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U.S. Code as of:
01/19/04
Section 460bbb. Findings
The Congress finds that -
(1) the Smith River, undammed and free-flowing from its
headwaters to the Pacific Ocean, represents one of the last
wholly intact vestiges of an invaluable legacy of wild and scenic
rivers;
(2) the Smith River watershed, from the diverse conifer forests
of the Siskiyou Mountains and unique botanical communities of the
North Fork serpentine to the ancient redwoods along the river's
lower reaches, exhibits a richness of ecological diversity
unusual in a basin of its size;
(3) the Smith River watershed's scenic beauty, renowned
anadromous fisheries, exceptional water quality, and abundant
wildlife combine with its ready accessibility to offer
exceptional opportunities for a wide range of recreational
activities, including wilderness, water sports, fishing, hunting,
camping, and sightseeing;
(4) careful development and utilization at mutually compatible
levels of recreation, fisheries, and timber resources on public
lands will ensure the continuation of the Smith River watershed's
historic role as a significant contributor to the region's local
economy; and
(5) protection of the Smith River's unique values can be
enhanced by a cooperative effort by Federal, State and local
governments to coordinate land-use planning, management, and
development of Federal and non-Federal lands throughout the
watershed.
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