ASHLAND, OR – On Friday, October 14th at 2:00 P.M. PT, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley will hold a public meeting at Southern Oregon University in Ashland to discuss the Senator’s proposal to expand the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. Deputy Secretary of the Interior Michael Connor will attend the public meeting along with Mayor John Stromberg of Ashand and Mayor Darby Stricker of Talent, as both cities are located near the Monument.
In August, Senators Merkley and Wyden sent a letter urging U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary to expand the monument in order to protect some of the most biodiverse public land in the United States. Due to mounting pressures from adjacent public lands and the devastating impacts of climate change on the region, scientists have urged expanding the area in order to continue protecting the native species and habitats the monument was established to protect. In addition to its unique geology, biology, climate and iconic American landscapes, the monument also benefits the economy of its surrounding small towns through increased recreation and tourism.
At Friday’s meeting, members of the community can learn more about the potential expansion of the monument and voice their opinions.
A copy of Senator Merkley’s letter requesting the meeting can be found here. A copy of a map of the proposed monument expansion can be found here.
WHO: Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley
Deputy Secretary of the Interior Michael Connor
Ashland Mayor John Stromberg
Talent Mayor Darby Stricker
WHAT: Public meeting on Senator Merkley’s proposal to expand the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument
WHERE: Rogue River Room
Stevenson Union
Southern Oregon University
1250 Siskiyou Boulevard
Ashland, Oregon 97520
WHEN: Friday, October 14th – 2:00 P.M. PT
English 
Spanish