Skip to main content
Home

Main navigation

  • Home
  • The Rivers
    • Find a River
    • System-wide Map
    • Rivers Table
    • Study Rivers
  • A National System
    • About the System
    • How Rivers are Designated
    • Legislation
    • Managing the System
    • History
  • River Resources
    • Project Review
    • Technical Papers
    • Training
    • GIS
    • Managing Visitors
    • Logo & Sign Standards
    • Questions & Answers
  • Search

National Wild and Scenic Rivers System

Ontonagon River, Michigan
Image Details
Tim Palmer

Find a River

View the system wide map

About the System

Rivers in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System capture the essence of all waterways that surge, ramble, gush, wander and weave through our country. From the remote rivers of Alaska, Idaho, and Oregon to the rivers threading through the rural countryside of New Hampshire, Ohio, and Massachusetts, each preserves a part of American story and heritage.

Find Out More

Middle Fork Salmon River
Middle Fork Salmon River
Wild and scenic river federal agency management logos

Managing the System

The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress in 1968 to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Rivers may be designated by Congress or, if certain requirements are met, the Secretary of the Interior. Each river is administered by either a federal or state agency. 

Learn More

Questions and Answers

From Access to Zoning, get answers to questions about wild and scenic rivers.

View Q&A

Management Plans

River management plans help communities work together to protect wild and scenic rivers.

View Plans

Documents

Search for documents and other file resources.

View Documents

News

Legislation In The 118th Congress
September 20, 2023

Every congressional session sees numerous wild & scenic river actions proposed. Like most introduced legislation, few, if any, come to fruition. Nonetheless, supporters of a particular river...

Find out more
Wild & Scenic Stewardship Award Winners
August 2, 2023

The U.S. Forest Service and River Network have announced the 2023 Stewardship Partner award winners...

Find out more
York River (Maine) Designated As Wild & Scenic
August 2, 2023

On June 1, the York River Study Committee, National Park Service Deputy Director Mike Reynolds, Associate Director for Partnerships and Civic Engagement Lauren Imgrund, Congresswoman Chellie...

Find out more
More news

Footer

  • Contact Us
  • National Awards
  • The Numbers
  • Nationwide Rivers Inventory
  • Documents

Partners

  • Bureau of Land Management
  • National Park Service
  • NPS Partnership Rivers
  • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
  • U.S. Forest Service
  • River Management Society

References

  • Bibliography
  • Interagency Council
  • Stewardship
  • News
  • Videos
  • Vulnerability Disclosure Policy

agency logos