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About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (July 21, 2022)
REGION THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022 THE OBSERVER — A3 Oregon groups sign lett er supporting River Democracy Act represent a wide variety of interests, purposes, and people across the state, we all have at least one thing in common — a love of Ore- gon’s rivers,” stated a por- tion of the letter. “They pro- vide us with clean drinking water, our favorite swim- ming holes, and places to take our families fi shing and boating.” The designations would add 4,684 miles to the Wild and Scenic River system in Oregon, including 135 miles in Union County. The next step for the act is a vote by the Senate Energy and Nat- ural Resources Committee, which is chaired by West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, By MICHAEL KOHN The Bulletin BEND — A plan to pro- tect thousands of miles of rivers and streams in Oregon received renewed attention last week when dozens of organiza- tions banded together to encourage politicians to speed up the passage of the bill. Seventy-fi ve organiza- tions across the state sent a joint letter to Oregon Dem- ocratic Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley urging them to pass the River Democracy Act. The letter is signed mainly by con- servation groups and out- door sporting and fi shing organizations. If passed, the bill would add nearly 4,700 miles of rivers and streams in Oregon to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The federal designation, created in 1968, protects rivers and develops them for tourism, just as national parks and national forests protect designated areas of land. Rivers can be listed as having wild, scenic or rec- reational value. Wyden and Merkley introduced the River Democracy Act, Senate Bill 192, in February 2021. More than 15,000 streams and rivers were nominated by Oregonians for inclu- sion in the act after Wyden called on state residents to suggest their favorite water- ways in 2019. But the bill has its “Real Food for the People” Open Fri-Sun Take-out Menu 5pm-8pm Updated Weekly www.tendepotstreet.com 541-963-8766 tendepotstreet@gmail.com a Democrat. Wyden told The Bulletin that public lands bills tend to get a close look at the end of the year, and he is pre- paring to have it voted on in the Senate by that time. His offi ce is in communication with Manchin specifi cally to seek the necessary votes to get the bill passed. “In terms of public lands, we’re going to fairly soon have some mark-ups, where the legislation is formally considered and pulling out all the stops for it,” said Wyden. “We are getting all the small busi- nesses from rural Oregon behind it and we are pleased about the coalition coming together.” Wallowa County Chieftain, File Land surrounding Northeastern Oregon’s Imnaha River would be aff ected if the waterway is designated as “wild and scenic” under the proposed River Democracy Act. detractors too. In January, U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ontario, spoke out against the act on the fl oor of the U.S. House of Representatives, declaring that it will create a wildfi re risk in Oregon’s watersheds. Bentz argued that the act puts forests at risk because it allows pre- scribed burns without conducting thinning operations. The American Forest Resources Council, which represents logging interests, is among the groups that defend Bentz’s position. “We continue to oppose the River Democracy Act because it will increase the risk of severe wildfi res, threaten our communi- ties, impede public access, and impact multiple uses of public lands,” said Nick Smith, the council’s public aff airs director. “Cata- strophic wildfi res including subsequent erosion and sed- imentation pose the greatest threat to watersheds and rivers, and water quantity and quality.” Smith said more man- agement of federal lands will help reduce wildfi re. “Rather than imposing more arbitrary designations and restrictions on federal lands, Oregon’s federal rep- resentatives should focus on giving public lands man- FEEL THE SPEED, EVEN AT PEAK TIMES. Get strong, fast Wi-Fi to work and play throughout your home. ^ No annual contract. Based on wired connection to gateway. agers more resources and tools to proactively reduce wildfi re risks, maintain access, and protect our for- ests, rivers, and communi- ties,” said Smith. Wyden’s offi ce has pushed back against the argument that forests will be at a greater risk for fi re, stating that the bill requires agencies to implement a fi re risk-reduction plan across a half-mile corridor on either side of a river or stream. The letter sent last week was supported by river- keeper groups, guiding associations, watershed councils and paddling clubs, among others. “Although our groups Power multiple devices at once— everyone can enjoy their own screen. Number of devices depends on screen size/resolution. Over 99% reliability. AT&T INTERNET 100 †† Excludes DSL. Based on network availability. 45 $ /mo * Contact your local DIRECTV dealer For 12 mos, plus taxes & equip.fee.$10/mo equip. fee applies. 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