1) The Senate bill, introduced in December 2011 (and House version, introduced by Rep. DeFazio in November 2011) would:
A) add 60,000 acres to the existing 36,000-acre Wild Rogue Wilderness
B) protect 93 stream miles under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
C) limit mining activity on important tributary streams for salmon and steelhead.

2) The Wild Rogue Alliance is a coalition of conservationists, fishermen, raft companies, outdoor industry businesses and individuals working together to preserve the spectacular wildlands of the Lower Rogue River as a legacy for future generations. There are nearly 110 businesses that have endorsed the campaign—including local raft and fishing guides, hotel owners, restaurant owners, international clothing and footwear companies and an oar manufacturer in Talent, Oregon.

3) Local Economy
Southern Oregon’s public lands and waterways are vital assets to local families and businesses, and indeed people from around the world, who fish, raft, hike, and otherwise enjoy these areas. Visitors stay in local lodges, hire local guides, eat at local restaurants, and fill their tanks at local gas stations. “Gateway communities” like Grants Pass, Merlin and Medford benefit from their proximity to the Rogue River. The Wild and Scenic Rogue River is critically important for local economies, generating nearly $30 million and nearly 450 jobs from recreation activities each year.

4) Salmon and Wildlife
The Rogue is the largest producer of wild salmon in Oregon outside of the Columbia River. These salmon runs provide the backbone for a sport and commercial fishing economy worth millions of dollars annually to the state of Oregon. The Wild Rogue and associated tributaries provide ecologically valuable habitat for all five runs of Pacific salmon found in the Rogue River: fall and spring chinook, coho and summer and winter steelhead. The Wild Rogue area is important for a variety of wildlife species, including peregrine falcon, northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, bald eagle, river otter, osprey, black bear and many others.

5) Recreation
The Rogue is internationally recognized for its excellent fishing and boating opportunities.  Americans from across the nation come to float and kayak the Wild and Scenic Rogue and fish for salmon and steelhead. The Rogue River National Recreation Trail runs 40 miles from Grave Creek to Illahe and offers exceptional hiking opportunities through the heart of this special canyon. A vibrant commercial boating industry exists on the river, contributing significantly to the local economy. For locals, this is a place where families spend their free time and where generations of children have learned to fish, swim and camp.

6) Economic contributions
A recent economic report concluded that river-based recreation on the Wild & Scenic Rogue River, which includes rafting, fishing, hiking, and jetboat tours, accounted for at least $30 million each year. In addition, Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife and Travel Oregon issued an economic report in 2008 entitled, "Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife Viewing, and Shellfishing in Oregon: 2008 State and County Expenditure Estimates."

It found that in 2008, nearly 2.8 million Oregon residents and nonresidents participated in fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and shellfish harvesting in Oregon.

In 2008, state residents and nonresidents made three distinct types of fish and wildlife recreation expenditures: 1)Travel-Generated; 2) Local Recreation (less than 50 miles from home); and 3) Equipment Purchases (includes boats and recreation vehicles).

When all three categories are combined, fish and wildlife recreation resulted in expenditures of $2.5 billion in 2008.