Respect the River/Rio - Forest Programs

FORESTS
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Mt. Hood National Forests Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests Santa Fe National Forest Umatilla National Forest Willamette National Forest

Respect the River originated in the US Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region on Methow Valley Ranger District, Okanogan National Forest in 1993. Since then it has spread to the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests, Umatilla National Forest, Santa Fe National, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Lewis and Clark National Forest, Mt. Hood National Forest, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Willamette National Forest, and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. With the success of the Respect the River and Respect the Rio programs being heard, the number of national forests and other public areas using the programs is expected to grow.

The spread of the Respect the River and Respect the Rio programs stems from a common riparian problem found on many forests and other public areas. While each forest or area has unique riparian features; they all have the common goal of protecting them for future generations. Check out the following information about how Respect the River and Respect the Rio is used on each of the forests and public lands.