The gorgeous Smith River is thought of as a California stream, but some of its waters rise on the Oregon side of the state line.
And it is that side that just gave a boost to efforts to protect the Smith.
Oregon's Environmental Quality Commission just applied "outstanding resource waters" designation to the North Fork of the river.
The Smith River Alliance pushed for the label. Members of that group and agency reps from the Oregon side explain what it provides.
LINK: DEQ people mentioned the triennial review of water quality standards, and a chance to comment. Here's that page; scroll down to "Public Review and Comment..."