Many Oregon waterways would receive federal conservation status

The proposal would classify many waterways as wild, scenic, or recreational parts of a federal conservation system. Most covered segments are in Oregon, while some extend into California or Washington. New Oregon segments would include an average of 640 acres per river mile. Segments designated before enactment, and later adjustments to those segments, would keep their existing management boundaries. Some designations expressly exclude nonfederal land or limit management plans outside Oregon. The 640-acre boundary rule would apply to Oregon segments designated on or after enactment.

The proposal would block new mining claims, mineral and geothermal leasing, and certain public-land transfers on covered federal land. Covered land includes federal land in Oregon wild-and-scenic river areas, specified wetlands and land supporting their water flow, and listed Illinois watershed management areas. Valid existing rights would remain. For the wetlands, agencies would publish draft maps within one year after enactment, allow 90 days for public comments, and then publish final maps after responding.

Federal land managers would schedule and prepare or update a management plan for each covered segment. Plans must assess wildfire, public safety, evacuation routes, invasive species, and fire's long-term role. Requirements for prioritizing treatments would exclude wilderness land. At a Tribe's request, officials must assess culturally important native species and develop a plan with the Tribe. Optional ecosystem projects would require collaboration and an environmental review finding that they are appropriate. Schedules must be published by the end of the first fiscal year beginning after enactment. Planning must start by the next plan revision or the end of the 10th full fiscal year, whichever comes first, and finish within five years.

Federal agencies could sign cooperation agreements and must encourage nearby governments to help plan and administer river areas. Agreements with Tribal, state, and local governments could cover river administration, rescue, firefighting, and law enforcement, with or without reimbursement. Federal managers could also restore eligible Oregon river areas. Restoration would depend on Congress providing money and must follow federal wild-and-scenic river law. Eligible areas must supply drinking water to downstream communities or have damage from a catastrophic wildfire.

Federal officials would have to honor specified private, utility, water, and Tribal interests while administering covered segments. Protections cover existing contracts, facility repairs, access to private land, utility lines and permitted utility work, valid water rights, and Tribal jurisdiction and treaty rights. Officials could still permit grazing under applicable laws. An owner must consent before the federal government acquires covered land or an interest in it. A Tribal government must expressly consent before Tribal or trust land is included in a covered segment.