US Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden have introduced the Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act, legislation to expand the recreation area by 58,000 acres into southwest Oregon.
Merkley and Wyden said this legislation is critical to protect the diverse ecosystems of the rivers, streams and adjacent lands of the North Fork Smith River watershed and help boost the local fishing and recreation industries that many Oregonians rely on. The bill is co-sponsored by two California Senators.
In 1990, Congress enacted legislation to establish the Smith River National Recreation Area (NRA) to protect the watershed, but the boundary of the NRA stopped at the Oregon border, leaving the North Fork of the Smith River and its tributaries unprotected.
The Smith River is home to a rich variety of plants and wildlife. The Smith River NRA's scenic beauty, world-class fisheries and exceptional water quality attract adventurers who partake in Oregon's many recreational opportunities.
The NRA expansion would protect 74 miles of scenic rivers, creeks and streams and permanently withdraw the land from new mining claims. Additionally, the legislation would task the US Forest Service with the preparation of an updated recreation plan identifying specific plans for the entire NRA.
The bill complements the Oregon Recreation Enhancement Act, which was introduced by the Senators to protect the North Fork Smith River watershed and other southwest Oregon rivers and streams.
