Keep Rivers Wild for Wildlife

Wild and Scenic Rivers

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was passed by Congress in 1968, which said:

"It is hereby declared to be the policy of the United States that certain selected rivers of the Nation which, with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values, shall be preserved in free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations."

Nebraska has two rivers which have been designated by Congress to be part of the national system of Wild and Scenic Rivers, because of their outstandingly remarkable values.

The Niobrara National Scenic River includes 104 miles of the Niobrara River and Verdigre Creek in north-central Nebraska. The Niobrara River Valley is a "biological crossroads", where six different ecosystems come together. This convergence of prairie and woodland ecosystems has created a unique place for wildlife and people. The Niobrara River runs through the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Smith Falls State Park, and other public areas. For more information about the Niobrara River, click here.

The Missouri National Recreation River includes 59 miles of the river in Nebraska and South Dakota, from the Fort Randall Dam downstream to Lewis & Clark Lake, and from Gavins Point Dam downstream to Ponca State Park. These segments are among the last free-flowing segments of the once "Mighty Mo" that greeted Lewis & Clark on their journey west. In these segments, the river still exhibits the historic wide, braided channels, with islands, sand bars, chutes and snags. For more information, click here.