Happy 50th birthday to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act!

The state of Oregon is home to more than 110,000 miles of rivers, nearly 2,000 of which are designated as wild and scenic. That’s almost 2 percent of the state’s river miles! Help celebrate this landmark legislation with events throughout year sponsored by various Central Oregon land agencies and non-profits.

Check out CentralOregonWildAndScenic.org for more info and a complete list of events and volunteer opportunities.

Central Oregon’s list of rivers with wild and scenic protection reads like a who’s who of spectacular waterways. The Metolius, Deschutes, Little Deschutes, John Day and Crooked rivers, as well as Big Marsh Creek, Whychus Creek and Crescent Creek all benefit from the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

Events include everything from river cleanups and lecture series to charity dinners and special beer collaborations with local breweries. In fact, Ochoco Brewing out of Prineville just released their Wild and Scenic Wheat, a Belgian-style Wibier fermented with apricots. Ochoco’s Wild and Scenic Wheat is currently pouring on tap at their brewpub in Prineville. Check back here at the Old Mill District blog and at CentralOregonWildAndScenic.org for more Wild and Scenic beers from 10 Barrel, Deschutes, Worthy, Wild Ride, Bridge 99, Crux and Cascade Lakes breweries.