Angeles Volunteer Association
HOME | NEWS RELEASES | JOIN US

CURRENT ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS RELEASES
SOURCE:  National Wild & Scenic Rivers Website, 2008

40th Anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2008. The Act, championed by Senator Frank Church, and signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on October 2, 1968, protects the free-flowing waters of many of our nation's most spectacular rivers. The Act is notable for safeguarding the special character of these rivers, while also recognizing the potential for appropriate use and development. These living landscapes are uniquely managed to protect the public's enjoyment of these heritage resources for present and future generations. The managing agencies also try to accommodate and reflect community and landowner interests. Every designation preserves a sliver of traditional American experiences that are important to local communities, such as fishing and boating, or wading in waters our nation's forefathers would have recognized and enjoyed.

The Act purposefully strives to balance river development with permanent protection for the country's most outstanding free-flowing rivers. To accomplish this, the Act prohibits federal support for actions, such as the construction of dams or other instream activities, that would diminish the river's free flow or outstanding resource values. Designation neither prohibits development nor gives the federal government control over private property. The Act specifically:

• Prohibits dams and other federally assisted water resources projects that would adversely affect river values;
• Protects outstanding natural, cultural, or recreational values;
• Ensures water quality is maintained; and
• Requires the creation of a comprehensive river management plan that addresses resource protection, development of lands and facilities, user capacities, and other management practices necessary to achieve purposes of the Act.

for additional information please view www.rivers.gov

RETURN TO:
News Releases
AVA Home Page