21.3 miles of the Molalla River are a big step closer to gaining federal protection and recognition, as “recreational” under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, thanks to a bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday. The Molalla River bill, H.R. 2781, was introduced by Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) at the request of the Molalla community. It passed the House by a 292-133 margin.

“The Molalla River is nothing short of a natural treasure in my state,” said Schrader. “Not only are we preserving its awe-inspiring beauty for future generations but we are also bringing badly needed economic benefits to our region through increased tourism and recreational opportunities. More visitors to the area mean more business for local hotels, restaurants and recreational providers; and more business is exactly what Oregon needs right now.”

The concept for the Molalla River bill came directly from local river stewards and Molalla residents who were looking to preserve and protect their river and aid their local economy by increasing tourism.  It immediately garnered major support in Molalla and Clackamas County and has received the strong support of the City of Molalla, the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and over 40 Oregon based environmental, recreational, and local groups who recognize the social, economic, and cultural benefits protecting this area.

Local Oregon stakeholders were quick to praise the passage of the bill and thank Congressman Schrader for his efforts.

“This really shows what can happen when a community comes together and decides to take action,” said Mike Moody, President of the Molalla River Alliance. “This would not have been possible without Congressman Schrader’s persistent efforts and the overwhelming support of the Molalla community and other stakeholders. Thanks to these efforts, we are on the verge of ensuring that the clean drinking water of 20,000 citizens in Molalla and Canby can never be compromised while promoting a safe and healthy environment that encourages diverse enjoyment of the recreation corridor, including tourism and family-friendly activities.”

Historically, the Molalla River has served as both a trail for indigenous Molalla Indians and as a vital trade route between pioneers in the Willamette Valley and residents of Eastern Oregon. Today, it is known for its many recreational purposes which include hiking, diving, fishing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, picnicking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

As a strong supporter of Oregon’s timber industry Congressman Schrader worked with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the forest products industry to make sure H.R. 2781 does not adversely affect timber sales. The BLM assured Schrader that there are no current or planned timber contracts within the federal lands proposed for designation under this legislation and therefore H.R. 2781 does not remove trees from the timber stock.

Public safety considerations were also an important priority of the Molalla River bill. Gerald Giger, Chief of Police for the city of Molalla, explains that improving the safety of the area is critical to increasing its accessibility and use.

 “One of our goals for the Molalla River area is to make it more family friendly and cut down on the amount of underage drinking and accidents in the area,” said Giger.  “This legislation will support the need for a continued law enforcement presence in the area which has already been proven to help make the area safer and more accessible to recreational users.”

H.R. 2781 now heads to the U.S. Senate for its consideration. Oregon Senators Wyden and Merkley have introduced a companion measure in that chamber.

What the bill does
• H.R. 2781 would provide federal protection and recognition of the Molalla River under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This system was created by Congress in 1968 to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

• This designation is notable for helping to safeguard the special character of these rivers, while also recognizing the potential for their appropriate use and development. It encourages river management that crosses political boundaries and promotes public participation in developing goals for river protection.

H.R. 2781 has received broad support from the Molalla community and the larger region including the following organizations:
• American Rivers
• Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Association
• BARK
• Blue Sky Whitewater Rafting
• City of Molalla
• Clackamas County
• Clackamas County Sheriff,  Craig Roberts
• Clackamas County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Confluence Consulting NW, LLC
• DEQ Basin Coordinator, Karen Williams
• Ecotrust
• Friends of the Molalla River
• Glen Avon Neighborhood Association
• Hamlet of Mulino
• Kaitlin Lovell, Salmon Manager, Local Municipality
• Molalla Community Planning Organization
• Molalla High School Environmental Science Club
• Molalla Police Department
• Molalla Retreat
• Molalla River Alliance
• Molalla RiverWatch
• Northwest Steelheaders
• Native Fish Society
• North American Salmon Stronghold Program
• Olalla Bee Ranch Club
• Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife
• Oregon State Police
• Oregon Trout
• Oregon Wild
• Peachuck Lookouts
• Sierra Club
• South Clackamas Community Planning Organization
• Steven H. Smith Fisheries Consulting, Inc.
• Todos Juntos
• The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
• Upward Trails
• Wild Salmon Center
• Willamette Riverkeeper