Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act

H.R. 5041, the Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act, is a bill introduced in the House that would expand the existing Smith River National Recreation Area. Based on the bill's title and subject areas, the legislation appears designed to increase protections for lands and resources in the Smith River region, which spans Oregon and California. The expansion would likely encompass additional federal lands involving forests, wilderness areas, rivers, and wildlife habitats in the region. If enacted, the bill would change how these expanded lands are managed and used, potentially affecting recreation opportunities, conservation practices, and land use in the affected areas. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced in August 2025 and referred to committee for consideration. It has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.