Rivers on BLM lands have served as important transportation routes for centuries, and many continue to offer excellent adventures to modern travelers. They are also, of course, vital to fish and wildlife. In arid areas of the west, riparian areas—those green strips of land alongside rivers and streams—are especially important. Jump to Another Topic RIVERS National Wild and Scenic Rivers Wild and scenic rivers are designated to protect outstanding scenic, recreational, wildlife, cultural, or other values and to preserve the river or river section in its free-flowing condition. BLM manages more than 2,000 miles of wild and scenic rivers in the West. http://www.blm.gov/nlcs/rivers.htm STATE OFFICE PAGES ARIZONA: Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area Prehistoric and historic sites, wildlife, and more than 200 species of birds reward visitors to several perennial rivers in southeastern Arizona. http://azwww.az.blm.gov/sfo/gila_box/gila.html CALIFORNIA: River Recreation on BLM California Rivers For a river adventure—a lazy float trip or a bumpy ride through Class V rapids—check out the links to rivers on BLM lands in California. http://www.ca.blm.gov/caso/rivers.html COLORADO: Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area Check out maps, recreational information, photos and more on this spectacular river and gorge in western Colorado. http://www.co.blm.gov/ggnca/index.htm Recreation in Colorado: Boating Links to Colorado rivers for rafters, kayakers, and canoeists. http://www.co.blm.gov/recweb/boating.htm IDAHO: Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area This National Conservation Area along the Snake River in southwest Idaho is home to the largest concentration of nesting birds of prey in North America. http://www.id.blm.gov/spec_places/nlcs_bop.htm Lower Salmon River The longest completely free-flowing river in the United States outside Alaska, the Lower Salmon features fishing, prehistoric cultures, and whitewater rafting. http://www.id.blm.gov/spec_places/other_lsr.htm MONTANA: Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Virtual Visitors Center Geology, history, wildlife—all this and more lures visitors to the Upper Missouri River in Montana. http://www.mt.blm.gov/ldo/um/index.html OREGON: New River Area of Critical Environmental Concern Oregon's New River is rich in biological diversity. See detailed photos of the plants and birds that live in this area and listen to bird songs too! http://www.or.blm.gov/coosbay/newriver/index.htm Cascade Stream Watch This educational facility near Portland focuses on northwest rivers, wetlands, and fisheries. It features an underwater viewing chamber, trails, and river access areas. http://www.or.blm.gov:80/EE/EESites/cascade.htm The Rogue National Wild and Scenic River Recreation opportunities abound on this wild, scenic, and historic river in western Oregon. http://www.or.blm.gov/Rogueriver/ UTAH: River Running on Public Lands Links to field offices with information about river trips on Utah's scenic waterways. http://www.ut.blm.gov/Recreation/recriverrunning.html RIPARIAN AREAS Riparian Recovery Initiative Educational site on riparian areas; includes definitions, flyers, case studies, and "You Be the Manager," a game in which you decide how to improve an unhealthy riparian area. http://www.blm.gov/riparian/ Also see: http://www-a.blm.gov/riparian/index.htm STATE OFFICE PAGES ARIZONA: San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area Abundant vegetation in the midst of the desert attracts wildlife and more than 350 species of birds, making this area near Tucson a major attraction for birdwatchers. http://azwww.az.blm.gov/tfo/spnca/spnca-info.html OREGON: National Riparian Service Team Technical information on riparian areas and good case studies with photos. http://www.or.blm.gov/nrst/ Bear Creek in Central Oregon Case Study http://www-a.blm.gov/riparian/slided.htm UTAH: Riparian Education: Observing Change Through Historic Photographs Website uses a series of old and new photographs taken from the same location to examine riparian areas over time. http://www.blm.gov/utah/resources/riparian/index.html WYOMING: Keeping Water on the Land Longer Booklet describing ways in which the productivity of the land is enhanced by keeping water in the soil, with a section on the value of riparian areas. http://www.wy.blm.gov/rsfo/newkpwtr.pdf

This page was created by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Environmental Education & Volunteers Group, 1849 C Street, Room 406-LS, Washington, DC 20240. Send comments or questions relating to accessibilty of documents to Kevin_Flynn@blm.gov Number of visitors since July 1, 2002: [an error occurred while processing this directive]

Kids' Privacy Statement

This is a U.S. Government Computer System. Before continuing, please read this disclaimer and privacy statement