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RUN WILD RUN FREE

Over 60 years ago, America was at the peak of the industrial revolution and the nation’s waterways were dying from dams, water diversions, and pollution. Twin brothers and renowned wildlife biologists, John and Frank Craighead, drafted a river classification system with the hope to protect what remained of wild rivers. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson and has saved hundreds of America’s iconic rivers and streams from dams, over-development, and natural resource extraction. 50 years later 289 waterways have been protected totaling over 14 thousand miles. But with over 2.9 million miles of waterways in the country the balance the Craighead brothers were seeking is far from being reached.
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Run Wild Run Free takes the viewer through the history to the present of Wild and Scenic Rivers Act as told through experts, grassroots organizers, whitewater enthusiasts, and members of the Nez Perce Tribe in Idaho. Today, in a polarized political climate, new designations and river protections have stalled even though there is no time in history more important than now to protect our freshwater ecosystems.
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Today, throughout the Snake River Basin, imperiled populations of salmon continue to die at rates far below sustainable replacement levels. Scientists have told us for decades that breaching the four federal dams in the lower Snake River. Congressman Mike Simpson of Idaho has an ambitious proposal to remove the dams and invest billions in energy, irrigation and transportation infrastructure.  But elected leaders in Washington and Oregon must step up too before we lose the fish that define the region’s ecology and cultural heritage. Good work is happening in places like the Lostine, but ultimately, the success of those collaborations depend on restoring a free-flowing Snake River. 

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1001 SE Water Ave., Suite 450
Portland, OR 97214

503.228.3555 
info@pacificrivers.org
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Protect clean water and healthy rivers by promoting healthy watersheds.
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© 2021 Copyright Pacific Rivers. All rights reserved.
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Mission, Vision, Approach
    • History
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
  • Our Work
    • STORYTELLING
    • Newsletters
    • Press Releases
    • Hells Canyon Water Quality
    • BPA letter
    • Columbia River Treaty
    • Reports >
      • Forests to Faucets
      • SNORKEL SURVEY
      • CANTON CREEK SURVEY
    • Brochure
    • Wild Steelhead Sanctuary Act
  • Donate
  • Take Action
    • Share
    • Email Sign-Up
  • Contact
  • Store