The Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act expands the existing recreation area to include new lands in Oregon and designates additional river segments as wild and scenic rivers. The bill modifies the original 1990 recreation area boundaries to incorporate new proposed additions mapped in January 2023, with particular focus on protecting streams, wetlands, and other ecological features in Oregon. Within five years, the Department of Agriculture must study and develop management plans for the expanded area to protect inventoried environmental values, while the bill preserves existing wildfire management and vegetation management authorities. The legislation also establishes wild and scenic river designations for numerous tributaries of the North Fork Smith River in Oregon, designates certain portions as wild rivers to maintain their natural character, and expands the Smith River designation to include additional mainstem and tributary segments. The bill allows the federal government to acquire approximately 555 acres known as the Cedar Creek Parcel once Oregon's State Land Board adopts a resolution, and it seeks to establish memoranda of understanding with Indian tribes regarding access for cultural activities and resource procurement.
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