Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Oregon Caves and the Devils Staircase are one step closer to being permanently protected as wilderness. A pair of bills passed through the Senate Energy Committee this week. KLCC's Rachael McDonald reports.

The 30,000 acre Devils Staircase region would be the largest wilderness area in Oregon's central coast range.

Josh Laughlin with Eugene-based conservation group Cascadia Wildlands says the area is a relic of the past.

Josh Laughlin: "Never got logged out. Never got roaded. There's wild salmon that still run up it. A myriad of other endangered species that call it home. It's truly an off-trail explorer's wonderland. There's no trails through this remote, rugged area."

The Oregon Caves legislation expands the boundaries of the 100-year-old national monument by 4,000 acres.

The Senate bills are expected to be voted on in an omnibus package of land bills in the Senate by the end of summer or early fall.