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Natural resources

Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act Introduced to Protect Oregon's Scenic North Fork Smith River Watershed

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle (OR-04) and Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02) have introduced the Smith River National Recreation Area (NRA) Expansion Act to safeguard the North Fork Smith River watershed in Southwest Oregon. The bill, a companion to Senator Jeff Merkley's legislation, aims to protect the area's world-class rivers, salmon strongholds, rare plants, clean drinking water, and recreation opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Smith River NRA Expansion Act would designate 75 miles of rivers as Wild and Scenic, including Baldface Creek, Chrome Creek, and nearby streams.
  • The bill has earned strong support from outdoor recreation advocates, conservation leaders, and local stakeholders, including American Whitewater, Smith River Alliance, and Trout Unlimited.
  • The expansion would protect one of the west coast's last free-flowing rivers, a stronghold for Pacific salmon species, and vital resources and ecosystems.
  • Designating landscapes as National Recreation Areas creates jobs, preserves vital resources and ecosystems, and ensures folks can experience their scenic beauty for generations to come.
  • The legislation aims to protect Southern Oregon's natural wonders, create jobs, protect resources, grow the economy, and ensure future generations of Oregonians can enjoy public lands.
  • The bill has broad bipartisan support across Southern Oregon and Northern California.

Statistics:

  • 75 miles of rivers to be designated as Wild and Scenic.
  • 30 years of conservation efforts initiated to protect the Smith River.
  • The Smith River is one of the last free-flowing rivers on the west coast.
  • The expansion would support 75 miles of rivers, including Baldface Creek, Chrome Creek, and nearby streams.
  • The legislation aims to create jobs and grow the economy.

Sources:

  • US Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)
  • Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02)
  • Senator Jeff Merkley
  • American Whitewater -- Thomas O'Keefe, Director of Policy and Science
  • Smith River Alliance -- Grant Werschkull, Co-Executive Director
  • Trout Unlimited -- James Fraser, Oregon Policy Director

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