An alliance of sport fishing and paddling associations are putting forth a proposal to fund expanded safe access to rivers along the nations roads and bridges. The ACA, Trout Unlimited, American Rivers and the American Sportfishing Association have joined forces in crafting legislation in support of this initiative.

Recent studies suggest that a growing number of Americans – estimated at more than 50 million people each year – are taking to the nation’s waterways in non-motorized watercraft such as canoes and kayaks.  One out of every 10 Americans has a fishing license.  Unfortunately, today, every state has roadways and bridges which serve as barriers for the growing number of people who wish to use them for fishing, canoeing and kayaking.  Many bridges and roads near waterways lack safe shoulders, pull-off areas or parking that could keep canoeists, kayakers and anglers safe from automobile and truck traffic. More often than not, they are constructed or reconstructed without consideration of how safe access to the waterway from the roadway or bridge could be accommodated or improved for fishing, kayaking or other recreational uses.

Canoeing, kayaking and fishing access improvements offer multiple benefits, including:

• Safety – providing adequate facilities along travel corridors improves safety for recreation users and motorists alike.    
• Recreation and Transportation – in many waterfront communities around the country, people are choosing canoe or kayak commuting as a means of transportation or recreation.    
• Health – these activities are known to improve fitness, mental health and well being.
• Environmental stewardship – reconnecting people to their rivers, streams and other water-bodies helps to increase stewardship of the environment.   

• Quality of Life – communities that provide access to waterways are, in general, more desirable, attracting new business and visitors.
• Economic stimulus and jobs –local communities that have enhanced access to navigable waters for paddlers and anglers, have experienced economic stimulus through ecotourism and development of watertrails. 
• Economies of Scale – Construction in and about the potential access area will already occur during road or bridge repair and/or construction.

This is an enormous victory all old-growth forests and the watersheds depending on them! River users, salmon, wildlife, ecosystems and clean water will all benefit! Thank you Oregon Wild for your efforts! We all benefit.

If you want to participate in river stewardship, join us at the 2009 Down the River Cleanup on the Clackamas, September 13th at Barton Park!

This is an enormous victory for Oregon Wild members and supporters like you, for salmon, for clean water, for wildlife, and for the Earth’s climate.