Wild and Scenic

In 1968 Congress created the Wild and Scenic River Act.  It was created to "Preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations."  The Rogue River was one of the original eight rivers to be given Wild and Scenic status.
This act protects 203 rivers with a total of 12,598 river miles! On the other hand, there are about 75,000 dams that impact 600,000 river miles.

Besides keeping the river free of dams it also protects the land on either side of the river around one-quarter mile up the bank.  This helps to make the Rogue a great river to visit and whitewater raft on!
The latest issue of National Geographic Magazine has a great article on Wild and Scenic rivers if you would like to learn more.

*Photo by Jared Cruce.