The National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act is one of the most important natural areas protection programs ever established at the federal level. It has resulted in the creation of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System -- a rich American legacy that includes many of our finest waterways. This book is the definitive resource on the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Topics covered include:

• the importance of protecting river ecosystems


• state and local protection systems


• the history of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System


• descriptions of each of the major rivers in the system


• how and why rivers are chosen for inclusion


• river management


• continuing threats to rivers


• what can be done to make the system more effective and more inclusive