Oregon lawmakers try again to secure wild and scenic designation for Molalla River

Reintroduction of legislation follows effort that fell just short last year.

Oregon lawmakers will try once again to secure the highest federal protection for a stretch of the Molalla River, albeit facing an altered political landscape.

U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader and U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, all Democrats, introduced the Molalla River Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, H.R. 752 and S. 403, to designate 21.3 miles of the Molalla River as recreational under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The declaration would preserve the river as free flowing, protect water quality and ensure recreational access.

Schrader introduced an identical bill in 2009, H.R. 2781, which easily passed the House with a 292-133 vote. The bill moved to the Senate, where despite considerable support it failed to get a floor vote before Congress recessed in 2010.

A much different-looking House -- Republicans gained a 242-193 advantage following November's election -- will consider the latest request.

In both chambers of Congress, the legislation was referred to the natural resources committees Feb. 17.

"This bill passed the House last Congress and I look forward to working with my colleagues to help the citizens of Molalla make this dream a reality," Schrader said in a press release.

U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Washington, opposed the 2009 bill, arguing it could hinder recreational opportunities and economic development while also blocking timber production.

Mike Moody, president of the Molalla River Alliance, said the legislation faced no local opposition and he hopes the new members of the House see the importance of that fact when they consider the bill.

"We're hoping for the right combination of factors ... to attract appeal on both sides," Moody said.

The Molalla River Alliance was formed in 2008 when elected officials, conservation groups, law enforcement and local residents banded together to reclaim the river from what Moody described as an undesirable element. Back then, the 7,000 acres that encompass the 21.3 miles of river were a dumping ground for cars, furniture, televisions and household garbage.

Cleanup crews were organized and police established patrols in the summer. Moody said the majority of problems were eliminated that first year.

"The local community is now more protective of that corridor," Moody said.

It's more common now to see a family of four with kayaks or bikes coming to the river, he said.

Moody said that despite what some think, the designation does not limit access to the river or impinge on property rights.

In the area targeted for designation, clear water runs through dense forests and canyons lined with basalt cliffs. The headwaters are spawning and rearing grounds for wild winter steelhead and spring chinook, and the water is the drinking source for 20,000 people in Molalla and Canby.

Supporters of the wild and scenic designation hope it will draw more tourists to the area, as it has in other parts of the country.

Merkley, who has rafted the Molalla River, said in a press release, "Based on past experience in Oregon, we know that a Wild and Scenic River designation can draw tourism and creation to the area, providing a job boost for the local community."

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was signed into law in 1968 to provide federal protection for rivers with scenic and cultural characteristics.