Snake River Rafting: Wild and Scenic
In 1968, Congress created The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, in hopes of preserving the integrity of free flowing rivers for the enjoyment of future generations. Rivers with interesting recreational, natural, and cultural values were of focus. The Act is responsible for recognizing the potential for the rivers appropriate use and development, while encouraging river management, which promotes participation from the public in the development of goals from the protection of the river. Congress or the Secretary of the Interior can designate rivers Wild and Scenic, once designated, a federal or state agency administers the river.
President Barack Obama signed the second largest Wild and Scenic Rivers package in history on March 30, 2009. The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 brought forth 86 new Wild and Scenic Rivers, encompassing over 1,100 miles in Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, Wyoming, Utah, California, and Massachusetts. 387.5 miles of the Snake River was part of this Act, and was sponsored by Senator John Barrasso. Starting at the headwaters of the Snake River, the 47-mile section from headwaters to Jackson Lake are designated a wild river. From 1 mile downriver of Jackson Lake Dam to 1 mile downriver of the Teton Park Road Bridge at Moose, the river is designated as a scenic river. And the 19-mile stretch from the confluence with the Hoback River to the point 1 mile upriver from the Highway 89 Bridge at Alpine Junction as a recreational river.
The goal of this designation is to preserve the river’s free-flowing character and natural environment, block new dams and other harmful water projects, and improve clean water, while allowing continued public use. The river was designated due to its scenic, wildlife, fisheries, recreation, geologic, and cultural resources. This designation protects land along both sides of the river corridor; one-quarter mile back from the high water mark on each shore is the extent of the Wild and Scenic Snake River corridor. In these designated stretches, non-motorized boating, whitewater boating, camping, fishing, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and scenic driving are allowed.
