# River Democracy Act Summary
The River Democracy Act designates approximately 5,000 miles of river segments across Oregon as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The legislation adds new protections to existing wild and scenic rivers and creates fresh designations for numerous tributaries and stream segments throughout the state, affecting both federal lands managed by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.
The bill requires federal agencies to develop comprehensive management plans for designated river segments within ten years, with planning to begin within the next fiscal year. These plans must address wildfire risk reduction while protecting river values, assess invasive species removal needs, and consult with tribes about culturally significant native species management. The legislation permits livestock grazing and allows emergency flood control measures for the town of Sisters, while explicitly protecting existing water rights, utility lines, and private property rights. Federal agencies may enter into cooperative agreements with tribes, states, and local governments for river administration.
The act also withdraws federal lands within designated wild and scenic river boundaries from mining claims, mineral leasing, and certain public land sales. Additionally, it protects essential serpentine wetlands in Oregon and California and establishes special management areas in the Illinois River watershed from similar forms of resource extraction. The bill does not fund the implementation directly, making appropriations subject to future Congressional action.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.