I
106TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. R. 1759
To ensure the long-term protection of the resources of the portion of the
Columbia River known as the Hanford Reach.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MAY 11, 1999
Mr. HASTINGS of Washington (for himself, Mr. NETHERCUTT, and Ms.
DUNN) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee
on Resources
A BILL
To ensure the long-term protection of the resources of the
portion of the Columbia River known as the Hanford Reach.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Hanford Reach Na-
tional Salmon Preserve and Recreational Area Act’’.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The 51-mile stretch of the Columbia River,
known as the ‘‘Hanford Reach’’, provides 80 percent
of the fall Chinook salmon in the river system, crit-
ical habitat for wildlife, a high-quality waterfowl
sanctuary, as well as numerous scenic, historic, and
recreational opportunities for the public.
(2) In 1996 Congress, through Public Law
104–333, prohibited damming, dredging, channeling,
or other such activities along the Hanford Reach in
order to help preserve and protect the unique envi-
ronmental benefits of the region.
(3) The lands surrounding the Hanford Reach
area of the Columbia River, Washington, should be
properly managed in order to protect plant, fish,
wildlife, cultural, recreational, and scenic resources,
while preserving access to these lands.
(4) Recognizing the unique and pristine values
of the area, local citizens in cooperation with Fed-
eral and State authorities have developed a com-
prehensive protection plan which has enhanced salm-
on habitat along the Hanford Reach. This plan,
known as the Vernita Bar Agreement, has preserved
the free flowing, riparian character of the Hanford
Reach, and serves as a blueprint for further success-
ful management along the Columbia River.
(5) Although dozens of local, State, and Federal
environmental protection and management laws and
regulations exist for the Hanford Reach, manage-
ment efforts can be better integrated and can lead
to more efficient use of public resources and im-
proved habitat and recreation management.
(6) Inasmuch as Federal financial resources are
constrained, joint partnerships among Federal,
State, and local entities can provide long-term habi-
tat and wildlife management, maintain recreational
opportunities, and develop a responsible and environ-
mentally sound management plan for the Hanford
Reach.
(7) The people and the governments of Benton,
Franklin, and Grant Counties desire to enter into
such a partnership with the State of Washington
and the United States to ensure the continued pro-
tection of plant, fish, wildlife, cultural, recreational,
and scenic resources on the lands surrounding the
Hanford Reach.
(8) Such a cooperative partnership will provide
a forum for public input from the entire region and
ensure the long-term protection of the river as wild,
scenic, and accessible.
(9) Congress recommends the formation of a
commission, with Federal, State and local members,
to manage the Reach in accordance with the above
goals.