Bipartisan Effort to Expand Smith River National Recreation Area to Protect Southwest Oregon's Scenic Natural Wonders

Strategic Insights -

US Representatives Val Hoyle (D-OR) and Jared Huffman (D-CA) have introduced the Smith River National Recreation Area (NRA) Expansion Act, a bill supported by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), to protect Southwest Oregon's scenic North Fork Smith River watershed and its world-class rivers, salmon strongholds, rare plants, clean drinking water, and recreation opportunities. The bill aims to expand the existing National Recreation Area by adding 58,000 acres in Curry County, Oregon, to the existing area in Northern California.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Smith River NRA Expansion Act would protect 75 miles of rivers as Wild and Scenic, including Baldface Creek, Chrome Creek, and nearby streams.
  • The bill would permanently prevent new mining projects in the recreation area and allow critical wildfire prevention work to continue.
  • The expansion is supported by outdoor recreation advocates, conservation leaders, and local stakeholders, including American Whitewater, Smith River Alliance, and Trout Unlimited.
  • The legislation has broad bipartisan support across Southern Oregon and Northern California, with Representatives Hoyle and Huffman citing the importance of the Smith River to local communities and economies.
  • Senator Merkley stated that the bill is a "commonsense investment in our communities and our future" and will ensure that future generations of Oregonians can enjoy public lands.

Statistics:

  • 58,000 acres will be added to the existing Smith River National Recreation Area in Curry County, Oregon.
  • 75 miles of rivers will be designated as Wild and Scenic, including Baldface Creek, Chrome Creek, and nearby streams.
  • The bill aims to protect the area's rare plants, clean drinking water, and recreation opportunities.
  • The expansion is estimated to create jobs, preserve vital resources and ecosystems, and ensure that the area remains accessible for future generations.

Sources:

  • Representative Val Hoyle (https://www.hoyle.house.gov/)
  • Representative Jared Huffman (https://huffman.house.gov/)
  • Senator Jeff Merkley (https://www.merkley.senate.gov/)
  • American Whitewater (https://www.americanwhitewater.org/)
  • Smith River Alliance (https://www.smithriver.org/)
  • Trout Unlimited (https://www.troutunlimited.org/)
  • Original text: https://www.merkley.senate.gov/reps-hoyle-huffman-senator-merkley-introduce-bill-to-expand-smith-river-national-recreation-area-into-southwest-oregon/