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HR5041119th Congress

Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act

Sponsored By: Representative Hoyle, Val T. [D-OR-4]

Introduced

Summary

Expands the Smith River National Recreation Area into Oregon and adds Wild and Scenic river protections. It would align NRRA boundaries to the January 23, 2023 map and layer new river designations, study requirements, management rules, and targeted land acquisitions across California and Oregon.

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  • Tribes: Affirms that tribal rights remain intact and creates a framework for memoranda of understanding so Tribes can access places for historical and cultural activities and help develop interpretive materials for public education.
  • Local communities and recreationists: Adds specific Wild and Scenic river segments, including North Fork Smith and other mainstem and tributary reaches, and requires the NRRA management plan and recreation action schedule be updated to cover the Oregon additions.
  • Land managers and conservation: Requires a resource and cultural inventory within five years, flags Port-Orford-cedar for attention, preserves authority for wildfire resiliency and vegetation projects, and authorizes acquisitions such as the Cedar Creek parcel of about 555 acres.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Allow wildfire and forest health work

The bill would make clear that vegetation projects for wildfire resiliency and forest health could happen inside the recreation area. Wildfire operations could be done with federal, state, and local partners. Projects would need to match the recreation area’s purposes.

Expand and protect Smith River area

This bill would expand the recreation area into Oregon using a map dated January 23, 2023. It would add new Wild and Scenic River segments, including ‘wild’ and ‘recreational’ stretches, and extend streamside protection zones. It would keep the Wilderness Act for the Kalmiopsis and keep the Northwest Forest Plan and the Roadless Rule for covered Oregon lands. The Secretary could buy land, including the 555-acre Cedar Creek Parcel, if Oregon’s State Land Board approves and funding is available. These protections could limit some new roads or development near designated streams.

Protect Tribal access and cultural use

The bill would not reduce any Tribal rights. The Secretary would seek agreements with applicable Tribes for access in Oregon parts of the area. Access could include gathering noncommercial forest products for traditional uses. The agreements would also help share public information on tribal history and use.

Study and update recreation management plan

The bill would require a study of the expansion area shown on the January 23, 2023 map. The study would be due within five years after enactment. It would inventory streams, wetlands, lakes, plants, animals, fungi, algae, and unstable aquatic areas. After the study, the Secretary would update plans to fully protect those values and report to Congress. The recreation plan would also be updated after the next forest plan revision.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Hoyle, Val T. [D-OR-4]

OR • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 8/26/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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