Indian Creek and a Misty Morning, North Casacdes National Park. Photo Courtesy of Andy Porter.
Washington State is blessed with incredible rivers that deliver clean cold water to salmon, wildlife, residents, businesses and the Puget Sound. They are central to our unique quality of life. However, few of these rivers are permanently protected from new dam construction, unsustainable logging, mining and unmaintained roads. For example, Washington State has only 250 miles of designated Wild & Scenic Rivers compared to Oregon’s 2,000 miles.
Indian Creek Waterfall, North Cascades National Park.
The National Wild & Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress in 1968 (full description of WSR Act) to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. The Act is notable for safeguarding the special character of these rivers, while also recognizing the potential for their appropriate use and development. It encourages river management that crosses political boundaries and promotes public participation in developing goals for river protection.
Washington Wild works with coalition partners to support river management on our public lands and oppose logging, mining and other development that threaten to adversely impact river values. While we understand and support hydro-electric power as a renewable and clean energy source, we oppose proposals to add new dams to free flowing rivers. A better strategy is upgrading power production from the many aging dams that already exist on our rivers and streams.
News Articles Featuring WA Wild Bring Much-Needed Attention to Pending Oustanding Resource Waters Designations
Skagit Valley Herald reporter, Emma Fletcher-Frazer, recently reached out to WA Wild Executive Director, Tom Uniack, to discuss the Department of Ecology’s pending Outstanding Resource Water (ORW) designations. Although Washington […]
WA Wild Builds Coalition Calling for Outstanding Resource Waters Designation Under the Clean Water Act
Today, Washington Wild sent letters signed by a broad coalition of 137 sportsman groups, outdoor recreation groups, conservation and civic groups, elected officials, Brewshed® Alliance Members, and local businesses […]
Washington Wild Coordinates Letter in Support of Actionable Solution to Breach Snake River Dams to Prevent Salmon Extinction
In response to the comment period initiated by Governor Inslee and Senator Murray to solicit public input on a draft report regarding the lower four Snake River dams, Washington Wild […]
