Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act
Summary
The Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act aims to expand the Smith River National Recreation Area in California and Oregon, and designate certain rivers in Oregon as wild rivers. It amends the Smith River National Recreation Area Act and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to achieve these goals. The bill also includes provisions for studies, wildfire management, vegetation management, and protection of tribal rights.
Expected Effects
The expansion of the recreation area and the designation of wild rivers will likely lead to increased environmental protection and recreational opportunities. It will also require the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct studies and revise management plans to protect the inventoried values. The Act also formalizes protections for tribal rights and access.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced environmental protection of the Smith River area.
- Increased recreational opportunities for the public.
- Formal recognition and protection of tribal rights and access.
- Improved management planning based on scientific studies.
- Potential for increased tourism and economic activity in the region.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential restrictions on resource extraction and development in the expanded area.
- Increased administrative burden for the Secretary of Agriculture.
- Possible conflicts between different user groups (e.g., recreation vs. timber).
- Potential for increased wildfire risk if not properly managed.
- Possible delays in projects due to additional environmental reviews.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to manage and regulate federal lands and property. The designation of wild and scenic rivers also falls under Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce, as these rivers often cross state lines and affect water resources. The Act also includes provisions to protect tribal rights, which aligns with the federal government's trust responsibility to Native American tribes.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).