Merkley Marks One-Year Anniversary of Cascade-Siskiyou Expansion With New Video, Calls on Trump to Back Off Attacks on Oregon’s Monument

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley today released a new video marking the one-year anniversary of President Obama’s expansion of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument and calling on the Trump administration to back off of its attacks on this Oregon treasure.

“Today marks one year since President Obama expanded the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument,” Merkley said. “For nearly two decades, this bridge that connects three major geologies of our region – the Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains, the Southern Cascade Range, the Basin and Range province – has protected some of our nation’s most pristine landscapes. 

“A year ago, President Obama expanded the boundaries of the monument based on the best scientific advice and based on support in Oregon. Now, the monument better protects the area’s ecological integrity and protects its diverse natural characteristics. But now, the Trump administration is recklessly risking the future of Cascade-Siskiyou’s irreplaceable biodiversity. This national treasure belongs to the American people. It must be preserved so that all Americans can enjoy it – those who are here today and the generations to come. I will keep fighting the Trump attack on Cascade-Siskiyou, but I can’t do it alone,” Merkley concluded.

Merkley invited Oregonians to join him in the effort to save Oregon’s monument and to urge the Trump administration to “keep their hands off Cascade-Siskiyou.”

The video can be viewed on Twitter here and on Facebook here. A high-resolution, uncaptioned version of the video can also be downloaded here.

The full transcript of Merkley’s video follows. 

Greetings, I’m Senator Jeff Merkley.

And today marks one year since President Obama expanded the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.

For nearly two decades, this bridge that connects three major geologies of our region – the Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains, the Southern Cascade Range, the Basin and Range province – has protected some of our nation’s most pristine landscapes.

It has been a vital source of economic vitality for many small towns. It’s home to a wealth of historic artifacts and archaeological sites that provide us with a peek into the history of our region and the lives of Native American tribes and early pioneers.

And a year ago, President Obama expanded the boundaries of the monument based on the best scientific advice and based on support in Oregon. 

Now, the monument better protects the area’s ecological integrity and protects its diverse natural characteristics.

Public support from the people of Oregon, including small businesses, sportsmen, and local tribes, drove this effort.

But now, the Trump administration is recklessly risking the future of Cascade-Siskiyou’s irreplaceable biodiversity.

This national treasure belongs to the American people. It must be preserved so that all Americans can enjoy it – those who are here today and the generations to come.

I will keep fighting the Trump attack on Cascade-Siskiyou, but I can’t do it alone. [I’d] love to have your help.

This monument is a huge asset for Oregon – a protection of our environment, a place of solace and exploration for our people, and a boon for our businesses.

Tell the Trump administration to keep their hands off Cascade-Siskiyou. Do it by posting on your favorite social media platform using hashtag #MonumentsForAll.

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