Oregon Congressman Kurt Schrader and Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley re-introduced a measure today aimed at boosting economic opportunities and preserving the natural beauty of the Molalla.

"This is a community bill," said Schrader. "The citizens of Molalla, working with the natural resource community, came together with a proposal to improve their local economy through increased tourism opportunities while promoting one of Oregon's natural wonders. This bill passed the House last Congress and I look forward to working with my colleagues to help the citizens of Molalla make this dream a reality."

“The Molalla river is a source of drinking water and a recreational haven for all Oregonians who love the outdoors,” said Wyden, Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests. “Together with Congressman Schrader, I intend to do all that I can to protect this important resource for generations of Oregonians to come and that is what this bill will do.”

“The Molalla River is an Oregon treasure,” Merkley said.  “Having rafted down the Molalla myself, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to protect this resource for generations of Oregonians to enjoy. Based on past experience in Oregon, we know that a Wild and Scenic River designation can draw tourism and recreation to the area, providing a job boost for the local community.”

The Molalla River is a historic, economic and natural treasure in Oregon. In 2008 the citizens of Molalla came together and formed the Molalla River Alliance consisting of elected officials, conservation groups, law enforcement, and local citizens. The community decided to pursue a “wild and scenic” designation for their river to preserve the quality and biodiversity of the area while promoting tourism to aid the local economy.

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was signed into law in 1968 to provide federal protection for rivers, like the Molalla, which have remarkable scenic and cultural characteristics. The “wild and scenic” designation also promotes recreation uses which can improve tourism opportunities.

During the last Congress, similar legislation passed the U.S. House with strong bi-partisan support but a companion measure never received a vote in the Senate.

"A Wild and Scenic designation for the Molalla River will help us preserve the water quality and wildlife in the Molalla River watershed, and promote a safe environment for recreation and tourism in the river corridor," says Mike Moody, President of the Molalla River Alliance. "It will benefit the local tourism economy and will protect the drinking water source for the cities of Canby and Molalla. We are committed to ensuring the Wild and Scenic legislation introduced today is successful."

What the bill does
•    Declares 21.3 miles of the Molalla River as "recreational" under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

•    Provides 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.