Wild & Scenic Rivers Act: An Evolution of River Protection Strategies

Michigan, I was surrounded by water. From canoeing on the Au Sable River, to hiking along the Tahquamenon, moving waters have been an important influence in my life. These rivers and streams were a consistent source of exploration and discovery—both an open schoolyard and a warehouse of life lessons, in metaphor—that fed my curiosity, nourished my soul, and, at times, served as a refuge. Though I didn’t understand it at the time, the rivers and the woods through which they flowed were an important part of my own personal growth, development, and history. I am convinced that the time I spent listening to the birds along the river banks, or watching the life cycles ebb and flow as the seasons progressed, are experi-ences that contribute to who I am today. The emotional connection and inspiration I felt then are resurrected each time I hear a red-wing blackbird buzzing along a marsh, frogs singing in chorus, or the thump of a beaver tail hitting the water. I am reminded that these and other such experiences are my touchstone, a grounding point of refer-ence. Collectively, just as for me individually, rivers are an important part of America’s natural and cultural heritage. They have been sources of physical sustenance and spiritual inspiration, provided an impetus for human settlement, and served as paths for exploration, commerce, and travel. If we are to fully understand America’s history, it is imperative to fully understand the contri-butions that rivers have made to our nation’s growth, development, and conser-vation ethic. In many respects, rivers are analogous to our wilderness areas,which, a