Wild and Scenic Rivers: An American Legacy

In difficult times, sources of inspiration are treasured.  Tim Palmer’s enchanting photographs and engaging story-telling remind me, viscerally, why saving free-flowing rivers from harm is essential, not only for the world’s biology, but for its’ soul.  This 50th anniversary celebration of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act immerses readers in the timelessness of America’s most cherished rivers and instills gratitude for the dedicated leaders who created this unique System of protected rivers.  Read Tim's book and be inspired!"" - Rebecca Wodder, Former President and CEO, American Rivers ""Palmer has composed a tribute to the enduring vitality of rivers: the absolute importance of safeguarding them through the exercise of good sense and sound stewardship; the rewards that rivers invariably return to all who invest in their defense; and perhaps most important of all, the rapture that the wild water can instill in each of us when we open our hearts to its ever-surging flood tide of beauty."" - Kevin Fedarko, author of The Emerald Mile ""With his book about our Wild and Scenic Rivers, Tim Palmer has made a great contribution to America. Having been directly involved in this program, I'm grateful that the legacy of all who have worked to protect these rivers will be known and appreciated."" - President Jimmy Carter ""There is magic in rivers and in the camera and pen of Tim Palmer.  American environmental history is highlighted by legislation such as the National Parks Act (1916), the Wilderness Act (1964) an the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (1968), which Tim describes here in illuminating detail.  Read this book to understand how and why moving water has become a key component of our environmental ethic."" - Dr. Roderick Frazier Nash, Professor Emeritus, University of California Santa Barbara and author of Wilderness and the American Mind ""Tim Palmer has created a glorious book of photos, but Wild and Scenic Rivers is far more than that. Read it from cover to cover! All of us who shoulder responsibility for administering our wild and scenic rivers will find this narrative not just useful and entertaining, but also essential to what we do, and all should take to heart this vivid history of how we got where we are in the ever-unfolding enterprise of preserving America’s great rivers."" - Chris Brown, Director (retired), Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers, U.S Forest Service