The Oregon Omnibus Wilderness Act of 1978 as a Component of the Endangered American Wilderness Act of 1978, Public Law 95-237

Abstract

Introduction This paper explores the political process and motivations behind passage of the Oregon Omnibus Wilderness Act of 1978 (OOWA). Through an analysis of the parties involved, a perception of values as a policy determinant for wilderness emerges. Oregon Omnibus Wilderness Act was a component of the larger national law, Endangered American Wilderness Act of 1978 (EAWA). EAWA provided further definition to the original Wilderness Act of 1964, calling for significant expansion of the National Wilderness Preservation System in the western United States. Following the Eastern Wilderness Act of 1975, The Endangered American Wilderness Act of 1978.. .extended.. .liberal policy on wilderness eligibility to the western national forests.' This question of wilderness eligibility was the focus of value conflict during the public hearings and congressional debates prior to passage of the EAWA, which included the lands in the Oregon Omnibus bill.