Congressman Schrader to Hold Roundtable on Protecting the Molalla as a Wild and Scenic River

Reporters are invited to attend the September 2 event that will be followed by a visit to a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) restoration site along the river

August 27, 2009

Washington – Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR-5th District) will hold a roundtable with American Rivers and local members of the Molalla River Alliance on Wednesday, September 2nd to discuss ongoing efforts to designate the Molalla River as Wild and Scenic.  Reporters are encouraged to attend.

Where: A private residence of the President of the Molalla River Alliance
When: September 2, 2009
Time:  9:00 am

After a brief roundtable, press and supporters are invited to travel with the Congressman to a nearby location on the Molalla to view a pilot restoration project and a camp site managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Transportation will be available.  For more information and directions to attend, please contact Kavita Heyn at kheyn@amrivers.org (503) 827-8648.

American Rivers and the Molalla River Alliance applauded Representative Kurt Schrader for recently introducing legislation that will protect 22 miles and 7,000 acres of riverside land along the Molalla River in Oregon’s Willamette Valley through Wild and Scenic River designation. The Molalla River Alliance is a diverse coalition of over 45 local groups that includes American Rivers, Clackamas County, City of Molalla, Molalla Police, Oregon Wild, private landowners, and several other local groups.  One of the Alliance’s main objectives it to permanently protect the Molalla River through Wild and Scenic designation.

Kavita Heyn of American Rivers in Portland says, “The Molalla River is one of our state’s natural treasures, and we want to ensure this river remains an attraction for visitors and locals alike.  We need to safeguard the Molalla and its native wild fish, recreational opportunities, and scenic beauty for future generations to enjoy.  Wild and Scenic designation will help us achieve just that.”

The Molalla River corridor is only 50 miles from Portland, but remains a true remnant of the historical Oregon landscape, winding through cedar, hemlock, old-growth Douglas fir forests and basalt rock canyons from its headwaters in the Table Rock wilderness. The river provides cold, clean waters and habitat for wildlife and fish, including winter steelhead. The river also provides numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, rafting, and wildlife viewing, and is visited by thousands of visitors each year.  However, it is precisely these special attributes that also put the river at risk from increasing overuse and damage.

A Wild and Scenic designation creates a protected buffer along both sides of a river, blocks dams and other harmful water projects, and preserves a river's free-flowing nature. It also helps protect and improve water quality, as well as the river's unique historic, cultural, scenic, ecological, and recreational values. Designation can also bring economic benefits to the surrounding region as well by supporting recreation and tourism and protecting the quality of life.

Update:  View an image of Congressman Schrader at the event.

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American Rivers is the leading conservation organization fighting for healthy rivers so communities can thrive. American Rivers protects and restores America's rivers for the benefit of people, wildlife and nature. Founded in 1973, American Rivers has more than 65,000 members and supporters, with offices in Washington, DC and nationwide.