[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 19 (Thursday, February 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HELLS CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ROBERT SMITH

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 1997

  Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, today I have introduced legislation 
to clarify the eastern boundary of the Hell's Canyon National 
Recreation Area [HCNRA]. This legislation is necessary to correct an 
oversight that has lead to the closure of an important access route. 
The bill will enhance the public enjoyment of the Hells Canyon region, 
while preserving the ecological value of the wilderness area itself.
  In 1975, Congress created the HCNRA. The recreation area abuts the 
eastern border of the Hells Canyon Wilderness Area, and overlooks the 
Snake River and the Oregon-Idaho border. A road, Forest Service Road 
3965, lies along the western rim of Hells Canyon. Most of this rim road 
lies within the recreation area. It provides access to several hiking 
trails, and to the most scenic overlooks of Hells Canyon itself. 
Unfortunately, a 6.5-mile stretch of the rim road is now closed. 
Despite the clear intent of Congress, and the long-standing practice of 
the Forest Service, an inaccuracy in the boundary definition has led to 
the inadvertent inclusion of Forest Service Road 3965 within the Hells 
Canyon Wilderness Area itself, forcing the road's closure.
  The legislative history of the 1975 recreation area legislation 
evinces a clear congressional intent to maintain Forest Service Road 
3965, the area's most prominent scenic route. Section eight of the 
original HCNRA Act requires the Secretary of Agriculture to evaluate 
scenic roads within the recreation area. During Senate consideration of 
the bill, it was stated that ``in no case [would Recreation Area lands] 
go back to the rim of the gorge.''
  In 1978, Rep. Al Ullman (OR) successfully sponsored legislation that 
changed the recreation area's eastern boundary by tying it to the 
Canyon's hydrologic divide. For 11 years, Road 3965 remained open to 
motorized vehicles. Then, in October 1989, during scoping for a 
proposed fire salvage timber sale, it was discovered that portions of a 
7-mile stretch of the road were located on the Snake River side of the 
hydrologic divide. Despite longstanding practice, and the well-
established intent of Congress, the Forest Service was compelled to 
close the road. After a thorough review of this issue in 1996, Jack 
Ward Thomas, then the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, wrote a letter 
in which he addressed the assertion that the road closure was 
inadvertent. He concluded that ``all indications are that this is the 
case.''
  For decades, Oregon residents have traveled Road 3965 to experience 
the natural beauty of Hells Canyon. Congress established the HCNRA to 
enhance and preserve public enjoyment of this valuable resource--not to 
cut off access to the area. This bill will restore Congress' original 
intent, facilitating public access to the recreation area while 
preserving the sanctity of Hells Canyon itself. I urge my colleagues to 
support this sensible legislation.

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