National Conference Celebrates Wild and Scenic Rivers Act 50th Anniversary
March 20, 2018 [Boulder, Colorado] – River Rally 2018, the annual gathering of water protectors and conservationists hosted annually by River Network, will take place at the Resort at Squaw Creek in Olympic Valley, California, April 29–May 2, 2018. The Wild & Scenic Rivers Act turns 50 this October, and River Rally 2018 will celebrate the 12,000+ miles of 200+ rivers designated in 40 states and Puerto Rico with special programming on the Act’s role in protecting and restoring waters.
Wild and Scenic Rivers programming begins on Sunday, April 29th, when NGO staff and agency representatives from across the U.S. will meet to discuss goals and concrete actions necessary to future protection of wild rivers. The conference will kick off with a warm welcome from the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service. Additional Wild and Scenic Rivers highlights include:
Keynote Address: Why Wild Matters, April 30th, 7:30–9:00 a.m. Conference registration required. From the remote rivers of Alaska to the countryside of New Hampshire, free-flowing rivers are an essential feature in the American landscape—and in our collective imagination of wild places. Photographer and award-winning author Tim Palmer reflects on 50 years of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act—and why wild matters.
Wild and Scenic Rivers Film Festival. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. April 30, 8:00-10:00 p.m., $10-$15 donation. Short and feature-length films about wild rivers, including A Letter to Congress, The Salmon Will Run, A River’s Reckoning, and A River’s Last Chance. Filmmaker Shane Anderson will introduce A River’s Last Chance, which explores the legacy of California’s Eel River.
Workshops, Field Trips, and Awards. April 30th–May 2nd. Registration required. River Rally includes over 20 hours of additional programming regarding the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act through practical workshops delivered April 30, May 1, and May 2, experiential field trips on May 1, and during our River Heroes Banquet, including recognition of Barbara Ullian’s great work to protect Wild and Scenic Rivers on May 2.
Media Passes Available
A limited number of passes for the film night are available. Please email media (at) rivernetwork (dot) org.
About the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act
The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress in 1968 (Public Law 90-542; 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.) to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Visit www.rivers.gov/wsr-act.php to learn more.
About River Rally
Now in its 19th year, River Rally connects, educates, and celebrates river and water protectors and conservationists from across the U.S., convening over 500 nonprofit staff and volunteers, agency and foundation representatives, industry innovators, academics, students, and community leaders. Learn more at www.riverrally.org.
About River Network
River Network is the foremost nonprofit connecting nearly 6,000 water-focused organizations, agencies, businesses, and communities for greater local impact and healthier rivers across the U.S.
