S. 945 expands the Smith River National Recreation Area to include new lands in Oregon and designates over two dozen river segments in Oregon as wild and scenic rivers. The bill extends federal protections to tributaries of the North Fork Smith River, including Baldface Creek, Cedar Creek, Chrome Creek, and others, all managed under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The legislation requires the Department of Agriculture to conduct a comprehensive study within five years to assess water features, wildlife habitat, and ecological values in the expansion area, then modify management plans accordingly to protect inventoried resources. The bill also authorizes the Secretary to acquire approximately 555 acres of land known as the Cedar Creek Parcel once Oregon's State Land Board adopts a resolution supporting the acquisition, subject to available funding. The bill preserves existing management authorities for wildfire operations and forest health projects while extending the protections and management framework of the original 1990 recreation area to include Oregon lands and waterways.
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