act featu.res of scientific, educational and allows these homes to remain. scenic value. Cleawox Lake and the Siltcoos River estuary are meandered bodies of water and are owned by the State of Oregon. The communities of Florence, Glenada and Dunes City lie adjacent to the NRA boundaries and are readily seen from many parts of this area. The sights and sounds of civilization are readily apparent throughout this area as ON evidenced by residential developments within and adjacent to it, the heavy commercial development nearby, the motor vehicle traffic on the highways and roads within or immediately adjacent to it. and the 3 modifications of the rivers and vegetation !V J@ that man has imposed on the area. 17 Siltc Um N", SILTCO LAKE FA Ile SILTCOOS RIVER Kn NATIONAL RECREATION- AREA ROAD ,WA INLAND SECTOR PARKING LOT NO NON FEDERAL OWNERSHIP CAMPGROUND PLANTATION PICNIC AREA CUTOVER BOAT RAMP & PARKING ........ TELEPHONE LINE A NAVIGATION BEACONS RAILROAD HOUSES R - Cil@ WdW-WA- Z-0-MMA ol 'A PACIFIC OCEAN This area is bounded by the Siltcoos River Commercial timberlands are most extensive on the north, the NRA boundary on the east, within this area. Several thousand acres the Umpqua River to the south and the exist east of Highway 101 to the shores of Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lake. These Pacific Ocean on the west. It is fourteen timberlands have been all cutover from 5 to miles long and ranges from one-half mile to 50 years ago. The lands now support Large beach grass plantations are plainly two and one-half miles wide. vigorous second growth stands that are visible as modifiers of the natural This portion of the NRA contains a total of intensively managed for timber and fibre ecosystems from Carter Lake to the Siltcoos 11,459 acres. Of this total, 6,938 acres are production. Most of these timberlands are River, just south of Carter Lake to prevent Forest Service lands, 3,699 acres are privately owned and protected from eminent inundation of the highway, and near privately owned within the Inland Sector domain under the terms of the NRA Act. Tahkenitch Creek to prevent sand deposition Extensive private timberlands also occur in the river and near the Tahkenitch Dam. 120 acres are privately owned within the west of Highway 101 from .the north end of Dunes Sector, 537 acres are State of Oregon Tahkenitch Lake south to the Umpqua River. Tahkenitch Creek itself is harnessed with a lands and 165 acres are owned by Douglas These timberlands extend westward almost steel and concrete dam to regulate the water County. The beach is owned and controlled to Threemile Lake and are intensively level of Tahkenitch Lake. Water from this by the State of Oregon. managed under the principles of sustained lake is pumped to International Paper The NRA reaches its widest and narrowest yield. Non-native timber species have been Company in Gardiner for the manufacture of points within this segment. The forces of planted on some of theselands. paper. nature are apparent in the open sand dunes west of U. S. 101. The dunes are narrowest J4, within this area, also, seldom ranging over one-half mile from the beach. V This area has been substantially modlTied vr by man. The highway runs lengthwise for wv over seven miles through a portion of it within one-half to one and one-half miles of the beach. A paved access road at the north end leads to the beach and several campgrounds near the Siltcoos River. Several thousand visitors per year use this road and recreational facilities. Two major campgrounds and two small camps are located within the area adjacent to Highway 101. Two commercial resorts exist at Tahkenitch Lake, as well as a Forest Service boat ramp. Private residences are located within the NRA near the Siltcoos River, Carter Lake, Perkins Lake and Tahkenitch 114I.A, 44111 Lake. The NRA Act permits these homes to remain. In the vicinity of Threemile Creek a gravel road dissects the NRA to a point just short of the beach. 20 An etfluent pipeline is located underground adjacent to the Threemile Road. Wastes from the paper mill in Gardiner flow through this pipeline to be discharged through an offshore ocean outfall. Shutoff valves and Sim gauges located along this pipeline aid in monitoring possible leaks and the A: MEM maintenance of this line. The last valves and gauges are located near the beach. Gauges at this point are inspected daily to determine if sand has drifted over the K bubblers offshore. Access for motorized vehicles and heavy equipment is necessary for monitoring and maintenance of this pipeline. rA, Approximately midway between Threemile Creek and the tip of the Umpqua Spit, rg Iz several hundred acres have been planted to grains in the past to improve the habitat for waterfowl that migrate or winter over in the area. These have proved to be important rest and feeding areas along the Pacific Flyway. The shoreline of the Umpqua River has been extensively managed by man. A long concrete jetty with the remnants of a railroad trestle on top extends over one-half mile into the Pacific Ocean. Pile dikes extend from shore into the river to aid in channel maintenance. Bright orange navigation markers and lighted beacons are numerous along the shore. At the southern tip of the spit, several hundred acres of _iF former Army Corps of Engineer lands are available for jetty construction and maintenance work, as well as river dredge spoils placement. Lumber barges, commercial fishing boats, pleasure craft and oil tankers ply the river in large numbers. 21 Although perhaps the least accessible within the entire NRA by hikers, the North Spit of the Umpqua River is readily accessible by boat from Winchester Bay, Gardiner and Reedsport. The North Spit is a The Coast Guard telephone line parallels the favorite for clamming and waterfowl beach for nearly the entire length of this hunting, and attracts relatively large segment, requiring motorized equipment for numbers of people coming in by boat, and inspection and maintenance. off-road vehicles. The paper mill community of Gardiner and Favorite undeveloped camping sites are community of Winchester Bay are plainly along Tahkenitch Creek, Threemile Lake and visible from the North Spit of the Umpqua Barratt's Landing on the Umpqua River. River. The plume from the paper mill, with Potable water is available at these sites. associated odor, drifts across the spit However, these areas are small and during periods of easterly winds. frequently become quite crowded since the areas for camping are limited in number. Although the State and Counties have no Threemile Lake is approximately one-half plans for development of their lands at this mile north of the Threemile Road; Barratt's time, the NRA Act does not provide direct Landing is a little over one-half mile south. control over development of these lands. The narrow shape of the area, proximity to civilization and readyaccessibility preclude The opportunity for solitude or a primitive the opportunity for solitude or an and unconfined type of recreation is unconfined recreation experience. diminished by the large numbers of people using the area, the ease of accessibility, the The primeval character still exists on areas proximity to civilization and developments of open sand and naturally stabilized dunes and the small size of the area. in this area. However, the narrowness of 8, this unit, proximity to developments, Visitors emanate from the Siltcoos modification by man such as timber Campgrounds and beach parking lot in the harvesting and the intrusions of the sights northern portion. Carter and Tahkenitch and sounds of civilization nearby all reduce Campgrounds provide short trails to the the primeval character significantly. dunes. From there, hikers wander among the dunes or hike to the beach, a short Scenic, geologic, ecological, scientific and distance away. The dunes are also readily historic values are present to a high degree accessible at several points along U. S. 101 within the area. The site of Old Fort and at Tahkenitch Dam. Off-road vehicles Umpqua, established in 1859, is located utilize nearly the entire areas of open sand within this area on the North Spit of the west of U. S. 101 . Umpqua River. r 22 mATJO of ROAD Umpqua River - 'Al PARKING Z @Z q! "Wg -A, ONEF CAMPGRC NJ R '77 Wi Tenrn He Creek pga 7 5 PICNIC AR :'y @Z7 1 @TIO 42 2 77M sz BOAT RA NAVIG TI -TELEPH., 0, Ei'LIN A 4M-16 Z:04@@! NMI"- lZ A L R 0- 07 E, VS, DE, 77 W 'tt, t AM, 4 2, A% TENMILE C.O.E. LAND JETTY It is within this area that the sand dunes reach their greatest size in terms of area and height. The land itself is perhaps least modified within this area, except around the perimeter. This area is bounded on the north and east by the: NRA boundary, the south by Tenmile The beach access road and parking lots Creek and the west by the Pacific Ocean. extending one and one-half miles into the The area is approximately six miles long by NRA from the north provide ready access to two miles wide, containing a total of 5,585 hikers and off-road vehicles. Beach parking Extensive modifications of the land occurs acres. lots along this road accommodate 320 on the east side, in the form of cutover persons at one time within the NRA. The Eel Of the total acreage, 2,316 acres are owned Creek Campground in the southeastern timberlands, and beach grass plantations by the State of Oregon and are within the corner also provides an entry point for that protect the highway, the City of Umpqua Lighthouse State Park. Private numerous visitors, accommodating 465 Reedsport's water supply, and a private lands include 343 acres within the Dunes visitors. In addition, nearby State, County residence. Sector. Coos County owns 42 acres in the and private facilities accommodate 1,675 The Coast Guard telephone line parallels the vicinity of Tenmile Creek. campers and 1,500 picnickers at one time. beach the entire length, requiring motorized access for maintenance of the line. The Umpqua Lighthouse State Park is used extensively by hikers and off-road vehicles. The Umpqua Dunes Scenic area is used by hikers; being closed to ORV's. The beaches, owned and controlled by the State AIL of Oregon, are closed to ORV use in the summer due to the large amount of people in this area. The NRA Act does not provide for direct control over development of State and County lands. The developed portion of Umpqua Lighthouse State Park and the resort community of Winchester Bay lies ediately north of the NRA boundary. Imm The City of Lakeside lies adjacent to the eastern boundary next to the Umpqua D'unes Scenic Area. Extensive residential and commercial developments occur adjacent to the eastern boundary from Clear Lake to Tenmile Creek. A private home exists within the NRA boundary adjacent to the scenic area. 24 ol, From the tops of the tall dunes, nearby traffic on U. S. 101, private homes, commercial establishments, and the community of Lakeside are readily seen, as well as the beach road and river jetties. The landing pattern for the Lakeside airstrip is directly over this area. The opportunity for solitude or unconfined recreation is generally lacking throughout this area due to the large numbers of visitors, its relatively small, size and proximity to extensive developments Vr. adjacent to the area. The width of the area may be traversed in 45 minutes, while the length may be hiked in two to three hours. Hikers or visitors at widely scattered intervals are visible for long distances, due to the lack of vegetative barriers. Sound and sight intrusions also penetrate from surrounding influences, including U. S. Highway 101 nearby. The primeval character exists within this unit due to the large amount of open sand and freedom from man's physical "IR intrusions. However, the smallness of the area and the proximity of developments with intrusions of the sights and sounds of civilization diminish the primeval character. The area offers excellent opportunities fo r scientific study, especially in geology and 448-oft, 4 dunal processes. 25 26 4M., Tenmile Creek - NATION1411--kEt g-At' ROAD EA .'INLAND' .SECTO'R' PARKING South Boundar y NON -FEDERAL OWNERSHIP CAMPGRC PLANTATION PICNIC AR BOAT RA :CUTOVER ... ........... A JELEPHONE LINE NAVIGATI RAILROAD EXISTING 0 a 0 S PROPOSE[ HOUSE -1 DE 66T14 FIFE HAUSER Hwy 101 Ott llw-0-6h TENMILE . . ... .... . This portion of the National Recreation Area is bounded on the north by Tenmile Creek, the east and south by the NRA boundary and the west by the Pacific Ocean. The area The continuance of the Coos Bay-North is approximately 9 miles long and ranges Bend Water Board's operation to extract from one to two and one-half miles wide. water from the sand dunes aquifer is also The communities of Saunders Lake protected by provisions in the NRA Act. (unincorporated) , Hauser (unincorporated), Total acreage of this area is 7,996 acres. Of Eighteen wells are in existence, with and North Bend (population 8,553) are the total, 4,844 acres are Forest Service another 46 planned to extend north almost nearby. administered lands. Private lands total 2,446 to Tenmile Creek. The construction and acres within the Inland Sector and 370 acres maintenance of the wells, pipelines and within the Dunes Sector. Coos County owns monitor wells requires the use of motor The opportunity for solitude or unconfined 253 acres, with the State of Oregon owning driven machinery. recreation is nonexistant within this area 83 acres. The beaches are also owned and due to heavy developments both within and controlled by the State of Oregon. The continuance of this operation is vital to adjacent to the area. Recreation activities are many and varied the cities of North Bend and Coos Bay as a Primeval character either is lacking or will throughout this area. They include supply of potable water. In addition to the be lacking due to the utilization of the water waterfowl hunting, ocean surf fishing, proposed wells shown on the vicinity map, a aquifer and other developments and beachcombing, wildlife observation, hiking parallel system of piezometer wells will be modifications within the area. and dispersed camping, and extensive use necessary between the proposed wells and of the area by ORV's. The Horsfail Beach the beach. Electrical power and pipelines The area is long and extremely narrow and parking lot at the south end provides for 300 are necessary to pump and distribute the would be difficult or impossible to maintain visitors at one time. Blue Bill Campground, water. Monitoring, maintenance and in an unimpaired condition. Sight and just outside the NRA boundary, construction all require the use of motorized sound encroachment from the private lands accommodates 95 campers at one time. equipment. within and adjacent to the NRA further diminish the wilderness character. (The Evidence of man's activities are apparent opportunity for scientific or educational throughout the area. Examples of man's study is excellent in this area.) works are the railroad, the highway, private residences, cultivated lands, power line, wells and pipelines - including piezometer monitor wells, campgrounds and parking lots. Here again, the Coast Guard telephone line parallels the beach, requiring motorized equipment for maintenance. Most of the private land within this area 21446 acres, is within the Inland Sector. The uses and structures that were in existence on those lands as of December 31, 1970, V@0 have special protection under the provisions of P.L. 92-260. The Government's right of eminent domain has been restricted in these cases. 28 Summary of Wilderness Suitability There are ecological, geological and other features of scientific, educational, scenic or In summary, man's activities both within historic values in the NRA and the and adjacent to the Oregon Dunes National opportunity for study of these values is Recreation Area have been many and varied. definitely present; however, this He has left his imprint over most of the opportunity exists now and will continue to area. Jetties at the mouths of the major be present in the future. rivers, navigational aidsand beacons along the rivers, roads, highways, parking lots, The opportunity for solitude or a primitive campgrounds, picnic grounds, boat ramps, and unconfined type of recreation is marinas, powerlines, telephone lines, generally lacking throughout the NRA due railroad, logging, water wells and pipelines, to the large numbers of visitors, small size, plantations of grass, shrubs and trees,, and modifications and developments within residences and a cemetery are some of the or adjacent to the area. indications of man's presence. Even the beaches and estuaries show long lasting Modifications of the landscape or vegetation evidence of man. Sawn logs, lumber and within the NRA materially reduces the stumps have washed down the rivers or natural character of the area and primeval floated in from the sea, leaving a strong character is generally lacking. The imprint of man's activities on the beaches. possibilities for management in an unimpaired condition are remote. The configuration of the NRA, long - @8-1 / 4 m i I es of beach, and narrow - 2-3 / 4 There is no area of 5,000 acres or more miles wide at the widest point, with a major within the NRA where the evidence of man U. S. Highway either within or immediately is substantially unnoticeable. Areas of less adjacent to the eastern boundary for most of than 5,000 acres within the NRA that are its length, and the presence of eleven free of man's influence cannot be managed communities and cities adjacent or nearby in an unimpaired condition. Outside does not lend a wilderness atmosphere to influences, including the sights and sounds the area. The sights and sounds of of civilization, encroach now on this long civilization encroach and are apparent and narrow coastal strip. These influences throughout the entire NRA. will increase in the future. 29 Fire management is another area of major concern. Fire occurrence is high and has Throughout the NRA, suitable natural increased with the number of visitors. wilderness boundaries that may be readily Summers are generally quite cool. Visitors identified on the ground are lacking. The build camp or warming fires on the beach in Pacific Ocean and rivers or streams do piles of driftwood and then do not put them provide natural identifiable boundaries; out. A few days of drying weather and the however, good identifiable boundaries to beach grass will burn almost any time of the east are lacking, since the NRA Providing the opportunity for a high quality year at a high rate of spread. A major f ire on boundaries generally follow legal outdoor recreation experience for the visitor, naturally stabilized dune surfaces in the subdivisions. Since the majority of while still maintaining the integrity of the transition forest could be disastrous. Beach developments and activities emanate from area, is of prime concern. This will require grass will come back the next year but the this direction, any wilderness would be the cooperation of both the private and transition forest and native vegetation will highly susceptible to violations, or non- public (Federal, State and County) sectors. not. This would expose the sand to high conforming uses. It is to this end that the management plan winds, causing problems of accelerated for the area is being directed. Both the sand movement onto U. S. Highway 101, An area near the eastern perimeter that is National Recreation Area and the private lands, lakes, streams and homes or highly recognizable on the ground is the surrounding vicinity already receive heavy other improvements. zone of confrontation between the open recreation use. More visitors will come now dunes and the vegetation line. This area is that it has a national designation, and more An equal but opposite management concern gradually moving eastward, however, so may be accommodated without sacrificing is related to the sand supply of the open would not make suitable boundaries. the values which led to its designation as a dunes themselves. The spread of European National Recreation Area. beach grass along the coast has caused the The locations of the small rivers and foredune adjacent to the beach to build up streams fluctuate for considerable distances Public Law 92-260, which created the to such proportions that the sand supply north or south of their present mouths. Oregon Dunes, provided that existing uses moving in from the beach to replenish the Tenmile, Tahkenitch and Siltcoos outlets of private lands, including residential, dunes has been effectively blocked. As the have all moved up to one mile within the industrial or commercial, sustained yield dunes slowly move eastward, the sand on past ten years. timber harvest and private non-commercial the west side is removed down to the water recreational uses may continue without table. This creates an ideal seedbed for Random boundaries across open sand threat of the Government exercising its right pioneer plant species. This area, known as would be impossible to maintain, due to the of eminent domain. Nearly 25 percent of the the deflation plain, is increasing in width at shifting sand, either burying or toppling any NRA is in private ownership. such an alarming rate that it has led to identification markers. Configuration of the scientific speculation that within 90-200 dunes changes significantly with the P. L. 92-260 also provides for the years the spectacular Oregon Dunes will no seasons, so that points of reference could continuance of water utilization from longer exist as they are known today - they become easily confused or lost. Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes, as well as will be vegetated. Special management from the aquifer in the south end of the measures to remove the foredune obstacle This analysis of all the lands within the NRA. In addition, the U. S. Army Corps of may be necessary at some time in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area has Engineers,and the U. S. Coast Guard may future. The use of heavy equipment might determined that no portion of the area continue to utilize lands they formerly be required if studies indicate that this meets the requirements for wilderness as administered. would be necessary. stated in the Wilderness Act, P.L. 88-577. 30 Public Law 88-571 88th Congress, S. September 3. 1964 an,act To establish a National Wilderness Preservation System of the whole people, and for other Be it enacted by the Senate and House of I United States of America in Congress assembled SHORT TITLE SECTION 1. This Act may be cited as the "Wild WILDERNESS SYSTEM ESTAELISHED STATEMENT SEc. 2. (a) In order to assure that an increasing panied by expanding settlement and occupy and modify all areas within sions, leavin no lands desinated for preservat it f condition, it is hereby declared Congress to Secure for the American people o generations the benefits of an enduring resourc this purpose there is hereby established a Nation vation System to be composed of federally owne Congress as "wilderness areas", and theft shqal the use and enjoyment of the American people leave the in unimpaired for future use and enjoym so as to provide for the protection of them are their wilderness character, and for the gathering information regarding their use and enjoyment Federal lands shall be designated as "wilderness vided for in this Act or by a subsequent Act. (b) The inclusion of an area in the National W System notwithstanding, the area shall continue Do artment and a having jurisdiction t ore its inclusionqgiennette National Wildermess unless otherwise provided by Act of CongTess. N be available for the payment of ex nses or sat tration of the National Wilderness reservation unit nor shall any appropriations be available fo stated as being required solely for the pur administering areas solely because they -am National Wilderness Preservation System. DZFINITION OF WDRA (c) A wilderness, in contrast with those are wn works dominate the landscape., is hereby where the earth and its community of life am where man himself is a visitor who does not wilderness is further defined to mean in this veloped Federal land retaining its primeval ch -manent improvements or human hab without per (1) generally appears to have been affected prim tected and managed so as to preserve its natural pature, with the imprint of man's work subst (2) has outstanding opportunities for solitude o confined type of recreation; (3) has at least five t or is of sufficient size as to make radicable its p an unimpaired condition; and may also co Pub. Law 88-577 - 2 - September 3, 1964 September 3, 1964 - 3 - Pub. Law 88-577 logical, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic or historical Colorado, if the Secretary determines tht such ac value. interest. (c) Within ten years after the effective date of this Act the Secretary Report to NATIONAL WILDERNESS PRESERVATION SYSTEM - EXTENT OF SYSTEM of the Interior shall review every roadless area of five thousand con- President, tiguous acres or more in the national parks, monuments and other units Sec. 8. (a) All areas within the national forests classified at least 30 of the national park system and every such area of, and every roadless days before the effective date of this Act by the Secretary of Agricul- island within, the national wildlife refuges and game ranges, under his ture or the Chief of the Forest Service as "wilderness", "wild", or jurisdiction on the effective date of this Act and shall report to the "canoe" are hereby designated as wilderness areas. The Secretary of President his recommendation as to the suitability or non suitability Agriculture shall-- of each such area or island for preservation as wilderness. The Presi- Presidential (1) Within one year after the effective date of this Act, file a dent shall advise the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the recommendation map and legal description of each wilderness area with the In- House of Representatives of his recommendation with respect to the to Congress, terior and Insular Affairs Committees of the United States Senate designation as wilderness of each such area or island on which review and the House of Representatives, and such descriptions shall has been completed, together with a map thereof and a definition of its have the same force and effect as if included in this Act: Provided, boundaries. Such advice shall be given with respect to not less than however, That correction of clerical and typographical errors in one-third of the areas and islands to be reviewed under this subsection such legal descriptions and maps may be made. within three years after enactment of this Act, not less than two-thirds (2) Maintain, available to the pubtic, records pertaining to said within seven years of enactment of this Act, and the remainder within wilderness areas, including maps and legal descriptions, copies of ten years of enactment of this Act. A recommendation of the Presi- Congressional regulations governing them, copies of public notices of, and re- dent for designation as wilderness shall become effective only if so pro- approval, ports submitted to Congress regarding pending additions, elimina- vided by an Act of Congress. Nothing contained herein shall, by tions, or modifications. Maps, legal descriptions, and regulations implication or otherwise, e construed to lessen the present statutory pertaining to wilderness areas within their respective jurisdic- authority of the Secretary of the Interior with respect to the mainte- tions also shall be available to the public in the offices or regional nance of roadless areas within units of the national park system. foresters, national forest supervisors, and forest rangers. (d) (1) The Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Suitability, Interior shall, prior to submitting any recommendations to the Presi- Classification, (b) The Secretary of Agriculture shall, withing ten years after the dent with respect to the suitability of any area for preservation as enactment of this Act, review, as to its suitability or nonsuitability wilderness-- preservation as wilderness, each area in the national forests classified on the effective date of this Act by the Secretary of Agriculture or the (A) give such public notice of the proposed action as they deem Publication in Chief of the Forest Service as "primitive" and report his findings to appropiiate, including publication in the Federal Register and in Federal Register, Presidential the President. The President shall advise the United States Senate a newspaper having general circulation in the area or areas in the recommendation and House of Representatives of his recommendations with respect to vicinity of the affected land; to Congress, the designation as "wilderness" or other reclassification of each area on (B) hold a public hearing or hearings at a location or locations Hearings, which review has been completed, together with maps and a definition convenient to the area affected. The hearings shall be announced of boundaries. Such advice shall be given with respect to not less than through such means as the respective Secretaries involved deem one-third of all the areas now classified as "primitive" within three appropriate, including notices in the Federal Register and in Publication in years after the enactment of this Act, not less thin two-thirds within newspapers of general circulation in the area: Provided, That if Federal Register, seven years after the enactment of this Act, and the remaining areas the lands involved are located in more than one State, at least one Congressional within ten years after the enactment of this Act. Each recommenda- hearing shall be held in each State in which a portion of the land approval, tion of the President for designation as "wilderness" shall become lies; effective only i so provided by an Act of Congress. Areas classified (C) at least thirty days before the date of a hearing advise the 78 STAT. 891. as "primitive" on the effective date of this Act shall continue to be Governor of each State and the governing board of each county, or 78 STAT. 892. administered under the rules and regulations affecting such areas on in Alaska the borough, in which the lands are located, and Federal the effective date of this Act until Congress has determined otherwise. departments and agencies concerned, and invite such officials and Any such area may be increased in size by the Presidentst the time Federal agencies to submit their views on the proposed action at he submits his recommendations to the Congress by not more than five the hearing or by no later than thirty days following the date of thousand acres with no more than one thousand two hundred and the hearing. eighty acres of such increase in any one compact unit; if it is proposed (2) Any views submitted to the appropriate Secretary under the to increase the size of any such ares, by more than five thousand acres or provisions of (1) of this subsection with respect to any area shall be by more than one thousand two hundred and eighty acres in any one included with any recommendations to the President and to Congress compact unit the increase in size shall not become effective until acted with respect to such area. upon by Congress. Nothing herein contained shall limit the President (e) Any modifleation or adjustment of boundaries of any wilder- Proposed modi- ness area shall be recommended by the appropriate Secretary after fication, in proposing, as part of his recommendations to Congress, the altera- tion of existing boundaries of primitive areas or recommending the public notice of such proposal and public hearing or hearings as addition of any contiguous area of national forest lands predominantly provided in subsection (d) of this section. The proposed modification or adjustment shall then be recommended with map and description of wilderness value. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this thereof to the President. The President shall advise the United Act, the Secretary of Agriculture may complete his review and delete States Senate and the House of Representatives of his recommenda- such area as may be necessary but not to exceed seven thousand acres, tions with respect to such modification or adjustment and such recom- from the southentip of the Gore Range-Eagles Nest Primitive Area, 32 Pub. Law 88-S77 - 4 - September 3. 1964 September 3, 1964 - 4 - Pub. Law 88-577 mendation shall become effective only in the same manner as pro- SPECIAL PROVISIONS vided for in subsections (b) and (c) of this section. (d) The follow ing special provisions am hereby made: USE OF WILDERNESS AREAS (1) Within wilderness areas designated by this Act the use of aircraft or motorboats, where these uses have already become estab- Sec. 4. (a) The purposes of this Act are hereby declared to be within lished, may be permitted to continue subject to such restrictions as the and supplemental to the purposes for which national forests and units Secretary of Agriculture deems desirable. In addition, such meas- of the national park and national wildlife refuge systems are estab- ures may be taken as may be necessary in the control of fire, insects, lished and administered and- and diseases, subject to such conditions as the Secretary deems (1) Nothing in this Act shall be deemed to be in interference desirable. with the purpose for which national forests are established as set (2) 'Nothing in this Act shall prevent within national forest wilder- 16 SC 475. forth in the Act of June 4,1897 (30 Stat. 11), and the Multiple- ness areas tiny activity, including prosrting, for the purpose of 16 SC 528-531. Use Sustained- Yield Act of June 12, 1960 (74 Stat. 215). gathering information about mineral or other resources, for the purpose of (2) Nothing in this Act shall modify the restrictions and pro- is carri on in a manner compatible with the preservation of the visions of the Shipstead-Nolan Act (Public Law 539, Seventy- wilderness environment. Furthermore, in accordance with such pro- 16 USC 577-577b. first Congress, July 10, 1930; 46 Stat. 1020), the Thye-Blatnik grain as the Secretary of the Interior shall develop and conduct in Act (Public L@aw 733, Eightieth Congress, June 22,1948; 62 Stat. consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, such areas shall be 16 USC 577c.577h. 568), and the Humphrey-Thye-Blatnik-Andresen Act (Public surveyed on a planned, recurrink basis consistent with the concept of 16 USC 577d-1, Law 607, Eighty-fourth Congress, June 22, 1956; 70 Stat. 326) wilderness preservation by the Geological Survey and the Bureau of 577g1, 577h. as applying to tfie Superior National Forest or the regulations of Mines to determine the mineral values, if any, that may be present; the Secretary of Agriculture. and the results of such surveys shall be made available to the public (3) Nothing in this Act shall modify the statutory authority and submitted to the President and Congress. under which units of the national park system are created. (3) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, until mid- Mineral leases, Further, the designation of any area of any park, monument, or night December 31, 1983, the United States mining laws and all laws claims, etc. other unit of the national park system as a wilderness area pertaining to mineral leasing shall, to the same extent as applicable pursuant to this Act shall in no, manner lower the standards prior to the effective date of this Act, extend to those national forest evolved for the use and preservation of such park, monument, or lands designated by this Act as "wilderness areas"; subject, however, other unit of the national park system in accordance with the Act to such reasonable regulations governing ingress and egrees as may 39 Stt. 535. of August 25, 1916, the statutory authority under which the area be prescribed by the Secretary of Agriculture consistent with the use 16 USC 1 et 8qM. was created, or any other Act of Congress which might pertain of the land for mineral location and development and exploration, to or affect such area, including, but not limited to, the Act of drilling, and production, and use of land for transmission lines, water- June 8, 1906 (84 Stat. 225; 16 8qU.S.C. 432 at seq.) ; section 3 (2) lines, telephone lines, or facilities necessary in exploring, drilling, 41 Stt. 1063. of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 796 (2)); and the Act of producing, mining, and processing operations, including where essen- 49 Stat. 838. August 21, 1935 (49 Stat. 666; 16 U.S.C. 461 et seq.). tial the use of mechanized ground or air equipment and restoration as (b) Except as otherwise provided in this Act, each agency admin- near as practicable of the surface of the land disturbed in performing istering any area designated as wilderness shall be responsible for prospecting, location, and, in oil and gas leasing, discovery work, preserving the wilderness character of the area and shall so administer exploration, drilling, and production, as soon as they have served their such area for such other purposes for which it may have been estab- purpose. Mining locations lying within the bourdaries of said wil- 78 STA , 893, lished as also to preserve its wilderness character. Except as other- derness areas shall be held and used solely for mining or processing 78 STAT. 894, wise provided in this Act, wilderness areas shall be devoted to the operations and uses reasonably incident thereto; and hereafter, sub- public purposes of recreational, scenic, scientific, educational, conser- ject to valid existing rights, all patents issued under the mining laws vation, and historical use. of the United States affecting national forest lands designated by this Act as wilderness areas shall convey title to the mineral deposits 78 STAT. 894. PROHIBITION OF CERTAIN USES within the claim, together with the right to cut and use so much of the 78 STAT. 895. mature timber therefrom as may be needed in the extractuibm removal, (e) Except as specifically provided for in this Act, and subject to and beneficiation of the mineral deposits, if needed timber is not existing private rights, there shall be no commercial enterprise and no otherwise reasonably available, and if the timber is cut under sound permanent, road within any wilderness ares, designated by this Act principles of forest management as defined by the national forest rules and regulations, but each such patent shall reserve to the United and, except as necemiry to meet minimum requirements for the admin- States all title in or to the surface of the lands and products thereof, istration of the area for the puryme. of this Act (including measures required in emwIMneies involving the health and safety of persons and no use of the surface of the claim or the resources therefrom not within the area), there shall be no temporary road, no use of motor reasonably required for carrying on mining or prospecting shall be vehicles, motorized equipment or motorboats, no landing of aircraft, allowed except as otherwise expressly provided in this Act: Provided, no other form of mechanical transport, and no structure or installation That, unless hereafter specificially authorized, no patent within wil- within any such area. derness areas designated by this Act shall issue after December 31, 1983, except for the valid claims existing on or before December 31, 1988. Mining claims located after the effective date of this Act within the boundaries of wilderness areas designated by this Act shall create no rights in excess of those rights which may be patented under the 33 Pub. Law 88-577 - 6 - September 3, 1964 September 3, 1964 - 7 - Pub. Law 88-577 provisions of this subsection. Mineral leases, permits, and licenses 78 STAT. 898. covering lands within national forest wilderness areas designated by causes to be relinquished to the United States the mineral interest in this Act shall contain such reasonable stipulations as may be prescribed the surrounded land. by the Secretary of Agriculture for the protection of the wilderness (b) ln any case where valid mining claims or other valid occu- pancies are wholly within a designated national forest wilderness character of the land consistent with the use of the land for the pur- poses for which they are leased, permitted, or licensed. Subject to area, the Secretary of Agriculture shall, by reasonable regulations valid rights then existing, effective January 1, 1984, the minerals in consistent with the preservation of the area as wilderness, permit lands designated by this Act as wilderness areas are withdrawn from ingress and egress to such surrounded areas by means which have been all forms of appropriation under the mining laws and from disposition or are being customarily enjoyed with respect to other such areas under all laws pertaining to mineral leasing and all amendments similarly situated. thereto. (c) Subject to the appropriation of funds by Congress, the Secre- Acquisition, Water resources. (4) Within wilderness areas in the national forests designated by tary of Agriculture is authorized to acquire privately owned land this Act, (1) the President may, within a specific area and in accord- wRin the perimeter of any area, designated by this Act as wilderness ance with such regulations as he may deem desirable, authorize if (1) the owner concurs in such acquisition or (2)the acquisition is prospecting for water resources, the establishment and maintenance speelfically authorized by Congress. of reservoirs, water-conservation works, power projects, transmission lines, and other facilities needed in the public interest, including the GIFTS, BEQUESTS, AND CONTRIBUTIONS road construction and maintenance essential to development and use Sec. 6. (a) The Secretary of Agriculture may accept gifts or bequests thereof upon his determination that such use or uses in the specific of land within wilderness areas designated by this Act for preservation area will lietter Serve the interests of the United States and the people as wilderness. The Secretary of Agriculture may also accept gifts or thereof than will its denial; and (2) the grazing of livestock, where bequests of land adjacent wilderness areas designated by this Act established prior to the effective date of this Act, shall be permitted for preservation as wilderness if he has given sixty days advance notice to continue subject to such reasonable regulations as are deemed thereof to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of necessary by the Secretery of Agriculture. Representatives. Land accepted by the Secretary of Agriculture under (5) Other provisions of this Act to the contrary notwithstanding, this Section shall become part of the wilderness area involved. Regula- the managanent of the Boundary Waters, Canoe Area, formerly desig- tions with regard to any such land may be in accordance with such nated as the Superior, Little Indian Sioux, and Caribou Roadless agreements, consistent with the policy of this Act, as are made at the Areas, in the Superior National Forest, Minnesota, shall be in accord- ance with restritions established by the Secretary of Agriculture in time of such gift or such conditions, consistent with such policy, as accordance with the general purpose of maintaining, without unneces- may be included in, and accepted with, such bequest. (b) The Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior is sary restrictions on other uses, including that of timber, the primitive authorized to swept private contributions and gifts to be used to fur- character of this area, particularly in the vicinity of lakes, streams, ther the purposes of this Act. and portages: Provided, That nothing in this Act shall preclude the continuance within the area of any already established use of ANNUAL REPORTS motorboats. () Commercial services may be performed within the wilderness Sec. 7. At the opening of each session of Congress, the Secretaries areas designated by this Act to the extent necessary for activities which of Agriculture and Interior shall jointly report to the President for are proper for realizing the recreational or other wilderness purposes transmission to Congess on the status of the wilderness system, includ- of the areas. ing a list and descriptions of the areas in the system, regulations in (7) Nothing in this Act shall constitute an express or implied claim effect, and other pertinent information, together with any recommenda- or denial on the part of the Federal Government as to exemption from tions they may care to make. 78 STAT. 895. State water laws. 78 STAT. 896. (8) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as aftecting the juris- Approved September 3. 1964. diction or responsibilities of the several States with respect to wildlife and fish in the national forests. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: STATE AND PRIVATE LANDS WITH WILDERNESS AREAS Sec. 5. (a) In any case where State-owned or privately owned land HOUSE REPORTS: No. 1538 ACCOMPANYING H. R. 9070 (Comm. on Interior & is completely surrounded by national forest lands within areas desig- Insular Affairs) and No. 1829 (Comm. of Conference). nated by this Act as wilderness, such State or private owner shall be SENATE REPORT No. 109 (Comm. on Interior A Insular Affairs). given such rights as may be necessary to assure adequate access to CONGRESSIONAL RECORD: such State-owned or privately owned land by such State or private Vol. 109 (1963): Apr. 4 8,considered in Senate. owner and their successors in interest, or the State-owned land or Apr. 9, considered and passed Senate. privately owned land shall be exchanged for federally owned land in Vol. 110 (1964): July 28, considered in House. July 30, considered and passed the same State of approximately equal value under authorities avail- in lieu of H. R. 9070. Transfers, re- able to the Secretary of Agneulture: Provid however, That the Aug. 20, House and Senate striation. United States shall not transfer to a State or private owner any report. mineral interests unless the State or private owner relinquishes or 34 Public Law 92-260 Pub. Law 92-260 - 2 - March 23, 1972 92nd Congress, S. 1977 March 23, 1972 (c) timberlands under sustained yield management so long as the Secretary determines that such management is being con- ducted in accordance with standards for timber production, includ- AN ACT ing but not limited to harvesting reforestation, and debris L, To establish the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area to the State of Oregon, cleanup, not less stringent than management standards imposed and for other purposes by the Secretary on comparable national forest lands: Provided, That the Secretary may acquire such lands or interests therein Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the without the consent of the owner if he determines that such lands Oregon Dunes United States of America in Congress assembled, That, in order to or interests are essential for recreation use or for access to or pro- National Recre- provide for the public outdoor recreation use and enjoyment of cer- tection of recreation developments within the purposes of this ation Area, Establishment. tain shorelines and dunes, forested areas, fresh water lakes, and Act. In any acquisition of such lands or interests the Secretary recreational facilities in the State of Oregon by present and future shall, to the extent practicable, minimize the impact of such generations and the conservation of scenic, scientific, historic, and acquisition on access to or the reasonable economic use for sus- other values contributing to public enjoyment of such lands and tained yield forestry of adjoining lands not acquired; and waters, there is hereby established, subject to valid existing rights, the (d) property used on December 31, 1970, primarily for private, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (hereinafter referred to noncommercial recreational purposes if any improvements made as the "recreation area") to such property after said date are certified by the Secretary of Administration, Sec. 2. The administration, protection, and development of the Agriculture or his designees as compatible with the purposes of this Act. recreation area shall be by the Secretary of Agriculture (hereinafter called the "Secretary") in accordance with the laws, rules, and regula- Sec. 8. (a) Within the boundaries of the recreation area lands, tions applicable to national forests, in such manner as in his judgment waters, and interests therein owned by or under the control of the will best contribute the attainment of the purposes set forth in section State of Oregon or any political subdivision thereof may be acquired only by donation or exchange. 1 of this Act. "Inland Sector." Sec.3. The portion of the recreation ares. delineated as the "Inland (b) No part of the Southern Pacific Railway right=of-way within Southern Pacific Sector" on the map referenced in section 4 of this Act is hereby the boundaries of the recreation area, may be acquired without the Railway right- established as an inland buffer sector in order to promote such man- consent of the railway, so long as it is used for railway purposes; of-way. agement and use of the lands, waters, and other properties within Provided, That the Secretary may condemn such easements across such sector as will be protect the values which contribute to the said right-of-way as he deems necessary for ingress and egress. purposes set forth in section 1 of this Act. (c) Any person owning an improved property, as hereafter defined, Owners of improved Map. Sec. 4. The boundaries of the recreation area, as well as the within the recreation area may reserve for himself and his assigns, as property, reten- boundaries of the inland sector included therein, shall be as shown a condition of the acquisition of such property, a right of use and sion rights. on a map entitied "Proposed Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area" occupancy of the residence and not in excess of three acres of land on dated May 1971, which is on file and available for public inspection which such residence is situated. Such reservation shall be for a term in the Office of the Chief, Forest Service, Department of Agriculture ending at the death of the owner, or the death of his spouse, whichever and to which is attached and hereby made a part thereof a detailed occurs later, or, in lieu thereof, for a definite term not to exceed desription by metes and bounds of the exterior boundaries of the twenty-five years: Provided, That, the Secretary may exclude from Exclusion. Revision. recreation area and of the inland sector. The Secretary may by publi- such reserved property any lands or waters which he deems necessary Publication in cation of a revised map or description in the Federal Register correct for public use, access, or development. The owner shall elect, at the Federal Register. clerical or typographical errors in said map) or descriptions. time of conveyance, the term of the right to be reserved. Where any 86 STAT. 100 Transfer of Sec. 5. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any Federal such owner retains a right of use and occupancy as herein provided, 86 STAT. 101 Federal property. property located within tile boundaries of the recreation area is hereby such right may during its existence be conveyed or leased in whole, transferred without consideration to the administrative jurisdiction but not in part, for noncommercial residential purposes. The Secretary 6 STAT, 9 of the Secretary for use by him in implementing the purposes of this shall pay to the owner the fair market value of the property on the 86 TAT. 6W- Act, but lands presently administered by the United States Coast date of such acquisition less the fair market value on such date of the Guard or the United States Corps of Engineers may continue to be right retained by the owner. At any time subsequent to the acquisition used by such agencies to the extent required. of such property the Secretary may, with the consent of the owner tional Sec.6. The boundaries of the Siuslaw National Forest are hereby of the retained right of use and occupancy, acquire such right, in which Forest ndary extended to include all of the lands not at present within such bound- event he shall pay to such owner the fair market value of the remaining aries lying within the recreation area, as described in accordance with portion of such right. section 4 of this Act. (d) The term "improved property" wherever used in this Act shall "Improved Land acquisition Sec. 7. Within the inland sector established by section 3 of this mean a detached one-family dwelling the construction of which was property." Act the Secretary may acquire the following classes of property only begun before December 31, 1970, together with any structures accessory with the consent of the owner: to it and the land on which the dwelling is situated, the said land being (a) improved property as hereinafter defined; in the same ownership as the dwelling, as the Secretary finds necessary (b) property used for commercial or industrial purposes if for the enjoyment of the dwelling for the sole purpose of noncommer- such commercial or industrial purposes are the same such pur- cial residential use. poses for which the property was being used on December 31, Sec. 9. The Secretary shall permit hunting, fishing, and trapping on Hunting, fishing, 1970, or such commercial or industrial purposes have been certified lands and waters under his jurisdiction within the boundaries of the and trapping. by the Secretary or his designee as compatible with or further- ing the purposes of this Act; 35 March 23, 1972 - 3 - Pub. Law 92-260 Pub. Law 92-260 - 4 - March 23, 1972 recreation area accordance with applicable laws of the United (iv) the Secretary shall designate one member to be Chairman 86 STAT. 102 States and the State of Oregon, except that the Secretary may desig- and shall fill vacancies in the same manner as the original nate zones where, and establish periods when, no hunting, fishing, or appointment. trapping shall be permitted for reasons of public safety, administra- (b) The Secretary shall, in addition to his consultation with the tion, or public use and enjoyment. Except in emergencies, any advisory council, seek the views of other private groups and individ- regulation of the Secretary pursuant to this section shall be put into uals with respect to administration of the recreation are. effect only after consultation with the appropriate State fish and (c) The members shall not receive any compensation for their game department. services as members of the council, as such, but the Secretary is Mining restric- Sec. 10. The lands within the recreation area, subject to valid exist- authorized to pay expenses reasonably incurred by the council in tion. ing rights, are hereby withdrawn from location, entry, and patent carrying out its responsibilities. under the United States mining laws and from disposition under all Sec. 13. Within three years from the date of enactment of this Act, Area reviews laws pertaining to mineral leasing and all amendments thereto. the Secretary shall review the area within the boundaries of the report to Water utilza- Sec. 11. (a) The Secretary is authorized and directed, subject to recreation area and shall report to the President, in accordance with President. tion. applicable water quality standards now or hereafter established, to subsections 3(b) and 3(d) of the Wilderness Act (78 Stat. 890; 16 permit, subject to reasonable rules and regulations, the investigation U.S.C. 1132(b) and (d)), his recommendation as to the suitability for, appropriation, storage, and withdrawal of ground water, surface or nonsuitability of any area within the recreation area for preserva- water, and lake, stream, and river water from the recreation area and tion, as a wilderness, and any designation of any such area as a the conveyance thereof ontside the boundaries of the recreation area wilderness shall be accomplished in accordance with said subsection for beneficial use in accordance with applicable laws of the United of the Wilderness Act. States and of the State of Oregon if permission therefor has been Sec.14. The Secretary shall cooperate with the State of Oregon or Federal-State obtained from the State of Oregon before the effective date of this any political subdivision thereof in the administration of the recreation cooperation. Act: Provided, That nothing herein shall prohibit or authorize the area and in the administration and protection of lands within or prohibition of the use of water from Tahkenitch or Siltcoo Lakes in adjacent to the recreation area owned or controlled by the State or accordance with permission granted by the State of Oregon prior to political subdivision thereof. Nothing in this Act shall deprive the the effective date hereof in connection with certain industrial plants State of Oregon or any political subdivision thereof of its right to developed or being developed at or near Gardiner, Oregon. exercise civil and criminal jurisdiction within the recreation area con- Waste disposal. (b) The Secretary is authorized and directed, subject to applicable sistent with the provisions of this Act, or of its right to tax persons, water quality standards now or hereafter established, to permit, sub- corporations, franchises, or other non-Federal property, including ject to reasonable rules and regulations, transportation and storage mineral or other interests, in or on lands or waters within the recrea- in pipelines within and through the recreation area of domestic and tion area. industrial wastes in acordance with applicable laws of the United Sec. 15. Money appropriated from the Land and Water Conservation Appropriation. States and of the Statefof Oregon if Permission therefor has been Fund shall be available for the acquisition of lands, waters, and inter- obtained from the State of Oregon before the effective date of this ests therein within the recreation area, but not more than $2,500,000 Act. is authorized to be appropriated for such purposes. For development Additional ease- (c) The Secretary is futher autborized, subject to applicable water of the recreation area, not more than $12,700,O00 is authorized to be ments and rights. quality standards now or hereafter established, to grant such addi- appropriated. tional easementsand rights, in terms up to perpetuity, as in his judg- ment would be appropriate and desirable for the efteetive use of the Approved March 23, 1972. 86 STAT. 101 rights to water and the disposal of waste provided for herein and 86 STAT. 102 for other utility and private purposes if permission therefor has been obtained from the State of Oregon, subject to such reasonable terms and conditions as he deems necessary for the protection of the scenic, scientific, historic, and recreational features of the recreation area. Advisory council. Sec. 12. (a) The Secretary shall establish all advisory council for Establishment. the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, and shall consult on a periodic and regular basis with such council with respect to matters ISGISIATM NKSTORrt Membership. relating to management and development of the recreation area. The members of the advisory council, who shall not exceed fifteen in HOUS9 REPORT No. 92-SM oloompal0q"as R.R. $763 (C6qm number, shall serve for individual staggered terms of three years wA Insular Affaln). each and shall be appointed by the Secretary as follows: SINATZ RVORT No. 92-422 (Conol. on laftrIer and Issli: (i) a member to represent each county in %rhich a portion of CONGRESS IOUL RICOADI the recreation area is located, each such appointee to be designated Val. 217 (1971)t lbv, 4, aeuldend ad pm by the respective governing body of the county involved; VOL 1,28 (1972)1 ftr. 6, 09moldend ad passed in Uou of N.R. $763. (ii) a member appointed to represent the State of Oregon, who ftr. 249 Serats *enourrsd In shall be designated by the Governor of Oregon; V0qW4qM CqO4qMqIATqION OF qPF0qOqTqD8qWPqIAL 0q=0q=q�4q=,, Vol. 0q6 (iii) not to exceed eleven members appointed by the Secretary Mr. 14, qPqnq"6*qAqUqJ own. from among persons who, individually or through association with national or local organizations, have an interest in the admnistration of the recreation area; and 36 ca Tp.? qVir j I., 8sh. 114f b%NArj4K CENTER I I 71 3 6668 00001 3328 - I *G.P.O. 697-350