Angie Craig: “Public Law 94-199, designating the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, was signed into law December 31, 1975. Section…”

“Public Law 94-199, designating the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, was signed into law December 31, 1975. Section 10 of the act recognizes that the use of both motorized and nonmotorized river craft are valid activities on the Snake River within the recreation area. The language seems clear. However, assurances by the Congress and the Forest Service 22 years ago that the long-established and traditional use of motorized river craft would be continued are now being callously disregarded by the agency. The most recent indication of this attitude has arisen during a review and revision of the river management plan for the NRA. Despite the lack of any demonstrable resource problems, and in the face of overwhelming public support for motorized river craft, the agency has again decided to close part of the river to powerboats. The new river management plan would close the heart of the canyon to motorized river craft for 21 days during the peak of the recreation season.”