American Heritage Rivers

For Immediate Release 
June 16, 1998 
                                              Contact: Elliot Diringer 
                                              202-456-6224

I am pleased to announce that the Advisory Committee voted unanimously today to recommend to the President the following ten rivers for designation as American Heritage Rivers:

• Connecticut River (CT, VT, NH, MA),
• Detroit River(MI),
• Hanalei River (HI)
• Hudson River (NY),
• New River (NC,VA, WV),
• Rio Grande River (TX),
• Potomac River, (MD, PA,VA, WV),
• St. Johns River (FL),
• Upper Mississippi River(IA, IL, MN, WI)
• Willamette River (OR).

Recommending just ten rivers was an extraordinarily difficult task because there were so many fine nominations from across the country. It was extremely gratifying to see such an outpouring of grassroots enthusiasm from communities large and small. Americans are truly committed to restoring their rivers, and the President's initiative has helped galvanize these efforts.

In reviewing the nominations, we sought proposals that demonstrate strong grassroots support and reflect the tremendous diversity of the American experience. We sought a geographic balance that encompasses rivers both urban and rural, both well-known and not so well-known, both pristine and not so pristine. Another committee of twelve might have selected a different mix, also justifiable and valid. The final decision, of course, rests with the President. And should he choose to designate more than ten rivers, we would enthusiastically support that decision.

We believe strongly that the President's initiative already is a success, because the simple call for nominations brought communities together and injected new energy into their river restoration efforts. We will recommend that the Administration recognize all the nominated rivers and come up with strategies to help these communities continue their fine work.

We are confident that this initiative will serve as a model for a new approach in the relationship between local communities and the federal government, one in which Washington listens closely to the needs and ideas emanating from the grassroots level, and offers coordinated assistance, rather than trying to impose solutions from afar.

Local nformation about the Chehalis River:
Lewis County resolution dealing with the initiative
Letter concerning the initiative
Some background material on the initiative
A listing of the endangered rivers