May 21, 2015

Wyden, Merkley Commemorate Frank Moore Legacy with Salmon Sanctuary

Washington, D.C. – Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today recognized a fellow Oregonian’s long and distinguished legacy of conservation and habitat preservation by introducing a bill to designate more than 100,000 acres of public lands in Oregon as the “Frank Moore Wild Steelhead Sanctuary.”

The Oregon senators named their legislation in honor of Frank Moore because of his outstanding accomplishments starting in World War II and then continuing for nearly two decades as the proprietor of the Steamboat Inn along the North Umpqua River. Throughout his life, Moore has shared his passion for fishing, the river, and the outdoors with visitors from all over the world.

“Frank’s love of Oregon and his tireless work to conserve our state’s fish habitats and rivers adds up to a rich legacy that sets the standard for generations to come,” Wyden said. “I am proud to call Frank and his wife Jeanne my friends, and I am equally proud to introduce this legislation on behalf of this extraordinary Oregonian.”

“Salmon and steelhead are an iconic part of Oregon’s history, environment and culture,” Merkley said. “Preserving critical habitats is crucial to ensuring their future and protecting the recreation opportunities that Frank Moore and so many others like him have cherished here in the Northwest. I thank Senator Wyden for his leadership in proposing the Frank Moore Wild Steelhead Sanctuary and look forward to working with him and others to move this legislation forward.”

In World War II, Moore stormed the beaches of Normandy along with 150,000 troops during the D-Day Allied invasion and was awarded the Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor for his bravery. He returned home after the war, started a family, and pursued his passion of fishing on the winding rivers in Oregon.

Moore served on the State of Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission from 1971 to 1974. He has been recognized for his conservation work with the National Wildlife Federation Conservationist of the Year award, the Wild Steelhead Coalition Conservation Award; and his 2010 induction into the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame.

“Frank’s lifetime of accomplishments as a military veteran and conservation-minded Oregonian have long shown me and so many others how to live with great character and decency,’’ said Jay Nicholas, a friend of Moore’s for 20 years. “Few Oregonians have left such a profound legacy as Frank has of making our state and our country a better place to live.”

The approximately 104,000 acres of Forest Service land in the state that the bill would designate as the “Frank Moore Wild Steelhead Sanctuary” are north of the North Umpqua River around Steamboat Creek in Douglas County.