In 1985, the upper Klamath River, above, was under threat of the Salt Caves Hydroelectric Project. Also threatened were habitats for peregrine falcons and bald and golden eagles. A maternity colony of Townsend's big-eared bats use the caves themselves. However, through the efforts of citizens throughout the state of Oregon, today the river stands protected as the 157th river added to the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System. Due to this designation and designations downstream in California, several existing dams are likely to be removed, opening hundreds of miles of the Klamath River to unobstructed salmon and other fish runs. The Wild & Scenic Rivers Act is a powerful tool in river stewardship.
Volunteering
It is not just government agencies that must be responsible for protecting and managing our national wild & scenic rivers. You are every bit as critical.
The activist is not the man who says the river is dirty. The activist is the man who cleans up the river.
— Ross Perot
Many agencies could use your help in protecting our nation's river treasures. If you have the time, please consider volunteering with your local agency on one of this country's great rivers.