The purpose of NORS is to help you enjoy rivers and to conserve rivers and river recreation opportunities for future generations. You may wonder if that purpose stands in the way of progress. The age-old answer is to take only what we need, without destroying the balance of nature, without destroying the rivers on which so much flora and fauna depend. The answer is to take enough water for efficient irrigation to water the crops we need, while still leaving enough water in the river for the fish, the flora and fauna surrounding the river, and for human recreation. To make enough electricity to satisfy our real needs, with efficient use, without destroying the river and the natural habitats that depend on it.
Electricity provides comfort, safety, entertainment, and productivity for our society.
But it does not provide inspiration, glory or fulfillment. Destroying nature to provide more irrigation and electricity is a losing proposition, leading only to frustration and emptiness. It turns out that seven U.S. Supreme Court decisions have declared that rivers that are physically navigable, even by small recreational watercraft, are legally navigable and are public land up to ordinary high water line. They are held in trust for the public by the states, to be permanently conserved for navigation, recreation, and fisheries. To support this effort and increase your own knowledge and enjoyment of rivers, click here to start or extend your NORS Membership.