Senators Wyden and Merkley Introduce Legislation to Protect Beloved Oregon Rivers
Bill would protect 4,700 miles of Oregonian-nominated rivers across the state, including the Grande Ronde, Owyhee, Clackamas, West Fork Illinois
Portland, OR (February 3, 2021) – A local coalition of hunters and anglers, small business leaders, clean water advocates, veterans, local elected officials, and other community members are thanking Senators Ron Wyden today for introducing the River Democracy Act of 2021, which will designate rivers across the state as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
The legislation is a direct result of a nomination process where Oregonians recommended their favorite rivers for permanent protection. Senator Wyden’s office received over 15,000 nominations for thousands of miles of rivers from residents across the state, showing both the key role these rivers play in our communities and the strong local support for protecting them for the benefit of future generations.
Currently, only two percent (2,173 miles) of the state’s 110,000 miles of rivers are protected as Wild and Scenic. The River Democracy Act of 2021 is a testament to Oregonians’ commitment to conservation, healthy living, and outdoor recreation. Some of Oregon’s most iconic rivers have been proposed for designation – from the Clackamas and Santiam, to the Owyhee, Grande Ronde, and West Fork Illinois River. Visitors come from near and far to go whitewater rafting, enjoy scenic drives, fishing, hunting, hiking, or trail running along these rivers. Their tributary streams gush cold, clean water that is essential for salmon and their habitat.
A recent poll found that 87% of likely voters in Oregon supported the expansion of the number of designated wild and scenic rivers, including 75 percent of Republican voters. Additionally, 80 percent said that they would “like to see their representatives in Congress take action to support relevant legislation that strengthens the defense of your state’s rivers and land areas from potentially harmful industrialization and pollution.”
“Senator Wyden’s leadership to champion and protect Oregon’s rivers is an affirmative action,” said Chad Brown, a U.S. Navy veteran and founder and president of Soul River Inc. “A warrior mission for veterans and our next generation to have the opportunity to benefit from what nature provides our souls. Thank you Senator Wyden for your strength to protect Oregon’s Wild and Scenic Rivers for us all.”
The River Democracy Act of 2021 comes at a critical time during the COVID-19 pandemic as Oregonians have turned to public lands and rivers for their physical, emotional, and mental health. The Senators’ legislation is a recognition of the restorative value of nature, especially during an unprecedented health crisis. In addition, millions of Oregon residents rely on Oregon’s 110,000 miles of rivers and streams for clean drinking water for their families, farms, and businesses. This includes Bridge Creek, which is the source of clean drinking water for Bend, and the Clackamas, which is the source of drinking water for several hundred thousand Oregonians in Oregon City, Lake Oswego, Estacada, West Linn, and others. Protecting rivers as Wild and Scenic will ensure that these rivers continue to provide clean drinking water to communities throughout the state.
Yamhill County Commissioner Casey Kulla added, “While the Oregon Coast has some of the most productive salmon streams in the world, very few are protected. Expanding the Wild and Scenic designation will protect the upper reaches of the Nestucca River and add to the amazing work of farmers, elected officials, and fisherfolk in the Salmon Superhighway.”
The bill is also a recognition of the role that outdoor recreation, tourism, and other businesses supported by rivers will play in getting local, rural economies back on their feet. Wild and Scenic River designations will protect these waters, while allowing traditional activities like grazing, ranching, hunting, and fishing to continue. Outdoor recreation in the state supports 224,000 jobs, generates $15.6 billion in consumer spending, and contributes $13 billion to the GDP.
Few streams in the northern part of Oregon’s Coast Range remain unimpacted by heavy management of forests in the region, which makes stretches like the Little North Fork Wilson River, surrounded by ancient forests, so important to protect. The Nestucca River, in part currently designated as Wild and Scenic, is a stand-out example of a river system vital for native fish, scenery, recreation, and the intact forests that protect headwater streams – where additional protections can preserve these important values.
“I appreciate Senator Wyden’s leadership and relentless dedication to protecting the rivers of Oregon. The Wild and Scenic River protections he has championed are critical for my outfitting business and Oregon’s recreation economy,” added Zachary Collier, the owner and outfitter of Northwest Rafting Company and ECHO River Trips.
Protecting rivers like Clackamas, Upper Deschutes, Grande Ronde, Owyhee, and West Fork Illinois is a commitment to future generations that they will be able to paddle, hike, fish, boat, and see the same wild rivers current residents have been able to enjoy. Oregonians thank Senator Wyden for his leadership and urge Congress to move this bill forward.
To take action, go to https://ouroregonrivers.org/take-action/