UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON • January 9, 2026
The U.S. boasts more than 4 million miles of rivers, peppered with laws and regulations to protect access to drinking water and essential habitat for fish and wildlife. But in the first comprehensive review of river protection, research co-led by the University of Washington shows that the existing regulations account for less than 20% of total river length and vary widely by region. Beefing up protections doesn’t mean cutting off access to rivers. “We can use regulatory action to support equitable access to the numerous benefits rivers provide human society,” said Julian Olden, a UW professor of aquatic and fishery sciences. “Protected rivers support recreation, freshwater biodiversity and cultural value. It’s a win-win-win.”