Wild and Scenic Rivers

Leading the charge to protect the nation's last, best rivers

Just as we have National Park and Wilderness designations to protect the nation’s most special lands, we have Wild and Scenic River designations to protect our highest quality rivers. The National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, signed into law 40 years ago, is one of the strongest tools available to protect outstanding, free-flowing rivers.  Protecting more Wild and Scenic rivers was at the heart of American Rivers’ mission when we were founded over 35 years ago. Today, thanks to American Rivers and our partners across the country, the Wild and Scenic Rivers System includes more than 12,000 miles of a growing list of more than 252 rivers in 39 states.