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AWA disagrees with at least three of the main principles of this proposed 

 legislation: 



1 . that both motorized and non-motorized river craft are equally suitable for use 

 within the Hells Canyon NRA; 



2. that "concurrent use of the river within the recreation area by motorized and 

 nonmotorized craft shall not be considered to be a conflict;" and 



3. that legislation is needed which overrides Forest Service's management 

 decisions for the NRA and favors motorized over non-motorized recreation. 



In addition to these three objections, the AWA is aware that the increase in 

 motorized travel on the Snake is indicative of similar increases on rivers all 

 across our country. We are concerned that passage of H.R. 2568 will set a 

 dangerous precedent for other rivers, and create a safety concern of national 

 importance. 



1. Motorized and non-motorized river craft are NOT equallv suitable for use 

 within Hells Canyon NRA 



The AWA believes in recreation - we believe that outdoor users are our 

 strongest conservationists - and (especially in river conservation) we believe we 

 have the track record to back this up." However, we cannot support that aN 

 recreation use is equal in its effects on either the environment or on other human 

 enjoyment of the outdoors. 



As proposed, this legislation ignores the effects of jet-boats on both the 

 environment and on other use of the NRA, especially wilderness, and in fact 

 goes far beyond equal use for motorized travel. H.R. 2568 would release the 

 Forest Service from its 1 975 mandate'" to control the use of motorized rivercraft 

 while continuing to control nonmotorized travel. Nonmotorized travel (canoes, 

 kayaks and rafts) has been regulated since 1978 (Permit Attached). 



Effects on the Environment 



While all human use has some effect on the environment, there is a big 

 difference between human-powered and motorized recreation. No where is this 

 more evident than within the Hells Canyon NRA and the Hells Canyon 

 Management Plan (completed in 1979 and approved in 1983), where there is a 

 documented history of adverse affects from jet-boats on river resources (noise, 

 wake and oil spills). 



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