On March 12, 2008, the House Natural Resources Committee passed H.R. 2016, the National Landscape Conservation System Act, with support from congressmen from both sides of the aisle and hearty support from the Bush Administration.

Legislative permanence for the Conservation System has been on Outdoor Alliance's policy platform since day one and American Whitewater has been working with its Outdoor Alliance collegues to highlight not only the scenic and ecological value of the Conservation System, but the fact that the Conservation System includes some of the best human-powered recreational opportunities in the American West.  Examples include: rock climbing at Red Rocks National Conservation Area in Nevada, mountain biking the Loop Road at Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area in Oregon, canoeing and kayaking the Rogue Wild and Scenic River, also in Oregon, backcountry skiing at Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area in Colorado, and hiking the Wave at Vermillion Cliffs National Monument in Utah.  American Whitewater applauds the House Natural Resources Committee's accomplishment and look forward to the bill becoming law in the near future.