New stamp series recognizes America’s Wild and Scenic Rivers

OREGON – On May 21 in Bend, Oregon, Pacific Northwest Regional Forester Glenn Casamassa spoke at a release event for the U.S. Postal Service’s new Wild and Scenic River system Forever stamps.

The stamps feature 12 Wild and Scenic River segments, several of which are managed by the USDA Forest Service.
The USDA Forest Service manages more than 5,000 of the 13,000 designated miles of National Wild and Scenic Rivers System—more than any other federal agency.

“We are fortunate in the Pacific Northwest Region to have more of these rivers than any other part of the country,” Casamassa said, “In fact, nearly a third of our nation’s Wild and Scenic Rivers are right here in Oregon and Washington and now have been memorialized along with the other rivers featured in this magnificent postage stamp series.”

Joe Corbett, U.S. Postal Service chief financial officer and executive vice president and the stamp ceremony’s dedicating official remarked that, “Part of America’s rich heritage is the natural beauty of America’s rivers and the many habitats that support wildlife. When Americans use the stamps either to mail letters and packages or to add them to collections, they will be reminded of our cherished Wild and Scenic Rivers.”

Casamassa added that shared stewardship is a vital part of conserving each river’s values. Government agencies, partner groups and communities all have to work together so that they can be enjoyed for generations to come.

“Strong collaborative efforts over the last 20 years to maintain and improve the Deschutes River have resulted in a model that others strive to replicate,” said Casamassa. “Partners include the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Deschutes River Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, Middle Deschutes Watershed Council and Crooked River Watershed Council to name a few.”

The photos featured on the stamps were provided by Bob Wick, a staff photographer at the Bureau of Land Management, award-winning photographer Michael Medford and naturalist Tim Palmer.

More information on the stamps and how to purchase them are available on the USPS website.