Wild & Scenic Rivers is a program of the National Park Service [NPS]. In 2004, MRBA Chair John Little and Treasurer Wendy Scott attended a River Rally conference and learned about the Wild & Scenic Rivers program. Their interest was piqued especially when they learned that Vermont has no Wild & Scenic Rivers, and they felt their long-time love, the Missisquoi River, should be considered for designation.

Vermont Community Support

There began a 5-year effort, primarily on the part of MRBA Board members John Little, Anne McKay and Chris O’Shea, of working with selectboards, community members, and our Congressional representatives to garner support for a study to determine the eligibility of the Missisquoi and Trout Rivers for inclusion in the Wild & Scenic Rivers program. The study area covers the Missisquoi River from Enosburg Falls upstream (excluding the Canadian portion) to its headwaters in Lowell, and the Trout River, a major tributary joining the Missisquoi in East Berkshire, VT.

Vermont Congressional Support

With the support of Vermont’s Representative Peter Welch and Senators Patrick Leahy and Bernard Sanders, President Barack Obama signed a bill into law in March 2009 authorizing funding for a study to identify the "outstandingly remarkable values" of the Missisquoi and Trout Rivers, considering their ecological attributes as well as recreational uses, scenery, geology, and cultural features. The study is expected to take about three years. Upon completion of the study, the decision to seek designation or not would be made locally; if sought, Wild & Scenic designation would be granted by an Act of Congress.

River Study Committee

A multi-year grant from the National Park Service will enable MRBA to support the Study. A Study Committee comprised of municipal representatives as well as local organizations and concerned citizens has been formed and meets regularly. MRBA and the National Park Service are represented on the River Study Committee.

River Study Coordinator

The Study Coordinator is Shana Stewart. For information, contact Shana at:
T: (802) 393-0076; E: shana[dot]stewart[at]vtwsr.org.

Wild and Scenic River Study Website

The Wild and Scenic River Study of the Upper Missisquoi and Trout Rivers has its own website. The website is under development.  The address is:  www.vtwsr.org

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