8 



Mr. Lyons. Float and powerboat use are among the river's more 

 popular activities. Recreational use restrictions on the Snake began 

 in the early 1970's when commercial boat outfitters were required 

 to operate under special use permits in response to concerns about 

 the growth in the number of outfitters. Powerboat use has been un- 

 limited under previous management plans. 



The Forest Service proposed to place limitations on commercial 

 and private powerboats in 1982 in order to keep recreation use 

 within the social and physical carrying capacity of the river and to 

 reduce encounters between float and powerboat users, but the deci- 

 sion was reversed by then Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, John 

 Kroll, a member of the Reagan Administration as continuing the 

 ongoing use of powerboats on the river. 



A comprehensive management plan for Hells Canyon NRA, in- 

 cluding the Snake River, was issued in 1984. Regulations which ad- 

 dress, among other things, the use of motorized and nonmotorized 

 river craft on the Snake were issued in 1994. 



The Forest Service is currently in the process of revising the 

 1984 comprehensive management plan for the Hells Canyon NRA 

 in response to resource concerns and recently issued regulations. 



Limitations on powerboat use were proposed in the new river 

 plan completed in 1994. The record of decision and the final envi- 

 ronmental impact statement for the Snake received 31 separate ap- 

 peals by individuals, organizations, and commercial outfitters. 



Most of the appeals were by outfitters and guides appealing limi- 

 tations placed on the user of powerboats. The regional forester 

 upheld many components of the river plan and resolved the ap- 

 peals; however, it was determined that the potential economic im- 

 pacts of the proposed river plan were not adequately analyzed or 

 disclosed. 



The forest supervisor was directed to conduct additional analysis 

 to determine the economic impacts of use allocations and operating 

 limits of the river plan on each of the commercial outfitters af- 

 fected. 



This additional analysis was initiated in December, 1995, and is 

 scheduled for completion in July of this year with implementation 

 of river use guidelines planned for the summer of 1997. 



The Forest Service has responsibility, in summary, Mr. Chair- 

 man, to manage these valuable river resources for the American 

 people. We recognize the importance of these rivers to the local 

 economies and to future generations. 



It is our intent to promote responsible use of these rivers by 

 maintaining access for all users. We understand that final manage- 

 ment decisions may not please everyone. Believe me, I understand 

 that in spades in this job, however, the process that is used to 

 reach the final decision is by law and by practice open and inclu- 

 sive, allowing people every opportunity to make their concerns 

 known. 



Public participation has played a major role in the planning ef- 

 fort for these two rivers and will continue to do so. We will con- 

 tinue to welcome the public's role in the process and to seek a bal- 

 ance among the various concerns and interests that affect both the 

 Green and the Hells Canyon areas. 



