Survey of Outstanding Western Rivers Begins

The mission of Western Rivers Conservancy is to preserve the most outstanding rivers in the western United States, but exactly which rivers fit that description?

To answer this question, WRC has launched a Survey of Outstanding Western Rivers to identify the streams that constitute our core heritage of natural, unspoiled rivers. The result will be a blueprint for our long-term effort to protect our best remaining streams.

At the helm of this project is Tim Palmer of Port Orford, Oregon. An accomplished writer, photographer and conservationist, Tim has floated more miles of America's rivers and knows them better than anyone else we know. In assessing the quality of rivers, Tim will look at more than just biological diversity. State by state, he will consult with knowledgeable people to identify those rivers that are truly special in terms of fish and wildlife, botany, geology, recreation and other key factors.

"This exciting study will tell us what we need to know about western rivers, and about the need to protect them before its too late," Tim said.