Reps. Hoyle, Huffman Introduce Bill to Expand Smith River National Recreation Area into Southwest Oregon

EUGENE, OR–Today, U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle (OR-04) and Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02) introduced the Smith River National Recreation Area (NRA) Expansion Act 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 House bill is a companion to Senator Jeff Merkley’s legislation.

“Southern Oregonians know how important the Smith River is to our way of life,” said Rep. Hoyle, Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries. “Clean water supports families, salmon sustain fishing jobs, and outdoor recreation strengthens our local economy. Expanding the National Recreation Area is about protecting all of that, and it’s why this effort has broad bipartisan support across Southern Oregon and Northern California. It is a commonsense investment in our communities and our future, and I’m proud to work with Senator Merkley and Ranking Member Huffman to make it happen.”

“Designating landscapes as a National Recreation Areas creates jobs, preserves vital resources and ecosystems, and ensures folks can experience their scenic beauty for generations to come,” said Rep. Huffman, Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee. “The Smith River is a thriving natural feature in my district, and expanding its designation into Oregon will go a long way in protecting this treasured waterway and extending its many economic and cultural benefits to our neighbors up north.”

“This legislation to expand the Smith River National Recreation Area protects one of our state’s natural wonders, creates jobs, protects resources, grows our economy, and makes sure future generations of Oregonians can enjoy our incredible public lands,” said Senator Merkley. “It’s a win for adventurers across the Northwest, those interested in conserving the beautiful places in Oregon, and Southern Oregon’s economy.”

The Smith River NRA Expansion Act would:

The bill has also earned strong support from outdoor recreation advocates, conservation leaders, and local stakeholders:

American Whitewater – Thomas O’Keefe, Director of Policy and Science:

“The upper reaches of the Smith River watershed provide exceptional and unique opportunities for backcountry recreation. We appreciate the leadership of Representative Hoyle to expand the Smith River National Recreation Area to include the headwaters in Oregon. The area is characterized by rare hydrologic and botanical resources that the legislation appropriately recognizes. The extension of Wild and Scenic designation to the tributaries of the North Fork Smith will further protect one of the west coast’s last free-flowing rivers and a special place for all who enjoy wild rivers.”

Smith River Alliance – Grant Werschkull, Co-Executive Director:

“The expansion of the Smith River National Recreation Area completes a conservation effort initiated over thirty years ago. This action is vitally important to downstream communities, their water purveyors and the Smith River as a stronghold for Pacific salmon species.”

Trout Unlimited – James Fraser, Oregon Policy Director: