Investigating the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act as a Path for Indigenous Water Governance and Cooperative Management

Keywords: Indigenous co-management, Wild and Scenic Rivers, Water governance
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 2/25/2022 03:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/25/2022 05:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 53

Abstract

Riverine ecosystems are experiencing multiple threats from dams, water diversion projects, climate change, pollution, and mismanagement. Protecting free-flowing rivers is important for the maintenance of ecosystem services and biodiversity in the face of such threats. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 (WSRA) is one policy that may be used to accomplish such conservation goals. But Indigenous communities offer pre-existing alternatives to western river conservation and management, though their knowledge has not always been included in river management. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)/Indigenous Knowledge (IK) can be used to facilitate and inform riverine ecosystem management in the United States. The WSRA may provide a policy mechanism that serves to benefit Native priorities for riverine management. This study seeks to understand where WSRA designations may have benefited Native Nations by incorporating them in the designation process and/or management decision-making and where there may have been missed opportunities for meaningful engagement with Native Nations. Through quantitative analysis of a national survey, discourse analysis of semi-structured interviews, and geospatial analysis this research aims to understand the potential and shortcomings of WSR designations to achieve equitable, collaborative river conservation goals for both Indigenous peoples and the general public. The lessons learned can be used to inform future conservation efforts related to riverine ecosystems significant to Indigenous peoples.