Bills/S. 945

Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act

Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act

In CommitteeEnvironmentSenateSenate Bill · 119th Congress
Bill Progress · Senate
Introduced
Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Passed Both
Signed

Plain Language Summary

# Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would expand the Smith River National Recreation Area, a protected natural area that straddles the Oregon-California border. The legislation would increase the size of the recreation area and likely add additional protections for the surrounding forests, rivers, wetlands, and wildlife habitats. It would also involve transferring or managing federal land in the region and could affect how Native American tribes interact with the protected lands. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily impact outdoor enthusiasts and recreational users of the Smith River area, local communities in Oregon and California, Native American tribes with historical ties to the region, and potentially timber companies or others with commercial interests in the forests.

Federal and state land management agencies would also be involved in implementing any expanded protections or new regulations. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (S 945) is still in committee review in the Senate and has not yet been voted on by the full Congress. This means it's in the early stages of the legislative process and would need to pass committee, then secure approval from both the Senate and House before becoming law.

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Latest Action

December 2, 2025

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.

Subjects

CaliforniaFederal-Indian relationsForests, forestry, treesGeography and mappingLakes and riversLand transfersLand use and conservationOregonParks, recreation areas, trailsWetlandsWilderness and natural areas, wildlife refuges, wild rivers, habitats

Sponsor

D
Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
D-OR · Senate
3 cosponsors

Key Dates

Introduced
March 11, 2025
Last Updated
December 2, 2025
Read Full Text on Congress.gov →
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