36 



As a result Section 10 of the act addresses provision for the con- 

 trol of the use and number of motorized and nonmotorized river 

 craft provided that the use of such craft is hereby recognized as a 

 valid use of the Snake River within the recreation area. To accom- 

 modate powerboating, a nonwilderness corridor at least a half-mile 

 wide was left of the river's length. 



During development of the HCNRA's first management plan, 

 boaters agreed to a shared use alternative that limited access by 

 both float and power. The Forest Service, however, opted for a plan 

 in 198 1 that eliminated powerboats from all of the river's Class IV 

 rapids for the entire summer. Powerboaters appealed, and the chief 

 reconsidered his decision, deciding to allow limited access by boat, 

 float, and powerboat to the entire river. 



This decision was also appealed, and the Secretary issued a deci- 

 sion in 1983 allowing unlimited access for day use powerboating 

 and limiting float access on the top 16.3 miles of the 67.5 miles of 

 the wild and scenic river. 



A new review of the river plan began in 1980 using a citizens 

 task force with representatives from all primary user groups. After 

 two years of deliberation, they recommended a plan allowing 

 shared access to the entire river with limited numbers. 



The forest supervisor, however, adopted a plan in 1994 that 

 eliminated powerboats from much of the wild river segment for 

 three days a week in July and August to provide those floaters who 

 didn't want to see powerboats a nonmotorized experience. Commer- 

 cial powerboat access was curtailed to the entire river, and access 

 to private land was severely limited. 



The management plan for the wild Snake River and the HCNRA 

 is based on social rather than environmental concerns. According 

 to my Mike Cole, river manager for the Snake River, "Decisions on 

 use in the management plan are based primarily on trying to meet 

 the social issues which are tied to the recreational experiences. We 

 looked at the resource issues but could not justify restrictions on 

 Jetboats based on them. There is no evidence that Jetboats have 

 more impact on the environment than floaters." 



The plan came in spite of the language in the enabling legisla- 

 tion and from the overwhelming support from the public and elect- 

 ed officials fro 'uaho, Washington, and Oregon. The HCNRA's act 

 validity language is intended to assure that both motorized and 

 nonmotorized river craft would be provided access to the Snake 

 River, one no more valid than the other. Yet at every management 

 planning juncture, powerboating has been targeted for elimination 

 for some part of the summer. The act's validity language has prov- 

 en inadequate. 



H.R. 2568 is designed to clarify Congressional intent that this 

 river be shared, protect access to private land, and ensure the lim- 

 its placed on powerboating are reasonable. 



The Hells Canyon Alliance was formed to provide a common 

 voice for all who support shared use of the Hells Canyon wild and 

 scenic river. The original founding organizations are the Northwest 

 River Runners, Western Whitewater Association, and River Access 

 for Tomorrow [RAFT]. Our board of directors includes a broad spec- 

 trum of those concerned with Hells Canyon's future. Floaters and 



