2001 RESOLUTIONS
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RESOLUTION
#8: VALUE OF WILD RIVERS
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| Rivers that flow freely,
with natural banks and riparian zones, have become increasingly
scarce. Dams, revetments, dredging, and structures that modify
currents and flow regimes now are comon along the watercourses of the
west. |
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| As a result many rivers no
longer provide suitable habitat for native species of fish, or their
populations have been severely reduced. Many species of fish and
aquatic fauna are endangered. |
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| Since 1968, the United
States of America has attempted to protect remaining free-flowing
streams through providing a process for putting qualified rivers of
this nature into its system of Wild and Scenic Rivers (82 Stat.
906). That system has grown steadily since that time, but not all
states have many rivers in that system. |
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| The Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs urges Congress to put all rivers into the system that have been recommended by federal agencies and that governors also act under authorization provided by the Act to protect rivers in their states. States should also develop their own coutnerpart systems to protect rivers in their states that have these qualifications under their respective jurisdictional authority. | |
| Federation affiliates
should assess the status of efforts to protect wild rivers in their
states and work to bring protection under these authorities to
qualifying reaches of such rivers. |
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| States that have failed to
address these needs should catch up. |
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