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PENDLETON — Eastern Oregon ranchers say they are wary of federal legislation that would add nearly 4,700 miles of wild and scenic rivers statewide, despite assurances the proposal will not affect existing private property or water rights. U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, both Democrats from Oregon, introduced the River Democracy Act on Feb. 3, which calls for dramatically expanding wild and scenic river designations in all corners of the state to protect water quality, enhance outdoor recreation and mitigate wildfire risks. Oregon currently has 2,173 miles of wild and scenic rivers. The River Democracy Act would roughly triple that number. The bill also expands wild and scenic river corridors from one-quarter mile to one-half mile on both sides of the river. For 4,700 river miles, that amounts to slightly more than 3 million acres of protected land — an area about the size of Connecticut.

United statesWallowa countyNorth powderTodd nashRon wydenJeff merkleyTom sharpMatt mcelligottNational wildBureau of land managementPublic lands councilOregon cattlemen associationPublic lands commissionForest serviceEastern oregonRiver democracy act