Star of
Chicago and The River Wild Takes a Stand for Ancient
Forests and Healthy Economies
Medford, Ore. —
Actor John C. Reilly returned to the banks of the Rogue River in
Southern Oregon today, not to film a movie this time, but instead
to call for greater protection and restoration of ancient forests
on U.S. public lands. Reilly, who became familiar with the Wild and
Scenic Rogue River while shooting the film The River Wild,
spoke at a press conference along with a local river rafting guide
and representatives of Greenpeace.
“I had never been to
this part of the country until I made The River Wild, and
I was awe-struck by the beauty of this place,” said Reilly. “The
Klamath-Siskiyous are some of the most magnificent forests on our
public lands, and are a part of our national heritage. I want to
make sure they are here for future generations to enjoy.”
Reilly offered his
support last week, after hearing about the opening of Greenpeace’s
Forest Rescue Station, located at the site of the proposed Kelsey
Whiskey timber sale in the Medford District of the Bureau of Land
Management. Greenpeace is collaborating closely with local
communities to stop destructive logging and foster healthy
economies through restoration, recreation and protection of ancient
forests on public lands.
“The American people
overwhelmingly support protecting ancient forests, but the Bush
Administration is ignoring their wishes,” said Pamela Wellner,
Greenpeace Forest Campaigner. “This administration has been
liquidating forests on our public lands at taxpayer expense.
Americans must demand that their tax dollars no longer be used to
fund destructive logging, but instead be used to protect and
restore forests to provide long term economic and social
benefits.”
Reilly was joined by
Joe Dapp, Operations Manager of Rogue Wilderness, Inc., who has
spent a decade guiding on the Rogue River. Born and raised in
Oregon, Dapp cited the importance of healthy forests to healthy
rivers, and of healthy rivers to a successful recreation
industry.
Recreation activities like rafting, fishing and hiking in forests
on U.S. public lands provide 30 times more jobs and revenue than
commercial logging. Greenpeace is a calling for an end to
commercial logging in ancient forests on our public lands, and a
redirection of federal funds towards restoration.
