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Prepareo Statement of Sandra F. MrrcHEix 



Testimony, S. 1374 and H.R. 2568 

 Sandra F. Mitchell, Executive Director, Hells Canyon Alliance 



The Hells Canyon Alliance (HCA) represents a broad spectrum of citizens, busi- 

 nesses and organizations, including many of those who actually visit, love and enjoy 

 Hells Canyon. The original founding organizations are tlie Northwest Power Boat 

 Association (now Northwest River Runners), Western White Water Association and 

 River Access for Tomorrow (RAFT). We have a common interest in assuring equi- 

 table access to our rivers and support responsible shared use as appropriate to each 

 river's legislative constraints. HCA was formed to provide a common voice for 

 groups affected by the Forest Service's management plan in Hells Canyon. Our con- 

 cerns, however, extend to other rivers in Idaho, Washington and Oregon. 



The following testimony is offered for your consideration conceming a proposal 

 to amend the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area Act. Public Law 94-199. De- 

 cember 31. 1975: 



The Need for S. 1374 and H.R. 2568 



Today the vast majority of people who recreate in the Hells Canyon segment of the 

 Snake River, visit it by motorized river craft. Some of these are private boaters and 

 others go with commercial operators on scenic tours. This access is accomplished 

 with a minimum of impact to the river, the land or its resources. A small group of 

 nonmotorized users objects to seeing powered craft; most, however, are willing to 

 share the river. Those unwilling to share have a rich choice of alternatives in this 

 geographic area, such as the Selway and Middle Fork of the Salmon. Motorized 

 users, however, don't have that luxury. The only other white water rivers open to 

 them in the wild and scenic system are portions of the Rogue and Salmon rivers. 

 Without a single doubt, the Hells Canyon portion of the Snake River is our Nation' s 

 premier white water power boating river. 



The use of motorized river craft is deeply interwoven into the fabric of Hells 

 Canyon's history, traditions and culture. It was for this reason Congress left a non- 

 wildemess corridor for the river's entire length; it was for this reason Congress speci- 

 fied that both motorized and nonmotorized river craft were valid uses of the river 

 within the recreation area, the entire river for the entire year. It was not the intent of 

 Congress to allow the managing agency to decide that one valid use would prevail 

 over the other and be granted exclusive use at the other's expense. 



The process leading to passage of the HCNRA Act was long and labored. As with 

 most laws of this kind, its language evolved from extensive negotiations and compro- 

 mises. Without these, the recreation area could not have been designated and we 

 would have another lake behind another dam instead of our magnificent canyon and 

 its plunging rapids. However, today it seems that the agreements and promises which 



