The Oregon Natural Resources Report - Agricultural News from Oregon

July 6, 2009

Legislation bolsters Rep. Schrader’s push for Wild and Scenic River Designation
Press Release of Senator Wyden

Washington, D.C. – Bringing to fruition years of work from the Molalla community to preserve their namesake river, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced the Molalla River Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 2009, which is a companion bill to legislation introduced in the House of Representatives on June 9, 2009, by Rep. Kurt Schrader (OR-5). The bill will designate approximately 21 miles of the Molalla River for preservation under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

“Congressman Schrader did a great job crafting a bill that preserves another unique piece of Oregon’s beauty and responds to local voices like the Molalla River Alliance,” said Wyden. “Together with Senator Merkley, I will work to secure the Molalla River’s protection for recreation and to keep the river a clean source of drinking water for the Oregonians who count on it.”

“I’m proud to partner with Senator Wyden and Congressman Schrader on this effort to protect the Molalla River,” said Merkley.  “Protecting this scenic area will provide clean water for our communities, improve recreational opportunities and ensure future generations can enjoy the river.”

The Molalla River has long been a spot valued by outdoor enthusiasts who value its beauty for activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. The river is also an important habitat for wildlife and the source of clean drinking water for the towns of Molalla and Canby, Oregon. The Molalla River Alliance, a coalition of more than 45 organizations dedicated to preserving the river, was instrumental in the development of the legislation.

Senator Wyden is a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, the committee that will consider the bill.