Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was established to protect rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. This system spans over multiple states and includes segments of rivers that offer diverse experiences from serene flatwater areas to challenging whitewater stretches. The system was created in 1968 with the passage of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, aiming to safeguard the rivers from industrial projects like damming and other developmental threats. Rivers creeks such as the Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho provide breathtaking adventure opportunities, while others like the Missouri National Recreational River in South Dakota and Nebraska offer glimpses into early American exploration and history. The cultural heritage, ecological integrity, and scenic beauty preserved in these river corridors make them attractive for nature lovers, historians, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Visitors can engage in a variety of activities such as kayaking, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing in these protected areas.