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Hearing Testimony 

 page 4 



A lightning rod for controversy in the Forest Service Final EIS is the "motorless" window/ of 3 

 days/week (Mon., Tues., & Wed.) for 8 weeks from July 4 to Labor Day weekend. This motorless 

 window excludes powerboats from only 21 river miles between Wild Sheep Cr. Rapid and Kirkwood 

 Bar for a total of 24 days each summer. During these 24 days, powerboats can still utilize every 

 portal into the Wild & Scenic Snake River, and they can still recreate on 48 river miles within Hells 

 Canyon NRA (48 of the total 69.5 river miles). In turn, the motorless window offers float users a brief 

 opportunity to enjoy a small sertion of Hells Canyon without motorized traffic. Far from excluding 

 powerboat use in Hells Canyon, I perceive this small motorless window as an attempt to give non- 

 motorized users a limited chance to enjoy the Canyon without interference from powerboats. 



The Snake River in Hells Canyon is a national treasure. The country, geography, and geology are 

 speaacular. The canyon's depth and ruggedness are unparelleded in North America. There are more 

 American Indian archeological sites per mile than on any other river in the region. The area offers 

 fascinating backcountry history from pioneer days. Fishing is excellent for a variety of species. Wildlife 

 abounds. Wild Sheep, Granite, Waterspout, Rush Creek Rapids, and more are some of the most 

 powerful white water in the West. 



I commend the Forest Service for its management of Hells Canyon float use in rhp pait, and for the 

 thorough and fair public planning process the agency rondurted over the past 8 years to come up with 

 a new management plan. I hope that the future brings meaningful, limited permit management to all 

 Hells Canyon river users including powerboats. Limited use is essential for all river users in order for 

 Hells Canyon to have a quality future. I want the Wild & Scenic Snake River in Hells Canyon to be a 

 world class river opportunity for future generations. I am happy t o share Hells Canyon with 

 powerboaters. However, I expect the Forest Service to manage the area with fair and equitable limited 

 permit management for all users. I encourage the members of thp committee to support the Forest 

 Service's Proposed Action and Final Environmental Impact Statement, and I hope that the Congress will 

 not legislate management decisions for the Snake River in Hells Canyon throug h HR 13 2568 and S 

 1374. 



Thank you for this opportunity to express my views. 



/ Jerry Hughes 



( HUGHES RIVER EXPEDITIONS, INC. 



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