During the month of December, Mountain Rose Herbs will double your donation to Oregon Wild up to $7,000!
On Monday, November 9, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission voted 4-2 in support of removing endangered species protections for our state’s most magnetic character in the rich mosaic of life that makes our ecological heritage in Oregon so unique.
That’s right, the grey wolf is no longer protected by the State of Oregon as endangered, which is an embarrassing move that paints our wildlife values in very poor colors, especially when you take into consideration that our state is home to a measly 80+ wolves in a landmass that covers over 98,000 square miles.
Back in October, on behalf of Mountain Rose Herbs, I testified before the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife on the importance of maintaining protections for this iconic species. Sadly, we were the only business advocating for legal protection of the grey wolf.
Why are wolves important to an herb company?
We feel honored to have our business located in a state with an ecological heritage that runs so deep. From rivers, valleys, and mountain peaks, to wildlife, wetlands, and coastal rainforests, we have a gift so precious, that doing anything less would be unconscionable.
Here is a segment from my public testimony to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:
“I would like to remind all of you on the commission that it’s the rich tapestry of wildlife and wilderness that makes working here and living here all the more special, and I consider myself privileged to be able to farm and work with big wildlife, big rivers, big back country, and wolves.
I want to live, farm, and work where there are River Otter, Salmon, Elk, Bear, and Wolves. These are the things that make us as Oregonians special. These are the things that make our state unique which is a mantra we exalt to the world.”
I could not imagine being without all of the lovely things that make Oregon so beautiful. The sheer volume of our wildlife is awe inspiring to most who are introduced to it. It terrifies me to know that a keystone member of our community is being imperiled by a Commission that is cornered by cattle interests. Removing protections for our wolves is a blight upon our values.
Thankfully there is recourse being strategized by one of our state’s leading organizations, Oregon Wild! These guardians of our ecological heritage have committed themselves to maintaining safeguards for our Gray Wolves. I urge everyone who is reading this to contribute to the Mountain Rose Herbs matching gift challenge. For every dollar you donate to Oregon Wild we will match it dollar for dollar up to $7000.00. All of this money will be used for their wolf conservation work. This is the best way for everyone to double their investment in this magnificent state, and to protect an important species that matters to all of us.
Shawn Donnille
Co-Owner & Vice President
Mountain Rose Herbs
Now is the time to take advantage of this offer and make your contribution go twice as far. Please donate today!
Oregon Wild is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Memberships are 100% tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. If you have any questions regarding your membership, please email membership@oregonwild.org or call 503-283-6343 ext. 213. Thank you!