Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act | ChamberLight

IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS

Senate BillS 945Forests, forestry, treesFederal-Indian relations

Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act

INTRO MAR 11· LAST ACTION DEC 2

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Introduced

In Committee

Reported

Passed Senate

Passed House

Conference

To President

Became Law

WHAT THE BILL DOES

AI-written

Voters should care about this bill because it would permanently protect a larger area of natural land and rivers, ensuring these places are preserved for future generations and available for outdoor recreation. If passed, it means more wilderness and wild river areas in Oregon would be safeguarded from certain types of development, potentially boosting local outdoor tourism and supporting the health of important ecosystems. This expansion could enhance clean water supplies and protect habitats for diverse plant and animal species.

If this bill doesn't become law, these additional lands in Oregon would not automatically become part of the Smith River National Recreation Area or receive the specific protections and management directives outlined in the bill. This could leave them vulnerable to different land uses or management decisions that might not prioritize conservation to the same extent. The bill also matters because it formalizes the protection of tribal rights and promotes collaboration with Native American communities regarding ancestral lands, addressing long-standing concerns about access and historical recognition.

KEY PROVISIONS

5AI-extracted

PROVISION 01

Expands the Smith River National Recreation Area to include new lands in Oregon by referencing updated maps.

This provision increases the total acreage of protected natural land and extends federal conservation efforts into a new state.

PROVISION 02

Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a comprehensive study of the newly added Oregon lands within five years and then modify management plans to protect the inventoried natural values.

This ensures that the expansion is followed by scientific assessment and tailored management strategies to effectively conserve the specific ecosystems and resources of the new areas.

PROVISION 03

Directs the acquisition of the 555-acre 'Cedar Creek Parcel' in Oregon to be added to the recreation area, subject to approval from Oregon's State Land Board and available funding.

This specifically targets an important piece of land for inclusion, ensuring its protection and integration into the larger recreation area.

PROVISION 04

Affirms that nothing in the Act diminishes any right of an Indian Tribe and directs the Secretary to seek a memorandum of understanding with tribes for access to Oregon portions for cultural activities and to develop interpretive information.

This provision is crucial for protecting the cultural heritage and traditional practices of Native American tribes within the expanded recreation area.

PROVISION 05

Clarifies that certain management rules, like the Northwest Forest Plan and the 'Roadless Rule,' will continue to apply to applicable portions of the recreation area in Oregon.

This ensures consistency in environmental management for sensitive forest areas within the expanded recreation area.

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ACTION TIMELINE

3 EVENTS

DEC 2

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-237.

COMMITTEE

MAR 11

Introduced in Senate

INTROREFERRAL

MAR 11

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

INTROREFERRAL

BILL INFO

TypeSenate Bill

NumberS 945

Congress119th

StatusIn Committee

IntroducedMar 11, 2025

Last actionDec 2, 2025

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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 11, 2025

Senate BillS 945Forests, forestry, treesFederal-Indian relations

Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act

INTRODUCED MAR 11, 2025· LAST ACTION DEC 2, 2025

PASSAGE CHANCES

—%

READING

13 min

COSPONSORS

COMPLEXITY

Moderate

Call my reps

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

STEP 2 OF 8

Introduced

In Committee

Reported

Passed Senate

Passed House

Conference

To President

Became Law

Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law

WHAT THE BILL DOES

AI-written

KEY PROVISIONS

AI-extracted

high

Expands the Smith River National Recreation Area to include new lands in Oregon by referencing updated maps.

This provision increases the total acreage of protected natural land and extends federal conservation efforts into a new state.

high

Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a comprehensive study of the newly added Oregon lands within five years and then modify management plans to protect the inventoried natural values.

This ensures that the expansion is followed by scientific assessment and tailored management strategies to effectively conserve the specific ecosystems and resources of the new areas.

med

Directs the acquisition of the 555-acre 'Cedar Creek Parcel' in Oregon to be added to the recreation area, subject to approval from Oregon's State Land Board and available funding.

This specifically targets an important piece of land for inclusion, ensuring its protection and integration into the larger recreation area.

high

This provision is crucial for protecting the cultural heritage and traditional practices of Native American tribes within the expanded recreation area.

med

Clarifies that certain management rules, like the Northwest Forest Plan and the 'Roadless Rule,' will continue to apply to applicable portions of the recreation area in Oregon.

This ensures consistency in environmental management for sensitive forest areas within the expanded recreation area.

DEADLINES & DATES

AI-extracted

An AI model extracted this from the bill’s official record and can make mistakes. Check the official text ↗ (opens in new tab)

Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment

Secretary shall conduct a study of the proposed additions to the Smith River National Recreation Area and submit a report to Congress.

As soon as practicable after the date of the first revision of the forest plan after the date of enactment

Secretary shall revise the management plan for the recreation area to reflect the expansion into Oregon.

GLOSSARY

AI-written

National Recreation Area (NRA): A protected area established by Congress for both recreation and resource conservation. Management often allows for a wider range of recreational activities than national parks or wilderness areas, while still prioritizing natural and scenic values.
Wild and Scenic Rivers Act: A law that protects certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values by preserving them in their free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
National Forest System: A collection of federally owned lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, primarily for timber production, recreation, wildlife habitat, and watershed protection.
Kalmiopsis Wilderness: A designated wilderness area within the Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest in southwestern Oregon, known for its rugged terrain, rare plant species, and wild rivers. Wilderness areas are the most strictly protected category of federal land.
Wilderness Act: A law passed in 1964 that created the National Wilderness Preservation System, protecting certain federal lands from development and requiring them to be managed to preserve their natural, untrammeled character.
Roadless Rule: A federal regulation that generally prohibits road construction and timber harvesting on designated inventoried roadless areas within National Forests, aimed at preserving undeveloped areas.

ACTION TIMELINE

3 EVENTS

DEC 2, 25

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-237.

COMMITTEE

MAR 11, 25

Introduced in Senate

INTROREFERRAL

MAR 11, 25

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

INTROREFERRAL

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Energy and Natural Resources CommitteeReferred

Mar 11, 2025

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Related Hearings

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Energy and Natural Resources Committee (senate)Jul 29, 2026

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Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act

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Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act

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