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BEND, Ore. – Four of the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) National Wild and Scenic Rivers will be featured in a new 12-set series of “forever” stamps being released tomorrow by the U.S. Postal Service. Entitled “Wild and Scenic Rivers,” the series will honor those rivers valued for their fish and wildlife, geology, recreation, and their cultural or historical significance.

A ceremony announcing the stamps is scheduled for Tuesday May 21, at Tumalo State Park beginning at 11:00 a.m. The event is open to the public and organizers plan to livestream the ceremony. It will coincide with the national release of the stamps that day. Stamps will go on sale at post offices nationwide, and will also be available online for purchase on the USPS online store at: https://bit.ly/2JIuDIQ

“The four Wild and Scenic Rivers depicted in these beautiful stamps represent some of our nation’s most spectacular public lands, with opportunities for all Americans to get out in nature and experience hunting, fishing, rafting, camping and many other outdoor recreation opportunities. We’re grateful to the U.S. Postal Service for selecting these rivers for inclusion in the series, helping remind everyone of their public lands legacy every time they mail a letter,” said Casey Hammond, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Land and Minerals Management, exercising the authority of the BLM Director.

The four Wild and Scenic Rivers managed by the BLM that will be a part of this series include:

• Deschutes River, Oregon: The Deschutes River runs through a deep rimrock-lined canyon that ranges from 900 feet to 2,600 feet in depth. The canyon features an incredible geologic and cultural history and hosts a wide variety of fish, wildlife and vegetation. Thousands of people visit each year to enjoy the Deschutes River’s incredible fishing, exciting whitewater, and beautiful scenery. The river offers a variety of opportunities for both day and overnight trips. Recreational activities include boating, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and hiking. Learn more at: https://www.blm.gov/visit/lower-deschutes-wild-scenic-river
   
• Owyhee River, Idaho-Oregon: The Owyhee River canyon consists of steep, rhyolite walls ranging in height from 250 feet to over 1000 feet near the Oregon border. Explore this National Wild and Scenic River by floating some of its 120 miles through rugged, spectacular canyonlands and ash flows. The west end of the river below the confluence with the South Fork Owyhee River is known as the “Grand Canyon of the Owyhee.” Within the river’s gorges can be found extensive areas of rhyolite pinnacle formations known as “hoodoos.”  Floating the Owyhee is popular in the spring during higher water flows, and low water float trips are also possible in smaller craft. Learn more at https://www.blm.gov/visit/owyhee-wild-scenic-river
   
• Merced River, California: From Yosemite National Park, the Merced River tumbles through glacially carved canyons, rugged mountains, and foothills on its way to the San Joaquin Valley. The BLM manages 12 miles of this Wild and Scenic River. Ample access points allow rafters to experience class III and IV rapids at their own pace. Visitors can camp at nearby campgrounds, explore the river along the Merced River Trail, or stop at the Briceburg Visitor Center. Learn more at https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/merced-wsr
   
• Upper Missouri River, Montana: The Upper Missouri remains one of the nation’s last remaining largely untamed rivers. The river rolls through a changing landscape, from the unique and beautiful White Cliffs, to the sharply carved and rugged Badlands, to the rolling, pine and juniper covered slopes of the Breaks. These contrasting habitats provide for a diverse and plentiful wildlife population, numerous recreational opportunities, livestock grazing and other multiple use activities. Though the Upper Missouri lacks the stimulating whitewater runs much sought after by thrill seekers, it more than makes up with its mesmerizing glimpse of the American west as it once was. Learn more at https://www.blm.gov/visit/upper-missouri-national-wild-and-scenic-river
   

Robert Wick, a Natural Resource Specialist with the BLM, provided the U.S. Postal Service with three of the final images used. “Wild and Scenic Rivers conserves some of the most magnificent landscapes in America,” Wick said. “As a BLM employee, I’m proud that our agency is entrusted with stewardship of many of these special places.”

The BLM currently manages 2,696 miles of designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in seven states, including Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, and Utah. More information about the Wild and Scenic River System and all of the designated rivers managed by BLM can be found at https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/wild-and-scenic-rivers

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 created the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. It protects more than 200 rivers in 40 states and Puerto Rico. Wild and Scenic Rivers are designated into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System to preserve their free-flowing condition and to protect and enhance their outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish, wildlife, historic, cultural and other similar values.