WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS ACT

In 1968 Congress created the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The Act declared that it was now the policy of the U.S. that certain selected rivers "shall be preserved in free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations."

The entire Middle Fork and parts of the Main Salmon are included in the nation's Wild and Scenic Rivers System. It is an attempt to preserve the character or "living landscape" of a river. It is also a recognition that the River of No Return is important to our nation's heritage.