I am a junior at Caldera High school and interning this summer with the conservation nonprofit Oregon Wild. One of my favorite places we’ve gone hiking around Bend is Tumalo Falls. Tumalo Falls reminds me of my childhood growing up in Cambodia.
I would always love to go to the waterfalls and explore. I love the feeling of getting sprayed by cold water on a hot summer day and just enjoying the beauty. This particular waterfall is really important because Bridge Creek, which flows into Tumalo Creek near Tumalo Falls, provides the city of Bend with clean drinking water.
We need this area to be protected because fish, wildlife and all of us in Bend depend on it. Senator Ron Wyden has introduced The River Democracy Act in Congress which would help protect Tumalo Creek and many other rivers around Oregon for the clean water, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation opportunities they provide. This bill will support and protect 3,215 miles of new Wild & Scenic River designation across Oregon.
All of us who love Oregon rivers should get behind Senator Wyden and encourage Congress to pass the bill. If the bill is passed it will go a long way toward protecting Tumalo Creek and other rivers. — Sara Pipinich, Bend A big shoutout and thank you to France for the spectacular job with the 2024 Olympics.
Not only were the venues thoughtfully constructed and the athletic competitions beautiful to watch; the backdrop of Paris was a feast for the eyes and heart. Surely the city lives up to i.