8/20/08 Bend
 
By Doug Johnson
 
 
Most who come to the Central Oregon Badlands may not see why protecting it will be good for business. But more than 100 local businesses say that it is. Among them is Rod Bien, owner of Pandora's Backpack and Fleet Feet Sports in Bend.
 
 
"That's what's going to drive that type of customer to my store, both on a local and tourist level, and that's how I'm going to make it out here," Bien says.
 
 
Bien and others are showing strong support for legislation, introduced by Oregon Senator Ron Wyden last spring, to turn 30-thousand acres of the Badlands in Deschutes County into an official wilderness area. That is the highest level of protection public land can have, which means protection is permanent. The area is 16 miles east of Bend on Highway 20. Even some businesses that don't rely on the great out doors are joining the movement. Tyler Reichert is the owner and founder of Silver Moon Brewing in Bend.
 
 
"It benefits my business because it benefits the city, it benefits Bend, makes Bend a more attactive place to live, and to visit," says Reichert.
 
 
Wednesday, some of the business owners were sending that message to Oregon Senator Gordon Smith, to help pass the bill.
 
 
"To me, it really should be a wake up call to Senator Smith. Again there really is no reason not to have it," Bien says.
 
 
That wake up call appears to have been received. Senator Smith's Deputy Secretary stated Wednesday that: "Senator Smith supports the Badlands Wilderness bill and will continue to work with the Oregon delegation and local groups to push this legislation swiftly into law."
 
 
But not everyone is in support of completely preserving the badlands. Many in the off roading motor sports world say they are upset many trails are closing to motor vehicles. But supporters of the bill say vehicles are not currently allowed on the 30,000 acres anyway.