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Nominations For Rivers Needing Protection Announced

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The Willamette River at dusk.
Brian Bull

So, Oregonians…what’s your favorite river that deserves federal protection?  That’s a question Ron Wyden wants answers for by January 20 th

The Willamette River at dusk.
Credit Brian Bull / KLCC

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden says he’s taking nominations from state residents for waterways to add to the national list which was created under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968.  The Oregon Democrat says this will add to what Congress passed earlier this winter.

Section of Pole Bridge Creek, Oregon.
Credit Brian Bull / KLCC

“We added something like 250 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers in this legislation which now makes us tops in the lower 48, we’re only behind Alaska," Wyden says. 

"And I told Lisa Murkowski, the senator from Alaska, I said, “Senator Murkowski, we’re coming after you!”

As of 2018, there are more than 13,000 miles in 41 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico protected under the act. 

Oregon residents can submit their preferred rivers or streams by January 20, 2020 to a special email address: rivers@wyden.senate.gov

Copyright 2019, KLCC.

Copyright 2019 KLCC

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Brian Bull joined the KLCC News Team in June 2016. He is a 20-year reporter who has worked at NPR, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including three Edward R. Murrow Awards and the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award in 2012.