Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act

This legislation, titled the Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act , primarily aims to expand the existing Smith River National Recreation Area (SRNRA) and designate new segments of rivers in Oregon under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. It amends the Smith River National Recreation Area Act to incorporate new land additions, particularly in the State of Oregon, and updates the administrative and management provisions for the expanded area. The bill modifies the SRNRA's boundaries to include areas depicted on a new map dated January 23, 2023, and clarifies that portions of the recreation area in Oregon will be managed as roadless areas . It mandates a comprehensive study within five years to inventory and assess the ecological features, including streams, wetlands, and specific plant and animal species, within the newly added areas. Based on this study, the Secretary is required to modify management plans and submit a report to Congress. Key administrative provisions include affirming the authority for wildfire and vegetation management consistent with the recreation area's purposes, and ensuring the continued application of the Northwest Forest Plan and the "Roadless Rule" to relevant Oregon portions. The bill also emphasizes the protection of Tribal rights , requiring the Secretary to seek a Memorandum of Understanding with Indian Tribes regarding access for cultural activities and the development of interpretive information. Regarding land acquisition, the bill updates methods to include purchase, donation, or exchange, and specifically directs the Secretary to acquire the approximately 555-acre Cedar Creek Parcel in Oregon, subject to available funding. It also extends state jurisdiction for fish and game management, as well as state and local cooperation, to include the State of Oregon and its political subdivisions. Furthermore, the legislation designates numerous segments of the North Fork Smith River's source tributaries in Oregon as wild rivers , recognizing their outstanding wild anadromous fish, prehistoric, cultural, botanical, recreational, and water quality values. These newly designated segments include Baldface Creek, Taylor Creek, Cedar Creek, Chrome Creek, and many others, totaling over 70 miles of protected waterways. The bill also clarifies and expands existing Wild and Scenic River designations for the Smith River and Rowdy Creek to include portions within Oregon.