December 6, 2023 2:50 a.m.

On Tuesday 4th District Representative Val Hoyle and Representative Jared Huffman of California, introduced the Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act.

A release from Hoyle’s office said this would 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 Merkley’s legislation.

Hoyle said, “I’m proud to introduce this legislation that is so widely supported by conservationists, businesses and local governments in Southwest Oregon and Northern California”. Hoyle said, “Keeping the renowned North Fork Smith River watershed clean is pivotal for drinking water, tourism and fishing jobs, salmon populations, and outdoor recreation. This is a special place that future generations should be able to enjoy”.

The release said the Smith River NRA Expansion Act would:

*Add 58,000 acres in Curry County Oregon to the existing Smith River NRA in Northern California that currently stops at the California/Oregon border

*Designate 75 miles of rivers as Wild and Scenic, including Baldface Creek, Chrome Creek and nearby streams

*Permanently prevent new mining projects in the recreation area

*Allow critical wildfire prevention work in the area to continue

Hoyle’s release said the bill complements her Southwestern Oregon Watershed and Salmon Protection Act, which would permanently protect the North Fork Smith River watershed and other Southwestern Oregon rivers from pollution by preventing new mining projects.