| Federal river protection in the U.S. began with passage of the 1968 National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (P.L. 90-542). Additionally, thirty-two states have enacted some type of wild and scenic river protection legislation. Texas has made numerous attempts to establish a state-level river protection program; however, each has failed, primarily as a result of strong resistance from private property owners and water development interests. This research reviews the status of existing state-level wild and scenic river protection programs, summarizes the progression of water resource development in Texas as it relates to river protection issues, analyzes the history of failed legislative attempts at establishing a Texas rivers system, and recommends strategies for future passage of a Texas river protection act. |
