Katherine Sorrows
Welcome!
Welcome to the fifth edition of Wild and Scenic River Currents, an annual newsletter designed to share stories about National Park Service (NPS) wild and scenic rivers and the community of people working to protect and enhance them. We continue to be amazed by all the accomplishments on our Wild and Scenic rivers and we appreciate the many contributions to Wild and Scenic River Currents this year. Thank you for all that you do to keep our rivers clean, healthy, and free-flowing!
Susannah Erwin, Science Co-Lead, and Sharon Kim, Partnerships Co-lead (Acting), of the NPS WSR Program
NPS / Corita Waters
National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program Highlights
Obed - Where Half the Park is After Dark
Obed Wild and Scenic River, a designated International Dark Sky Park, gives visitors the opportunity to connect with worlds beyond our own.
Largest Dam Removal in U.S. Approved
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the Surrender and removal of four dams on the Lower Klamath River.
Wild and Scenic River Ambassadors
In Summer 2022, the SuAsCo Wild & Scenic River Stewardship Council employed two River Ambassadors to expand outreach and education.
Rivers Join Dragonfly Mercury Project
The Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers joined several other NPS WSRs in the Dragonfly Mercury Project in 2022.
Celebrating New Designations
The Partnership Wild & Scenic Rivers System has two new Northeast designations, the Housatonic River and the York River.
Rusting Rivers
Over the past few years, scientists have observed a new phenomenon related to thawing soils in Alaska's Arctic - vibrant orange streams.
Jackie Dias
Welcome to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Community!
NPS
Susan Cook
Superintendent - Niobrara National Scenic River
A 32-year veteran of the NPS, Susan Cook has a wide range of experience, much of it gained during her 28 years at Homestead National Historical Park. She began her career as an administrative assistant and advanced to serve as a senior leader for the park managing the interpretation and resource operations. She has also taken a leadership role of the Regional Interpretation, Education and Volunteers Council. She transferred to Niobrara National Scenic River three years ago as the program manager for Interpretation, Education and Volunteers and has continued to grow the park’s programming and outreach.
Cook earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska, and a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership from Doane University in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Cook enjoys spending time outdoors (preferably near water), photography, hiking with her dogs and husband, and spending time with family and friends. Cook and her husband have three sons who are all now on their own with the youngest in college.
Congratulations to Jim MacCartney!
NPS
On December 8th our colleague Jim MacCartney received the Jackie Diedrich Wild and Scenic Rivers Leadership Award presented by the Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council during the virtual US Forest Service National Wild and Scenic River Awards Ceremony. The award recognizes wild and scenic river administering staff who have shown outstanding leadership — going above and beyond in their assigned duties to help their agencies protect and manage these wild and scenic rivers, build capacity for river stewardship, and/ or develop exemplary training programs for professionals tied to these specially designated rivers.
Contact Us
If you have questions regarding a specific Wild and Scenic River project or want more information on Wild and Scenic Rivers please contact us.
Last updated: March 1, 2023