A whitewater river in the background with the title of the report.
Tell our Members of Congress to Protect Drinking Water for over 1.3 million Oregonians!

The River Democracy Act would provide increased safeguards to drinking water for over 1.3 million Oregonians. Tell Senators Wyden and Merkley, as well as your local Representative, to advance this critical legislation to protect the fish, wildlife, and local communities that rely on these waters! 

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The River Democracy Act proposes to expand Oregon's network of Wild & Scenic Rivers by over 3200 miles and would protect numerous key rivers across the state, from the desert streams of Owyhee country to the roaring rivers of the Coast Range. 

A new Oregon Wild report found that over 1.3 million Oregonians in communities all across the state rely on drinking water from streams included in the River Democracy Act. The report highlights the impact the River Democracy Act would have on drinking water sources and the potential role this legislation could play in safeguarding Oregon's pristine rivers and watersheds, which are vital to the well-being of its residents and the state's economy. 

This historic bill is the result of a groundbreaking grassroots river nomination process, years of vetting, and the work of hundreds of activists and river enthusiasts advocating for their backyard rivers, drinking watersheds, fishing holes, hiking trails, paddling routes, and love of the wildlands and rivers of Oregon. While developing this bill, Senator Wyden received 15,000 river nominations from the public! Many of Oregon's most treasured streams would be protected, including the Yachats River on the coast, Tumalo Creek outside Bend, and the headwaters of the Metolius, McKenzie, Grande Ronde, Deschutes, and Rogue rivers. 

The River Democracy Act has broad support from individuals, businesses, and communities across the state. Over 300 Oregon businesses support this legislation, including 50 local breweries, recognizing that healthy rivers = clean water = good beer. Thousands of individuals have also signed on as citizen co-sponsors of the bill.

What is Wild and Scenic?

This designation safeguards a corridor along designated waterways to protect the unique character and values of these streams while balancing recreation, water quality, fish and wildlife, and other values.

Learn more about the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act at oregonwild.org.