Watershed Protection Overview

The Smith River Alliance is working to safeguard the Smith River watershed (view a large map) using advocacy, education and acquisition of key inholdings.

We secure permanent protection of key strategic forest, wetland and public access parcels through purchase from willing sellers. SRA works independently and with partner organizations, developing support for past projects like Mill Creek, Goose Creek, Hurdygurdy Creek and the Lake Earl Wildlife Area.

We defend the Smith watershed against bad public policies that would undermine the protection we have achieved for the Smith. Designated Wild and Scenic rivers, forests and wildlife areas within the Smith watershed are sometimes threatened by development, mining, and bad public policies. An example of an SRA protection initiative is the campaign to prevent strip mining in the headwaters of the North Fork Smith.

We take action to secure lasting protection for important places like the Buck Creek watershed and the South Fork Smith.

South Fork Smith

One hundred forty-one miles of river in the Upper South Fork Smith have been recognized as Heritage and Wild Trout Waters.

North Fork Smith

Rising in the Kalmiopsis, tributaries of the Smith in Oregon are threatened by mining.

Buck Creek Watershed

It is time to expand the Siskiyou Wilderness Area to include Buck Creek and other places.