Snake River Celebrates 10 Years of Wild & Scenic
Snake River Fund is celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the legislation that designated 414 miles of the Snake River Headwaters under the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. The permanently protected Snake River headwaters are free-flowing ensuring some of the purest waters and healthiest native cutthroat trout strongholds in the lower 48 states remains intact for present and future generations.
On March 30, 2009, passage of the Craig Thomas Snake Headwaters Legacy Act added all or segments of 13 rivers and streams in the Snake River Headwaters to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The purpose of this designation is to protect the free-flowing condition, water quality, and ‘outstandingly remarkable’ ecologic, geologic, fisheries, scenic, recreation, and cultural values of the headwaters for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.
The Snake River Headwaters is unique in that it encompasses a connected watershed, rather than just one river or isolated rivers across a region. It includes 13 rivers and 25 separate river segments totaling 414 miles. These rivers flow through an iconic landscape of stunning canyons, open meadows, broad vistas, striking mountains, glacial lakes, and sage flats. These landscapes provide spectacular undeveloped settings that create a distinctive sense of place and offer world-class recreational opportunities within the largest intact ecosystem in the contiguous United States.
Through the leadership and direction of Snake River Fund and participating partners, we were able to protect this incredible resource for present and future generations. We all join together this year to celebrate this landmark, and one of the best ways to celebrate is to float one of the Wild & Scenic River sections this year. If you are curious about what portions of the headwaters is protected, we have compiled a list here: Snake River Headwaters Act designated river sections list. To learn more about this designation, we encourage you to reach out to the Snake River Fund, or consider giving in support of protecting the Snake River Headwaters.
