Michigan’s Natural Rivers Act
Author: Joel Baar
Date: 06/22/2010
Michigan is blessed with more than 36,500 miles of rivers and streams, 12,500 miles of which are classified as cold water trout streams. We are also fortunate that Michigan has many programs focused on the protection of these resources. One such program is the Natural Rivers Act.
The year 2010 marks the 40th anniversary of Michigan's Natural Rivers Act. In the late 1960s, the State of Michigan recognized that its rivers and streams were some of Michigan's most important natural resources. The State also recognized that the beauty and quality of the state's rivers were fragile and being threatened. On December 3, 1970, Governor Milliken signed into law Michigan's Natural River Act. By passing the Natural River Act, Michigan was following the lead of the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, which had been signed into law by President Johnson in 1968. Michigan is currently one of at least 33 states with river protection legislation.
The Natural Rivers Act authorized the State of Michigan to develop a system of Natural Rivers in the interest of the people of the state and future generations, as well as for the purpose of preserving and enhancing our rivers’ values for a variety of reasons: aesthetics, recreation, boating, history, water conservation, floodplain, fisheries and wildlife habitat. Since 1970, over 2,000 miles on 16 rivers or segments of rivers have been designated “Natural Rivers” and made part of Michigan's Natural River System. In the order they were designated, the Natural River system includes the Jordan, Betsie, Rogue, Two Hearted, White, Boardman, Huron, Pere Marquette, Flat, Rifle, Lower Kalamazoo, Pigeon, AuSable, Fox, Pine, and Upper Manistee rivers.
As I write this, I am planning to spend some time this summer fly fishing and kayaking on the Upper Manistee. I have many stories to tell about my time on the Manistee, and am thankful that the river has been protected so that my children can enjoy the beauty and serenity of this important natural resource.
