WILD AND SCENIC
Photo Credit: Andrew Lanoue
In December 2014, Vermont joined the prestigious network of the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System when a congressional action designated 46.1 miles of Vermont rivers Wild & Scenic. Local communities and the Vermont congressional delegation worked for years to study these river reaches and show that their value deserved to be recognized on a national scale. The Upper Missisquoi and the Trout Rivers now join other celebrated rivers which are preserved and safeguarded for their remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, and cultural values.
Learn more about some of the recent efforts along the Upper Missisquoi and Trout Rivers, as well as other Wild and Scenic Rivers in the River Currents, a newsletter produced by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Program.
An Overview Map of Our Wild and Scenic Rivers within the Missisquoi Watershed
Navigating the map:
To zoom in, use the + and - icons in the top left. To scroll simply click and drag your cursor. To view the legend, click the >> icon. Click on the River to identify which section you are looking at.
The National Wild & Scenic Rivers System was created in 1968 with the passing of the Wild & Scenic Act. The goal of this Act is to recognize and preserve rivers which have exceptional scenic and recreational value and to safeguard the special character of these rivers, while also recognizing the potential for their appropriate use and development. Our two rivers (the Upper Missisquoi and Trout) are Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers, which means that our rivers are managed through a partnership with the National Park Service, state government, and the eight communities that our designated rivers flow through, and other local partner towns and organizations. The designation empowers our communities along the rivers to protect these resources as best suits them.
The Upper Missisquoi and Trout Wild & Scenic Committee is formed of town appointees and partners who will help guide the future of these rivers, and will make decisions about how federal funds should be allocated to best maintain and improve the rivers according to the Management Plan, which serves as our guiding document. Our goal is to highlight, uphold, and enhance the quality and special features of these rivers and the access they provide, so that visitors and residents may fully enjoy our beautiful working landscape.
To learn more about the Wild & Scenic Act, or other Wild & Scenic Rivers, visit www.rivers.gov.
To learn more about Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers, visit the National Park Service's Wild and Scenic Rivers Program page, or check out the websites of the other twelve designated Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers, and plan a visit!
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In New Hampshire:
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In Massachusetts:
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Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers (also called the SuAsCo)
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In Connecticut:
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In New Jersey:
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Lower Delaware (also partly in PA)
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In Pennsylvania:
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White Clay Creek (also partly in DE)
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In Florida:
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In Rhode Island:
There are also three rivers under Study - community members are working to develop management plans for these rivers, and evaluate the suitability of a Partnership Wild and Scenic River designation for these rivers:
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the Nashua River, in Massachusetts
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the York River, in Maine