The Park Service held two public meetings this past month and solicited scoping comments on the subject of whether to recommend the Skagit River upstream of Copper Creek as a candidate for protection under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. While the Park Service is in the process of reviewing comments, it is not too late to weigh in. It is important for the Park Service to hear from the paddling community and those who enjoy the recreational opportunities this river offers.
North Cascades National Park is currently revising the management plan for the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, which includes the Skagit River. As part of the planning effort the Park Service has considered a request by American Whitewater to conduct a study on the eligibility and suitability of the Skagit River for protection under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. While the downstream section of the Skagit, which is popular for eagle floats, is designated as Wild and Scenic, what many paddlers do not know is that the well-known whitewater run upstream is not currently designated.
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