Wild & Scenic

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 is landmark legislation that recognizes and protects free-flowing rivers in the United States that have outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational features for the enjoyment of all, now and in the future. When Congress designates a river under this program, it commits to providing funds yearly to implement the Conservation Plan, routed through the National Park Service.

The Act is noteworthy for safeguarding the unique characteristics of each river while recognizing the potential for suitable use and development. In the densely populated eastern US, Wild & Scenic rivers are protected through a partnership of municipal, non-profit, state, and federal entities representing the owners and stewards of the land through which these rivers run, rather than one federal agency. They are often segments of a river or a combination of connected rivers and typically contain no dams. This unique model of Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers (18 as of 2024), under the guidance of the National Park Service, allows communities to protect their own outstanding rivers and river-related resources through a collaborative approach.

The Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild & Scenic River was designated for five Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs): Ecology, Recreation, Scenery, History, and Place in American Literature. Wild and Scenic rivers benefit people and nature in various ways. These rivers:

These rivers:

• Help provide clean water through natural filtration and storage
• Help reduce the impacts of floods
• Preserve essential ecosystems that provide an environment where native plants and animals can thrive
• Contain beautiful landscapes that help us understand the world around us
• Offer excellent fishing, boating, hiking, and scenic views
• Provide places to learn about the natural environment, enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of nature, and view wildlife
• Preserve the history of the communities that lived along the river

The main goals of the 2019 SuAsCo Wild & Scenic River Strategic Plan are:

• Enhance and maintain the water quality and quantity
• Conserve the ecological integrity and scenic character through land protection and stewardship
• Protect and enhance the recreational resources and access
• Protect and enhance the history, archaeology, and literary resources
• Support and complement educational and outreach activities

The US Congress approved the SuAsCo Wild & Scenic River designation with broad bipartisan support. The bill was submitted to Congress only after the town meetings of all the municipalities on the river had approved a Designation Study and River Conservation Plan. These municipalities are represented on the SuAsCo Wild and Scenic River Stewardship Council: Bedford, Billerica, Carlisle, Concord, Framingham, Sudbury, and Wayland. Council representatives also include OARS as the watershed non-profit, Sudbury Valley Trustees as the land protection non-profit, US Fish & Wildlife Service as managers of the refuges on the river, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.