Parts of the Missisquoi and Trout Rivers in northern Vermont are now officially “wild and scenic.” The designation was tacked onto the omnibus federal spending bill passed earlier this month, which is on its way to President Obama’s desk.
It may seem odd, tying the protection of scenic waterways to a bill authorizing spending for the nation’s defense. But that’s how the two rivers finally won official recognition from Congress. Shana Stewart Deeds is executive director of VT Wild and Scenic Rivers, the conservation group that has been lobbying for wild and scenic status for years now. She says a detailed study suggested ways to improve access to the scenic rivers while protecting them from dams and pollution. For example, native plants could be added to protect river banks from erosion.
“Or projects ... might highlight what local farmers are doing to protect the Missisquoi and Trout and how we can help other farmers do the same. So there are a lot of really good ideas out there and now it’s up to the committee and the local communities to decide where to go from here,” Deeds said.
The wild and scenic designation does not guarantee federal funding, but can make conservation grants easier to get.
