This week Governor Kate Brown issued Executive Order 16-04 designating Oregon’s first new State Scenic Waterways since 1988. Portions of the Chetco and Molalla Rivers were chosen as rivers that meet the Scenic Waterways Act criteria for outstanding scenic, fish, wildlife, geological, botanical, cultural, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

 

"Oregon is blessed with a diversity of river systems that richly contribute to our quality of life, and Oregonians value our rivers' importance to our economies, communities, and ecosystems," said Governor Brown. "Stewardship of our rivers is increasingly important as our population grows and our climate changes."

 

We couldn’t agree more and are pleased to see that the results of our efforts and all of our partners were successful in achieving state recognition for these free-flowing rivers that are highly valued by the whitewater paddling community. We thank all our members, affiliate clubs, and partners in the outfitting and guiding community who engaged in the public process.

 

As we celebrate the state designation of these rivers, we will continue to work towards securing important federal protections that will complement and enhance the efforts of the state to recognize the conservation value of these rivers. We continue to support passage of the Molalla River Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (H.R.1052) and Oregon Wildlands Act (S.1699).