FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rep. Schrader Eyes Wild & Scenic Protection for Molalla River

5th District Congressman takes first action on widely popular measure

Oregon Congressman looks to add to nation-leading total of Wild & Scenic Rivers with designation of Molalla.

It’s not every day that a local policeman heads into the field office of a member of Congress to advocate for public lands protection, but that’s exactly what happened in the lead up to yesterday’s introduction of Wild & Scenic legislation for 21.3 miles of the Molalla River. Lead sponsor of the proposal, Representative Kurt Schrader (D-Canby) has been pushed hard in recent months by a large and unlikely coalition. The Molalla River Alliance includes over 40 groups as diverse as the Molalla Police, the City of Molalla, and local outdoor enthusiasts. Designation of the Molalla River as Wild & Scenic would add to Oregon’s already nation-leading total of protected rivers.

“When a river is providing so much for a community—clean water, wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, and more—it makes sense to protect that river,” said Erik Fernandez of the conservation group Oregon Wild. “The Molalla River is a beautiful river that provides so much to so many, and now fortunately Representative Schrader has introduced legislation to protect the river for future generations to enjoy.”

One of the critical functions of the Molalla River is to provide clean drinking water to the cities of Molalla and Canby. The river also supports an abundance of wildlife including native winter steelhead and salmon runs, geological wonders, and a wide range of recreational opportunities.

The Molalla River Recreation Corridor is well known for its hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, camping, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and nature watching. There are more than 30 miles of non-motorized trails which access numerous waterfalls and vistas.

“It is really exciting to see so many stakeholders coming together under a common purpose,” added Fernandez. “Everyone knows the Molalla already is a pristine and free-flowing river, now we just need to get Congress to give it the stamp of approval.”

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