MEDIA ADVISORY ***MEDIA ADVISORY***MEDIA ADVISORY

Office of the Secretary

For release: September 30, 1998

BABBITT IN N.H. FOR 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF SCENIC RIVERS ACT
WILL ANNOUNCE PROJECT TO HELP LAMPREY RIVER FISH
Interior Secretary to Canoe, Discuss Rivers as our National Commons

U.S. Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt will be in Durham, N.H. to canoe down the Lamprey River Friday to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and to announce a project to open up spawning habitat for American shad, striped bass and other anadromous fish along the river.

"Rivers have always been the bloodlines of our nation, main arteries of our social, economic and natural life," Babbitt said. "But by the mid-1960's, many were sclerotic, clogged and polluted to the point were we had forgotten their vital role in our national character and natural health. The passage of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was a watershed moment, helping to turn the tide toward a developing recognition that protection of our waterways is deeply bound up not only with protection of our wildlife and water quality, but with our connection to our natural landscape and heritage."

Signed by President Johnson on October 2, 1968, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act protects river segments which contain remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, and cultural values. To date, 155 river segments, in 36 states have been designated as National Wild and Scenic Rivers, totaling almost 11,000 miles in length. These protected rivers range from the mighty Missouri to the Lamprey River in Durham, designated in 1996, which Babbitt will canoe Friday.

Babbitt will canoe down the Lamprey River beginning at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 2. Afterward, he will meet with local conservationists and community leaders to discuss the value of the Wild and Scenic Rivers and to announce a project to help protect Lamprey River fish habitat. The event with take place along the Lamprey River at Wiswall Dam, located on Wiswall Road between Packers Falls Road (to the East) and Lee Hook Road (to the West). (From Rt. 4, take the Durham exit and proceed to Rt. 108 South. Follow 2.2 miles and go right on Bennett Road. Follow 1.6 miles until Bennet Road ends. Go right (uphill) on Packers Falls Road (unmarked) .4 miles to stop sign. Go left at stop sign on Wiswall Road. Proceed .4 miles to the Wiswall bridge.) All events are open to the press and public.

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  U.S. Department of the Interior