Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

Ever wonder how some of our rivers stay unspoiled? It's thanks to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, which was signed into law on this day in 1968. This legislation created the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System for preserving specific rivers for their exceptional natural, cultural, and recreational qualities, and maintaining their free-flowing states.
The national rivers system oversees more than 12,700 miles of 209 rivers across 40 states, which is less than a quarter of a percent of the 3.5 million miles of US rivers. In this system, rivers are categorized as wild, scenic, or recreational. For example, the Wind River seen in today's image is a wild river, isolated and undeveloped. This 85-mile river flows from the Philip Smith Mountains to the East Fork of the Chandalar River, winding through a valley filled with lakes and wetlands. Part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, this river valley is a bustling habitat for Dall sheep, moose, caribou, and grizzly bears. In a changing world, it's comforting to know these rivers will remain unchanged.
© Design Pics/Danita Delimont