Trailhead
THE GOOD FIGHT
Let The Rivers Run Free A set of 10 bills currently in Congress will protect 7,000 miles of American waterways— if they pass. BY KRISTIN SMITH
( A B O V E ) P H O T O S B Y PA U L A C O B L E I G H / A D O B E S T O C K ; ( B E L O W ) A L E X S AVA / G E T T Y I M A G E S
The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, passed in 1968, was a landmark piece of legislation. For the first time in United States history, it gave Congress the power to protect rivers with “outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values,” prioritizing sustainable management and banning dams or other development. Since then, though, just under half of 1 percent of the nation’s rivers have been designated as Wild and Scenic, while over 12 times that many river miles are classified as too polluted for swimming or fishing. This year, a set of proposed bills from several states—Oregon’s River Democracy Act, Washington’s Wild Olympics Act, New Mexico’s M.H. Dutch Salmon Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act, among others—would protect another 7,000 river miles and another 5 million of riparian shore area with Wild and Scenic River designation. The challenge? As is so often the case, the bills are stalled out in committees and subcommittees, with not enough noise made by constituents to move them. That’s where you come in. As hikers, we know that the Wild and Scenic Rivers we love to trek beside are a treasured resource, and that our nation’s waterways need more protection than ever. Head to usa.gov/elected-officials to find your representatives and their contact information. Then write, call, and email your support for more Wild and Scenic Rivers.
HIKING POLL
ULTR ALIGHT
What’s your packing style: Ultralight or ultra-plush?
10 Backpacker
| SUMMER 2022
22.9 %
SOME WHE RE IN BE T WE E N
ULTR A- PLUSH
69.5 %
7.6 %
