37 



powerboaters, both commercial and private, boat manufacturers 

 and business people. 



Hells Canyon Alliance supports shared use of the canyon and 

 river within their capacity. Reasonable and equitable limits for all 

 users is necessary to protect resources and provide an appropriate 

 social experience, education of the canyon visitors or other meas- 

 ures necessary to protect and preserve the canyon's outstanding 

 values. 



We do not favor one user group over another, and we are willing 

 to work with the managing agency or other interest group to find 

 reasonable solutions to the canyon's issues. We are not opposed to 

 powerboat restrictions, and we have never opposed them. 



We also encourage adoption of the least intrusive management 

 measures that can effectively resolve problems. The resource ex- 

 traction industry, once so important to the economies of the Hells 

 Canyon rim communities, are virtually gone. In their place, recre- 

 ation plays an increasingly important role. Much of Hells Canyon 

 takes place on the wild and scenic Snake River, and powerboating 

 is the largest segment of that industry. 



Severe reductions in access by powered craft will severely dam- 

 age economic prospects for many in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon 

 for years to come, with few alternatives in sight. The most obvious 

 effects will be felt by the 19 commercial powerboat outfitters who 

 make their living taking customers into the canyon for sightseeing 

 and fishing. 



According to a recent study done by Mr. Bob Peterson at Cougar 

 Country Lodge, the annual economic impact of these outfitters to- 

 tals over $28,000,000. This does not include the canyon's second 

 largest float outfitter based at Hells Canyon Dam. 



Private powerboating, a popular family recreational activity, con- 

 tributes about $1,500,000 annually. In the Lewiston, Idaho and 

 Clarkston, Washington Valley alone, 13 businesses that manufac- 

 ture and sell welded aluminum Jetboats contribute $17,000,000 an- 

 nually. Not included in this figure are other Pacific Northwest 

 manufacturers who construct boats used on the Snake River. Man- 

 ufacturers of pump, marine engines, trailers, upholsterers, mainte- 

 nance business, banks, advertisers, airlines, tour ships, travel 

 agents, restaurants, hotels, tackle shop, and fuel suppliers will all 

 suffer losses. 



The above assessment is weak; we know that, but it is far better 

 than the one the Forest Service did. Americans are not well served 

 by this plan, and Congress' commitment is not lived up to. 



If those who don't like motorized cannot go to the 31 other rivers 

 where they can experience a nonmotorized experience, then we ask 

 them to come and learn to share with us and enjoy Hell's Canyon. 



We ask you to please, please pass this bill. We need it des- 

 perately. Thank you. 



[The prepared statement of Sandra Mitchell may be found at the 

 end of hearing.] 



[The submitted Attachments 2, 3, and 4 may be found in the 

 Committee files.] 



Mrs. Chenoweth. Thank you, Mrs. Mitchell. I would Uke to turn 

 to the gentleman from Oregon, Mr. Cooley. 



