Medford, Oregon– The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issued its final resource management plan and Record of Decision for the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, a 113,500-acre area in southwestern Oregon. This plan will guide efforts to protect the monument’s biodiversity, preserve historic resources, and ensure public access and recreational opportunities.
The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument was originally designated by Presidential Proclamation 7318 in 2000 and expanded in 2017 under Presidential Proclamation 9564. The area spans three ecoregions—Cascade, Klamath, and Siskiyou—and provides critical habitat for rare plant and animal species, including ancient sugar and ponderosa pines, rock buckwheat, the threatened northern spotted owl, endangered gray wolves, and the Lost River sucker. It is also a site of cultural and historical significance, with Native American occupancy dating back thousands of years and notable natural features like Pilot Rock.
The BLM’s new plan consolidates management under a single framework, replacing three separate plans previously in use. This approach aims to ensure consistent management of the monument’s natural resources, cultural sites, and diverse ecosystems. The plan incorporates feedback gathered during a 90-day public comment period and multiple public meetings. According to the BLM, nearly 4,000 comments were submitted, and the final plan relies on the best available scientific data.
In a statement, the BLM emphasized its commitment to preserving the monument’s scientific and historic value while balancing public access. The agency’s responsibilities include maintaining the ecological integrity of the area and safeguarding its cultural heritage for future generations.
Medford Alert will continue to monitor this plan and provide updates as the monument moves through the required process.
Source: BLM
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