The House Natural Resources Committee today unanimously passed the Molalla River Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (H.R. 752), a bill introduced by Congressman Kurt Schrader that would protect more than twenty miles of the Molalla River under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The legislation, introduced at the request of the Molalla community, would bolster economic opportunities, increase recreational activities and preserve the natural beauty of the Molalla River.

"This commonsense proposal brought straight from the citizens of Molalla recognizes that protecting our natural treasures and creating economic opportunities at home do not have to be mutually exclusive," said Rep. Schrader. "The Molalla River Wild and Scenic Rivers Act continues to receive broad bipartisan support in Congress, and I urge the House leadership to bring the bill to the floor for a vote before we adjourn for the year."

“This is a milestone step for all who care about protecting one of Oregon’s special places” said John Atkins, president of the Molalla River Alliance, a conservation organization. “The Alliance and its affiliate members are grateful to Rep. Schrader for his leadership and persistence in working to obtain Wild and Scenic status for the Molalla River.”

In 2008, the citizens of Molalla formed the Molalla River Alliance consisting of local residents, elected officials, conservation groups and law enforcement personnel to preserve and protect the natural beauty of the river and boost economic opportunities through increased tourism. The group's pursuance of a "wild and scenic" designation for the river immediately earned vast support among the community and other stakeholders who understood the historic, economic and natural significance of the river to Oregon.