S.Amdt. 3394

This amendment, submitted by Mr. Merkley, aims to expand and modify the Smith River National Recreation Area and update Wild and Scenic River designations in Oregon.

Changes to the Smith River National Recreation Area The amendment proposes the following additions and changes:

• Expansion and Boundaries: It adds new land to the recreation area based on a map dated January 23, 2023, and expands the area's scope to include the State of Oregon.
• Management and Studies: The Secretary is required to conduct a study within 5 years of enactment to inventory water features, plants, animals, and other values in the new areas. This study will lead to modified management plans to protect those values.
• Land Acquisition: It allows for the purchase or donation of land from the State of Oregon or its political subdivisions and specifically mandates the acquisition of the approximately 555-acre Cedar Creek Parcel, provided the State Land Board of Oregon adopts a resolution and funding is available.
• Tribal Rights: The amendment protects Indian Tribe rights and directs the Secretary to seek a memorandum of understanding to provide tribes access for cultural activities and to develop public information about tribal history.
• Operational Rules: It clarifies that the Secretary can still conduct wildland fire operations and vegetation management. It also maintains the application of the Northwest Forest Plan and the Roadless Rule for certain Oregon portions of the area.

Wild and Scenic River Designations The amendment also adds and redesignates river segments in Oregon:

• North Fork Smith Additions: It designates numerous segments of source tributaries (such as Baldface Creek, Chrome Creek, and others) as wild rivers, with one specific portion of North Fork Diamond Creek designated as a scenic river.
• Smith River Expansion: It updates the designation of the Smith River across California and Oregon, including specific designations for the mainstem and Rowdy Creek as either recreational or wild rivers.