On September 5, 2018 the Department of the Interior celebrates the 50th anniversary of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in 2018 with Tim Palmer, author and photographer of 26 books including, Wild and Scenic Rivers: An American Legacy.

Wild and Scenic Rivers: An American Legacy, published in 2017 by Oregon State University Press, presents an illuminating portrait of the world's premier system for the protection of natural rivers. At this public event, Tim will share photos and stories about the history and essential policies of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, showcasing 160 spectacular color photos of designated rivers from all parts of the country.

To learn more about upcoming events, event planning and how to connect people to their river, their watershed, and their heritage check out the  Wild & Scenic Rivers Act 50th Anniversary homepage.

"It is hereby declared to be the policy of the United States that certain selected rivers of the Nation which, with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values, 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 Congress declares that the established national policy of dams and other construction at appropriate sections of the rivers of the United States needs to be complemented by a policy that would preserve other selected rivers or sections thereof in their free-flowing condition to protect the water quality of such rivers and to fulfill other vital national conservation purposes." (Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, October 2, 1968)