Rep. Schrader introduces Wild and Scenic designation for the Molalla River

June 10, 2009

Young Conservation Group Hails River Protection Bill

Molalla River Alliance Achieves Lofty Goal

Yesterday afternoon, Rep. Kurt Schrader introduced a measure to designate segments of the Molalla River as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers system. If approved, it will provide federal protections for nearly
22 miles of the pristine upper Molalla River, located nine miles southeast of the town of Molalla.

Rivers listed under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act are afforded numerous federal protections. Among others, the Act assures the continued free-flowing character of the river, protects water quality and the river's 'outstandingly remarkable values', and establishes a quarter-mile riparian buffer corridor on both sides of the river.

The Act also protects existing uses of the river. All legal recreational activities will continue to be allowed and designation does not affect privately owned lands within the river corridor.

"Rep. Schrader has introduced a potentially remarkable piece of legislation, passage of which will apply one of our nation's strongest conservation tools to protect the Molalla River", says Michael Moody, President of the Molalla River Alliance, one of the groups which spearheaded efforts to secure the protection. "It assures continued clean drinking water for the cities of Molalla and Canby while protecting pristine ecosystems and critical spawning and rearing habitat needed by salmon and steelhead".

From its headwaters beyond Table Rock Wilderness in the Cascade Range, the crystal-clear and biologically diverse Molalla River tumbles through spectacular basalt and lava outcrops and extensive forests and wilderness to its confluence with the Willamette River. The river supports a treasure of ecosystems and offers year-round recreational opportunities.

"This represents a rare opportunity to safeguard and protect one of Oregon's storied rivers", said Erik Fernandez, Wilderness Coordinator for Oregon Wild and one of the groups leading this effort. "Thanks to Rep. Schrader, this will preserve a majestic river for generations to come".

Moody went on to explain that the one-year old Molalla River Alliance is an all-volunteer coalition of more than 45 civic and conservation groups, local, federal and state agencies, numerous user groups and local conservationists. The Alliance works to protect the water quality and ecosystems of the Molalla River while encouraging diverse enjoyment of the area, including tourism and family-friendly activities.

City manager John Atkins said the Wild and Scenic designation will "protect the quality of drinking water for Molalla residents as well as boost the river's appeal to visitors - benefitting the local economy. We commend Rep.
Schrader for his leadership on behalf of all those who have worked for so many years to protect one of Oregon's rare jewels".

Kavita Heyn, American Rivers Associate Director of Oregon Conservation Programs, pointed out that this "will protect this river and its values in the short and long terms, for the benefit of fish and people".

Passed in 1968, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act protects more than 170 rivers in 38 states. Oregon has 48 designated rivers, more than any state in the nation. To be included, a river must be free-flowing and the adjacent lands must possess scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values.

Mike Moody, President

Molalla River Alliance