Landscapes included in newly-reintroduced Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act provide habitat for salmon, trout, deer, elk, and bear, among other wildlife
Washington, D.C. – A vast expanse of national forest lands, free-flowing rivers, and prime fish and wildlife habitat could receive stronger protections, ensuring that future generations of hunters and anglers can experience one of the wildest places in the Pacific Northwest. The reintroduction of the Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act (S. 945) – sponsored by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) along with original cosponsors Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) – would extend critical safeguards to 58,000 acres of public land in southwest Oregon’s Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and add 74 miles of waterways to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. As the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to conserving our nation’s wild public lands, waters, and wildlife for the benefit of hunters and anglers, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) applauds this effort to conserve a landscape renowned for its pristine waters, world-class fisheries, and diverse outdoor opportunities.
“The Smith River watershed provides a wide variety of outdoor activities in a unique landscape including hunting, fishing, rafting, swimming, hiking, and camping,” said Justin Gindlesperger, Southwest Regional Director for the Oregon Chapter of BHA. “The expansion of the Smith River National Recreation Area would provide an essential safeguard to the watershed so future generations can experience a remarkable and truly wild landscape here in Southwest Oregon. The Oregon Chapter of BHA continues to stand with the sportsmen and women of Oregon for the protection of the wild lands and waters of the State and we fully support the effort to protect such a valuable resource.”
The existing 300,000-acre national recreation area, which currently stops at the California border, provides access for hunting and fishing. Its expansion – along with wild and scenic river designations – would provide increased protection for coho and Chinook salmon as well as coastal cutthroat trout in one of the largest undammed river systems in the United States. The region also provides habitat for black-tailed deer, Roosevelt elk, and black bear. A map of the proposed expansion can be seen HERE.
BHA actively supports its grassroot network of volunteer members in advocating for expansion of the Smith River National Recreation Area and the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and invites others to join. To take action and show your support for this piece of legislation, visit BHA’s Action Center.
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers seeks to ensure North America’s outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands, waters, and wildlife. To learn more about issues important to BHA’s membership, visit www.backcountryhunters.org/our_issues.
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