Western North Carolina is home to the highest mountains in the eastern US, abundant rainfall, globally significant biodiversity, and large tracts of federal lands. In combination these things add up to an incredible array of whitewater rivers and streams that have long been paddling classics. While many communities rely on these headwater streams for drinking water and recreational benefits, most streams are inadequately protected from threats that will only grow with time.
Western North Carolina has almost 400 dams, with over 250 miles of large rivers under large reservoirs plus at least that many miles still flowing but severely impacted by dams. And yet, the region has only three Wild and Scenic Rivers: Wilson Creek, the Horsepasture River, and the Chattooga River, totaling 35 miles. In addition to these three designated streams the Forest Service extends interim protection to an additional 10 streams that they feel are “eligible” for Wild and Scenic designation. While the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was envisioned as a way of balancing the nation's dam building policy with conservation, in Western North Carolina that vision has yet to be realized. American Whitewater has proposed to change that by building grassroots community support for protecting a suite of the region's most spectacular and valuable streams.
First, American Whitewater is engaging in the Forest Planning Process for the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests. In this process the Forest Service must take a fresh look at which streams on their lands are “eligible” for Wild and Scenic designation. To be eligible a stream reach must be free flowing and have at least one rare, unique, or exemplary value that is regionally of nationally significant. 
Based on conversations with our members and partner organizations, we have recommended that the Forest Service consider adding over 20 new streams to their roster of eligible streams, and are working closely with a collaborative group called the Natahala Pisgah Partnership to build support and understanding of river conservation needs. Initial Forest Service steps indicate they are supportive of 10 additional eligible streams. Also through the National Forest planning process, we are working to improve management that will benefit outdoor recreation and special places across the Forest.
Second, American Whitewater is in the early stages of testing support for designating some of these streams as Wild and Scenic Rivers through an act of Congress, a step that would offer permanent protection from dams and other impacts while allowing recreational uses to continue. We will be working with many local communities, organizations, businesses, and paddlers to move this concept forward!
Watch a PBS show on the Forest Planning process here: http://www.thisamericanland.org/news/revising-forest-plans#.Wl4SQa3Mz-a
How You can help:
- Take and share compelling and approachable videos and photographs of rivers and streams on Forest Service lands in WNC, especially streams that are either eligible or recommended for eligibility by AW. Add photos to the AW photo database so the Forest Service and AW staff can see them. Share online videos with AW staff.
- Participate in the Forest Planning Process by submitting comments and attending meetings when opportunities arise (2014-2017). Check the Forest Service page for details and keep an eye out on the AW Southeast page. Let the Agency know which streams you think are eligible for Wild and Scenic designation.
