The U.S. boasts more than 4 million miles of rivers, peppered with laws and regulations to protect access to drinking water and essential habitat for fish and wildlife.
The U.S. boasts more than 4 million miles of rivers, peppered with laws and regulations to protect access to drinking water and essential habitat for fish and wildlife. But in the first comprehensive review of river protection, research co-led by the University of Washington shows that the existing regulations account for less than 20% of total river length and vary widely by region.
Freshwater conservation strategies have historically emphasized protections against land use and development on public lands, including National Wildlife Refuges, Wilderness Areas and National Forests. However, protection measures that are specific to lakes, rivers and wetlands are much less common.
Most of the protection afforded to rivers comes from land-based measures, but the growing global consensus is that this isn’t enough. Freshwater ecosystems are losing biodiversity faster than anywhere else. To improve stewardship, researchers first need to map the existing protections and attempt to gauge their benefits.
Read More: University of Washington
Image: The Skagit River, pictured above, runs through northwestern Washington. Nearly 160 miles of the Skagit and its tributaries are protected by the National Wild and Scenic Rivers designation to preserve its scenic value and enhance recreational opportunities. (Credit: University of Washington)
