Wildcat Brook (More...)

Designation of the Wildcat as a wild and scenic river was unique because: 1) it involved private as well as federal lands; 2) a river conservation plan was already in place by the time of designation; and 3) at the same time that it permanently protected the free-flowing character of the Wildcat, it also prohibited condemnation of private and municipal lands and ensured the continuation of local input. Previously, many wild and scenic rivers were designated only on public lands under the jurisdiction of a federal agency, which, after the designation, then incorporated river planning into other existing planning documents. Thus, the process leading to the legislation demonstrated the need for coordinated planning and local support prior to designation. And now, after the designation, the Wildcat River Advisory Commission continues working with the U.S. Forest Service and the town of Jackson to coordinate local concerns and river conservation planning efforts.
The residents of Jackson continue to be stewards of the river area and have an intense interest in its protection, as well as a deep respect for private property owners. Jackson welcomes visitors and hopes visitors will demonstrate the same concern for the Wildcat and adjoining land areas they have.