Dear John,

We want to share some exciting news: today, Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon introduced legislation that is the biggest Wild and Scenic River bill in history.

Senator Wyden’s River Democracy Act of 2021 would protect 4,702 miles of rivers and streams in Oregon – to safeguard sources of clean drinking water, boost the state’s outdoor economy, and improve recreation opportunities.

A federal Wild and Scenic River designation protects a river from dams and other harmful development, safeguarding the river’s values today, and for future generations. Senator Wyden crafted the legislation after an extensive public process resulting in 15,000 nominations from Oregonians. Senator Wyden received a tremendous amount of feedback from tribes, community members, businesses, anglers, boaters and members of the public.

If the bill becomes law, Oregon will not only have the most Wild and Scenic designations in the U.S., but will beat Alaska as the state with the most Wild and Scenic River miles.

Celebrate Senator Wyden’s commitment and thank him for going big for rivers! Click to tweet your support.

Here at American Rivers, we’re working hard to safeguard our last healthy, free-flowing rivers nationwide -- and thanks to supporters like you, we’re making great progress. In recent months, Senator Tester introduced the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act that would protect more than 300 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers. And Senators Heinrich and Udall introduced legislation to protect over 400 miles of the Gila, New Mexico’s last free-flowing river.

Your support is vital to protecting our nation’s last, wild rivers. Thank you for standing with us!

For the rivers,