Vermont’s congressional delegation wants two stretches of the upper Missisquoi River to be designated as “wild and scenic.”
Advocates say the federal designation would help improve the health of a river.
If the congressional legislation passes, the National Park Service would be authorized to conduct a multi-year study on the river to determine if it meets the national criteria of a wild and scenic river.
No Vermont river has been enrolled in the Wild and Scenic River program since it was authorized in 1968.
The designation does not curb development in the river basin. But it could increase the ability of federal agencies to purchase critical land along the river.