Videos Highlight the Important Role Rivers Play in BIPOC Communities

Love is King - Let Freedom Roam released a series of videos highlighting the significance of rivers in BIPOC and systematically marginalized communities. The Shades of Water videos feature diverse voices explaining what rivers mean to them, their families, and their livelihoods. The videos also advocate for the passage of the River Democracy Act, introduced by Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley.

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Priscilla Macy

What is the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act?

The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress in 1968 to preserve free-flowing rivers for the enjoyment of present and future generations. It encourages river management that crosses political boundaries and promotes public participation in developing goals for river protection.

How Wild and Scenic Designations Protect Rivers

Wild and Scenic river designation protects the free and natural flow of a river and its special values, such as fish, wildlife, recreation, scenery, geology, or cultural resources. It safeguards clean water, prohibits new dams or damaging water projects, protects public land along the river, and requires a management plan be developed with input from the local community. Designation does not have any impact on private property.

Oregon’s Rivers

Oregon is blessed with world-class rivers around the state that are worthy of wild and scenic rivers protection, from Southwest Oregon’s wild rivers teeming with salmon and steelhead to Oregon’s high desert rivers that provide key habitat for sensitive fish, abundant solitude and recreational opportunities. These are just a few areas home to incomparable rivers that flow through stunning landscapes and draw visitors from around the world.

Take Action to Protect Oregon’s Rivers

Thank Senators Wyden and Merkley for championing protections for Oregon’s outstanding rivers!

Senators Wyden and Merkley are championing wild and scenic protections for some of Oregon’s outstanding rivers and streams. These rivers provide clean drinking water for communities, support local economies, are critical to the health and abundance of fish and wildlife species, and provide numerous recreation opportunities for Oregonians and visitors including fishing, rafting, hiking and camping. Safeguarding Oregon’s rivers will ensure that these treasures are protected for future generations.

Thank you, @RonWyden & @SenJeffMerkley, for championing the #RiverDemocracyAct of 2021 that will protect and ensure access to 4700 miles of #OurOregonRivers across the state! Sign on to support! #WildAndScenicOregon

The #RiverDemocracyAct of 2021 is a testament to Oregonians’ commitment to conservation, healthy living, and outdoor recreation. RT to thank @RonWyden & @SenJeffMerkley for their leadership in creating a #WildAndScenicOregon! #OurOregonRivers

“Senator Wyden’s leadership to champion and protect Oregon’s rivers is an affirmative action.” — @thesoulriver on this week’s #RiverDemocracyAct of 2021. RT to thank @RonWyden & @SenJeffMerkley + sign on to support! #WildAndScenicOregon

New Videos Highlight the Important Role Rivers Play in BIPOC Communities

Shades of Water seeks to break down historical barriers between systematically marginalized communities and river conservation PORTLAND, Ore. (November 17, 2022) – Love is King – Let Freedom Roam today released a series of videos highlighting the significance of rivers in BIPOC and systematically marginalized communities. The three videos feature diverse voices explaining what rivers … Read More

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Hundreds of Businesses Across Oregon Urge Congress to Pass the River Democracy Act

U.S. Senate Committee Holds Hearing on River Democracy Act

Breweries Across Oregon Want Congress to Protect Rivers

Act will Protect More Oregon Rivers and Streams

Wyden Protects the Environment with his River Democracy Act

New Videos Highlight the Important Role Rivers Play in BIPOC Communities

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Hundreds of Businesses Across Oregon Urge Congress to Pass the River Democracy Act

More than 250 Oregon Businesses thank Senators Wyden and Merkley for working to protect Oregon’s Rivers Portland, OR (September 29, 2021) – A growing number of businesses from across Oregon support Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley’s River Democracy Act (S.192), and are urging Congress to pass the bill. The legislation that will protect roughly … Read More

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U.S. Senate Committee Holds Hearing on River Democracy Act

Oregonians from across the state thank Sens. Wyden and Merkley for their leadership and urge Congress to pass the bill Portland, OR (June 23, 2021) – A statewide coalition of Oregon small business leaders, anglers, breweries, clean water advocates, veterans, local elected officials, and other community members are applauding the hearing in the U.S. Senate … Read More

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Breweries Across Oregon Want Congress to Protect Rivers

51 breweries thank Senators Wyden and Merkley for introducing the River Democracy Act Portland, OR (June 15, 2021) – Fifty-one breweries across the state of Oregon today sent a letter to Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, thanking them for introducing the River Democracy Act (S.192), legislation that will protect roughly 4,700 miles of rivers … Read More

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Act will Protect More Oregon Rivers and Streams

Senator Wyden promotes the River Democracy Act, which will designate nearly 4,700 miles of Oregon’s rivers as Wild and Scenic.

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