Wild & Scenic Rivers Coalition on Capital Hill

The Lower Salmon River is an ideal candidate for a newly designated Wild & Scenic river in Idaho. Photo credit: ROW Adventures

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The Wild and Scenic Rivers Coalition set out to advocate in Washington D.C. for rivers the week of March 6th. Through the work of approximately 40 coalition members, we were able to meet with more than 80 congressional offices, promoting 17 different campaigns, in 11 states. Idaho Rivers United as a Leadership Team member of the coalition, was also able to meet with numerous agency staff, including the Department of the Interior (BLM), Department of Agriculture (USFS), Office of Management and Budget, National Park Service, and the Council on Environmental Quality.

“To see not only the amount of legislation being supported for Wild and Scenic Rivers, but seeing bipartisan and bicameral support for these efforts showcases the importance of permanent protections for our most intact river systems to all Americans, regardless of political affiliation,” said Nic Nelson, Executive Director of IRU.

THE FOLLOWING BILLS AND CAMPAIGNS WERE AMPLIFIED DURING THE WEEK’S MEETINGS:

WASHINGTON

                Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

OREGON

                River Democracy Act

                Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act S.162

                Oregon Recreation Enhancement Act S.440

CALIFORNIA

                Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act

                Central Heritage Protection Act

                San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act

COLORADO

                Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act

                Crystal Wild and Scenic River (Emerging)

                Deep Creek Wild and Scenic River (Emerging)

NEW MEXICO

                M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act

MONTANA

                Montana Headwaters Legacy Act

MASSACHUSETTES

                S.4631 Deerfield River Wild and Scenic River Study Act

VERMONT

                H.R. 1063 Nulhegan and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Designation

ALABAMA

                Little Wild and Scenic River (Emerging)

ARIZONA

                Upper Verde Wild and Scenic River (Emerging)

NORTH CAROLINA

                Nolichucky Wild and Scenic River (Emerging)

This week has truly given us hope that we can see similar legislation gains support from Idaho’s Federal delegation, as we possess some of the most outstanding, remarkable, and deserving river systems anywhere in the world. With your help, we will continue to make strides towards this effort, especially on rivers such as the Lower Salmon River, Payette River, and Boise River systems, that are prime candidates for inclusion as Wild and Scenic River Systems. Please reach out to your representatives and let them know we need protections for these rivers under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act!