05/06/2026
Governor Lee has officially signed the Scenic River bill into law, designating the entire Duck River and several tributaries as a Class II Pastoral State Scenic River.
This landmark protection helps safeguard North America’s most biologically diverse river by prohibiting mining, commercial logging, and landfills within two miles of the river corridor.
“Passing scenic river legislation is difficult at best. The designation is like a historical stamp that, down through the ages, becomes part of the essence of the river,” said Doug Jones, president of Duck River Conservancy. “As for the Duck River, it was not a close question. It is truly one of the most special and scenic rivers in the world.”
