Clean water from undisturbed forests needs little or no filtration or chemical treatment, both of which can cost communities millions of dollars. Essential habitat for fish and wildlife. Undisturbed forests provide salmon and trout for commercial and sport fishing and a wide variety of wildlife for hunting. Commercial fisherman, guides, and outfitter businesses all benefit from the bounty of wilderness. Opportunities for recreation.
Recreation is big business in Oregon.
Each year, millions of people visit public lands and engage in wilderness activities such as hiking, camping, nature study, fishing and hunting. Wilderness-based recreation is also good for the economy in indirect ways. In the past, county governments and timber companies fought Wilderness designation. They argued that permanent protection of forestlands would harm the state's economy and hurt local businesses. In reality, the opposite has occurred.