Kalmiopsis Wilderness
Kalmiopsis Wilderness

The mountains of the Kalmiopsis emerged from the ocean floor as result of geological uplift (rather than volcanism) and have been subject to folding and faulting ever since. As a result, the unique soils are packed with heavy metals including nickel, iron, chromium, and magnesium that make life hard for most plant life. To survive in this environment plants have had to evolve and adapt to get by in circumstances that would normally kill most flowering species. More than any other wilderness in the region, the Kalmiopsis is the home of oddball survivors.

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A Wilderness Celebration
A Wilderness Celebration

But what is more important is that wilderness offers something more than just its value to humanity. In wilderness is the essence of all life; it is where complex biological systems continue to function in ways that humans are only beginning to understand. Saving the remaining pieces of wild nature is part of our duty to ourselves, our children, and for all life on the planet. 

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WildernessKlamath Siskiyouconservation, ks wild, klamath-siskiyou, environment, ecosystem, biodiversity, wilderness, wilderness act, 50th anniversary, anniversary, wildlands, forests, logging, salvage, forestfire, wildfire, water, mining, grazing, cattle, clean water, community, local economy
Smith River National Recreation Area: Off-Road Vehicle Playground or Botanical Wonderland?
Smith River National Recreation Area: Off-Road Vehicle Playground or Botanical Wonderland?

The public lands in the Smith River Watershed are legendary for their unique botanical diver- sity and for providing clear, cold water to the largest un-damned river system on the West Coast. It is a stunning and spectacular part of America’s natural heritage that is literally like nowhere else on Earth. 

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Water, Wild RiversKlamath Siskiyouconservation, environment, ecosystem, klamath-siskiyou, ks wild, biodiversity, smith river, smith national recreation area, off-road vehicle, botanticals, wildflowers, wildlands, watershed, northern california, public lands, public land, clean water, west coast, fishing, botany, hiking, smith river wildlands, streams, hotspots, headwaters, water, mining, wild rivers
Wolf OR-7 is a Father
Wolf OR-7 is a Father

Good news for wolves! The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reported in June that Wolf OR-7 and his mate have at least two pups, seen peeking out from a log to the right. While OR-7’s female companion is not as well known, her untold story is just as miraculous.

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