Headwaters Protection Act Would Safeguard Water For Millions and Protect Wildlife

The Wilderness Society applauds Sen. Bennet (D-CO) for introducing the Headwaters Protection Act today alongside Sen. Crapo (R-ID). The bill seeks to restore and maintain healthy watersheds on National Forest System land, which supply drinking water for one in five Americans and provide key fish and wildlife habitat.  

The Headwaters Protection Act would authorize increased funding for and improve equitable access to the Forest Service's Water Source Protection Program and Watershed Condition Framework, two programs that benefit freshwater resources. The bill would also require the Forest Service to ensure that future actions in National Forest like mining and timber harvesting will not have long-term negative impacts on watersheds. 

"The Headwaters Protection Act is a common-sense bipartisan solution that will help safeguard our water resources for future generations," said Mary Olive, Senior Government Relations Representative at The Wilderness Society. "The watersheds in America's National Forests are critical to our way of life. They provide drinking water for more than 60 million people and are a refuge for wildlife in the face of climate change. National Forest System land also supports a thriving recreation economy. Close to 75 percent of the nation's outdoor recreation takes place within one-half mile of streams or other water bodies. We urge Congress to allow more communities a voice in how their water is managed and pass this important bill." 

The Headwaters Protection Act is supported by a broad coalition of environmental groups, recreationists, and businesses. The bill is a critical step in protecting our water resources for future generations.

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For media inquiries, please contact Jen Parravani at jen_parravani@tws.org or (202) 601-1931