Legislation to Protect the Molalla River Reintroduced (OR)

Earlier today Congressman Kurt Schrader and Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley re-introduced legislation to protect the Molalla as a Wild and Scenic River. The river is an outstanding recreational resource for the whitewater paddling community known locally as the the Three Bears Run for a series of rapids that include Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear.

The Molalla River Alliance, that includes a diverse set of community stakeholders, has actively pursued a "wild and scenic" designation to preserve the quality and biodiversity of the area while promoting tourism to aid the local economy. American Whitewater is a member of this alliance and actively worked to pass this legislation in the last Congress. While the bill passed the U.S. House with strong bi-partisan support the companion Senate bill was not brought to a vote.

"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."