Oregon Outdoor Businesses and Recreation Leaders Rally Behind River Democracy Act

Contact:     Sami Godlove, Oregon Wild

BEND, OR — As the busy summer season kicks off over Memorial Day weekend, outdoor recreation businesses, guides, nonprofits, and industry leaders across Oregon have come together in a unified show of support for the River Democracy Act, legislation that would add over 3,200 miles of Oregon rivers and streams to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

According to a recent poll, 71% of Oregonians support additional Wild & Scenic River designations like those proposed in the River Democracy Act. 

In a letter sent today to Oregon’s congressional delegation—Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Cliff Bentz, Maxine Dexter, Val Hoyle, Janelle Bynum, and Andrea Salinas—these businesses and organizations highlighted the critical importance of Oregon’s rivers to the state’s economy, culture, and environment.

“Outdoor recreation is one of Oregon’s premier economic drivers,” the signers wrote. “In 2022 alone, spending on outdoor recreation in Oregon exceeded $16 billion and supported 192,000 jobs. Many of these jobs exist in rural communities where iconic rivers like the Rogue, Deschutes, and McKenzie attract visitors from around the world.”

The River Democracy Act, championed by Senators Wyden and Merkley, seeks to safeguard thousands of miles of river segments across the state by granting them Wild and Scenic designation—offering permanent protections against damming, pollution, and development. 82% of Oregonians think Wild & Scenic designations are very important or somewhat important for protecting community drinking water.

The proposal comes at a time of increasing threats to public lands and water resources, both from climate impacts and shifting federal priorities.

“Our way of life in Oregon is deeply connected to our rivers and public lands,” the letter states. “Whether we’re fishing, guiding, paddling, or simply enjoying the natural beauty, these rivers power both our economy and our identity as Oregonians.”

The signatories—from fly fishing guides in Madras to eco-tour companies in Gold Beach—are calling on Congress to pass the legislation and provide adequate resources to the federal agencies charged with protecting these waters, such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“Even as we work to enact strong, permanent protections for these rivers, it’s vital that we support the people on the ground—the federal land managers who safeguard these places every day,” the letter notes.

The coalition praised the efforts of Senators Wyden and Merkley in advancing the legislation and urged the full Oregon delegation to prioritize passage of the River Democracy Act as a critical investment in the state’s recreation economy and natural legacy.

Signatories include:

• Fishing and hunting groups like Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and Trout Unlimited Chapters across Oregon
  
• River guides and outfitters from Bend, Eugene, Roseburg, La Grande, and more
  
• Lodges, tour companies, outdoor brands, recreation organizations, and trail alliances from across the state
  

Full list of signatories: