Smith River Expansion Act

Summary#

This bill would expand the Smith River National Recreation Area to include additional lands and river segments that reach into the State of Oregon. It amends the Smith River National Recreation Area Act to add new boundary maps, to change some management language to cover affected Oregon lands, and to require a study of natural features (streams, wetlands, plants including Port-Orford-cedar, animals, fungi, algae, and unstable aquatic habitat) in the proposed additions. The bill adds many source-tributary segments of the North Fork Smith River to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and changes their federal classification (mostly to "wild"). It also expands the designated segment of the Smith River mainstem and some tributaries to include parts in Oregon. The text clarifies that wildfire and vegetation management may continue if consistent with the recreation area's purposes; requires that the Kalmiopsis Wilderness be managed under the Wilderness Act; keeps application of the Northwest Forest Plan and the Roadless Rule where they already apply; and directs the Secretary to seek memoranda of understanding with Tribes for access and cultural uses. The bill also updates who may assist with land acquisition and authorizes the Secretary to acquire a specified ~555-acre Cedar Creek parcel from Oregon subject to a State Land Board resolution and available funding. It directs revisions to the recreation area management plan after the next forest plan revision and adds certain river segments to streamside protection zones.

What it means for you#

• The protected area around the Smith River would grow to include parts of Oregon, bringing new sections of rivers and surrounding land under federal recreation and wild-river protections.
• Some small tributary streams would be federally designated as "wild" (with one short scenic portion), which limits certain types of development and motorized access consistent with Wild and Scenic Rivers classifications.
• The Forest Service would study and inventory natural water and habitat features in the newly proposed area within 5 years and then update management plans to protect those values.
• The bill preserves federal authority to carry out wildfire and vegetation management projects consistent with recreation area goals.
• Tribes would be formally recognized for cultural access and traditional collection of noncommercial forest products, and the agency would seek memoranda of understanding with relevant Tribes.
• The Secretary may acquire a named Cedar Creek parcel from Oregon if the State Land Board approves and funding is available.

Expenses#

• The bill directs the Secretary to acquire the approximately 555-acre Cedar Creek parcel upon a State Land Board resolution "subject to available funding." No cost amounts or funding sources are specified in the bill text. No other specific federal funding levels or appropriations are described.
• No publicly available information on estimated costs, budget offsets, or specific funding mechanisms is included in the bill text provided.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.