The Importance of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act: A Plea for the Rogue River
The beauty and magnificence of Rogue River has inspired countless visitors to this Wild and Scenic waterway. The Rogue is not just a picturesque landscape; it is vital to the environment, culture, and recreational activities that our communities rely on. It is for these reasons that in 1968, Congress initiated the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act (WSRA).
The Birth of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act
Rafters on the Wild & Scenic Rogue River in the fall.
With the burgeoning industrial era, there was a heightened realization that the untouched beauty of our nation's rivers was under severe threat. In an effort to combat this, the WSRA was born with a noble goal: to preserve rivers that showcased outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values. It was a mandate that these selected rivers maintain their free-flowing condition and their environments be fiercely protected. This intent of the Act was to allow for a balanced approach that acknowledged the potential for the river's use and development while prioritizing its preservation.
The Rogue River, spanning approximately 84 miles, was one of the beneficiaries of this act, being one of the first rivers to be designated as Wild & Scenic. It was a testament to the unparalleled beauty and ecological significance of the Rogue to be granted this designation from the very first implemention of the Act.
Recent Developments and Challenges
Fast forward to March 2019, a landmark moment occurred when Congress passed the Natural Resources Management Act. Embedded within this act were two significant pieces of legislation: the Oregon Wildlands Act and the Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Special Management Area Designation Act. As a result, an additional 140 miles of tributaries that flow into the lower Rogue River were also designated as Wild & Scenic.
Map of the Rogue basin including the tributaries to the Rogue River. Source: USGS
However, with this designation comes responsibility, specifically that of the Bureau of Land (BLM) and the United States Forest Service (USFS). The WSRA mandates that when a river is designated under the National System, the managing agency, a comprehensive river management plan (CRMP) needs to be meticulously curated within three full-fiscal years from the designation date. This CRMP is essential as it provides a roadmap, ensuring that the river and its surrounding areas are adequately protected, utilized, and developed.
While this sounds straightforward, herein lies our current challenge: The CRMP for the main stem of the Rogue has aged and no longer reflects the river's current needs and the intricacies of the surrounding area. More concerning is that there hasn't been a CRMP developed for the tributaries designated in 2019.
Why Rogue Riverkeeper Cares
For over a decade, Rogue Riverkeeper has passionately worked towards the protection, defense, and restoration of clean water, native fish, and the thriving communities within the Rogue River Basin. Our mission is to leverage foundational environmental protections, like the Clean Water Act, to enhance water quality across the sprawling 3.3 million acres of the Rogue watershed.
To us, the Rogue River is not just a body of water. It symbolizes the lifeline of our community and the countless species that call it home. We understand the importance of a comprehensive CRMP, for it serves as the guide in ensuring that our beloved Rogue River and its tributaries are preserved, celebrated, and loved.
Join Us in Our Campaign
Campers on the Wild & Scenic Rogue River.
This isn't just a story of a river and an act; it's a call to action. We, at Rogue Riverkeeper, believe that with community support, we can foster a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the Rogue River. We invite you to be our partner in this endeavor, to be an advocate, steward, and voice for the clean water of the Rogue. Let us champion the need for an updated and comprehensive CRMP together, ensuring the Rogue River's splendor and significance endure for generations to come. We will be calling for the BLM and USFS to act and we hope you’ll join us when the time comes.
To stay up-to-date on actions you can take to protect the Rogue River, click here.
Want to learn more about the history of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act? Join us for our showing of Stewart Udall: The Politics of Beauty on November 2nd at the SOU campus.