Nominate a Wild & Scenic River
Photo credit: Northwest Rafting Company
Illinois River, Greater Kalmiopsis
The Illinois River tributaries in the greater Kalmiopsis wildlands are ideal candidates for Wild and Scenic River Status. These include Silver, Indigo, Snail, Canyon, Sebastapol, Fiddler Gulch, Todd, Sixmile, Fall, Rancheria, Dailey, and Labrador Creeks. These are the headwaters of the National Wild and Scenic Illinois, and they are poster-children for designation under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The wild character of this landscape is unmatched. There are rare plants that live right alongside these river corridors. Scenery, recreation, clean water, fish habitat, rare plants, and wilderness character are all outstanding and remarkable values of these streams worthy of our best conservation efforts.
Middle Illinois River:
The Illinois River tributaries of Canyon, Josephine, and Fiddler Creeks in the greater Kalmiopsis wildlands are home to some of the most diverse plant communities in Oregon. The density of darlingtonia fens in the Josephine Creek drainage is likely the greatest of anywhere in the world. These are the headwaters of the National Wild and Scenic Illinois, and they are poster-children for designation under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The wild character of this landscape is unmatched. There are rare plants that live right alongside these river corridors. Scenery, recreation, clean water, fish habitat, rare plants, and wilderness character are all outstanding and remarkable values of these streams worthy of our best conservation efforts.
West Fork Illinois River:
The West Fork Illinois, Whisky Creek, Rock Creek, Rough and Ready Creek and tributaries are perfect candidates for Wild and Scenic river status. These are the headwaters of the National Wild and Scenic Illinois, and feed cold, clear water to the downstream community of Cave Junction. There are rare plants that live alongside these river corridors, including the fens that are home to Darlingtonia pitcher plants. Scenery, recreation, clean water, fish habitat, and rare plants are all outstanding and remarkable values of these streams worthy of our best conservation efforts.
East Illinois River:
The East Illinois River headwaters, including Sucker, Althouse, Greyback, Bolan Creeks and their tributaries are perfect candidates for Wild and Scenic river status. These streams are home to ancient, diverse forests of the High Siskiyous. They feed cold, clear water to the downstream community of Cave Junction. Some of the most productive fisheries in Oregon are found in these drainages, and Wild and Scenic status would compliment the community-wide restoration efforts for these rivers. Scenery, recreation, clean water, and fish habitat are all outstanding and remarkable values of these streams worthy of our best conservation efforts.
Photo Credit: David Christian
Lower Rogue River:
There are Wild and Scenic tributaries streams in the lower Rogue River that deserve protection. These are in the western portion of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, including Shasta Costa, Quosatana, and Lawson Creeks. These are large streams that feed cold, clear water to the lower Rogue River, essential for salmon rearing. These streams are wild, and largely road free in many cases. They provide scenery, recreation, clean water, fish habitat, and other outstanding and remarkable values. They are worthy of our best conservation efforts.
Upper Rogue River:
There are several Wild and Scenic tributaries to the upper Rogue River in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. These include the South Fork Rogue River, and Castle, Muir, Sherwood, Red Blanket, Foster, Union, Hershberger, and Minnehaha Creeks. These are the headwater streams that feed the Rogue near Crater Lake National Park. They provide scenery, recreation, clean water, fish habitat, and other outstanding and remarkable values. They are worthy of our best conservation efforts.
Photo Credit: Ken Morrish
Chetco River:
The Checto River is a phenomenal wild waterway with its origins in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. Several of the Chetco's tributaries are deserving of Wild and Scenic designation, including: South Fork Chetco, Quail Prairie, West Coon, Basin, Red Mountain, Mislatnah, Craggie, Little Emily, Emily, Redwood, Big Redwood, Mill and Jack Creeks. These are streams that feed cold, clear water into the Chetco and they are essential for salmon. They provide scenery, recreation, clean water, fish habitat, and other outstanding and remarkable values. They are worthy of our best conservation efforts.