In 1968, four years after he signed the Wilderness Act, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, designating parts of eight rivers including New Mexico´s
Rio Grande.
The Act stated that "certain selected rivers of the Nation which,
with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable
scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values, shall be preserved in free-flowing condition and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations."
Since 1968 the Wild and Scenic Rivers System has grown to more than 170 named rivers and tributaries for a total of 7,000 plus miles. Wild and scenic rivers may have three classes:
- "wild" which are vestiges of primitive America
- "scenic" which have shorelines largely primitive and undeveloped
but accessible in places by roads
- "recreational" which are readily accessible and may have some
development along their shorelines.
Begin a tour of New Mexico´s Wild & Scenic Rivers by highlighting a site in the list above, then click on the "Select" button. Or click on the "View Map" button to select sites from a detailed map.
In 1968, four years after he signed the Wilderness Act, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, designating parts of eight rivers including New Mexico´s
Rio Grande.
Select Public Lands Group
