Warner: Protect Virginia's rivers

Virginia is blessed with rivers that are an integral part of our history, economy and culture — rivers like the Shenandoah, where as a boy I spent long summer days fishing and swimming. It was there I learned the rhythms of the seasons, the value of clean water, and the amazing natural beauty of our commonwealth.

By protecting and restoring our rivers we can connect more of today's children to the health, education and recreation benefits rivers and their environs offer; and, we can improve our economy and quality of life.

This past summer, members of the Obama administration toured the country seeking advice from citizens about their new America's Great Outdoors initiative, aimed at safeguarding natural resources and promoting recreation nationwide. I for one hope they make the restoration and protection of rivers a central part of their goals.

Virginians have achieved several goals that should inspire other states. For example, the Rappahannock River, which links the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, had its flow impeded by an abandoned electric power dam. For more than 100 years, miles of exceptional "white water" rapids were covered by a dam that likewise prevented the annual spawning of ocean fish migrating up the Chesapeake Bay to the fresh water streams to breed and deposit their eggs. The river held its breath behind the iron, concrete and wood Embrey Dam. As senator, I was proud to work with many others determined to remove this outdated cement and steel barricade to nature and boaters, which let the Rappahannock resume its important role in the ecosystems.

Seeing that dam come down in 2004 was one of the proudest moments of my career in public service, and I am humbled and honored that the newly uncovered rapids were named for me and others who worked over a decade as a team. Today, families can paddle through the old dam site thanks to additional access, riverside land protections, and amenities provided by the 30-mile-long Rappahannock River Water Trail.

A water trail or blueway is a dedicated stretch of river that enjoys special clean-water safeguards and is a destination for fishing, boating and other recreation. Water trails also benefit our economy, bringing valuable tourist dollars to local businesses and providing recreation-related jobs for Virginians.

Another example is the Captain John Smith Water Trail, which starts in the Chesapeake Bay and maps the history up many of the Virginia and Maryland rivers flowing into the Bay. The James River is a prime example of how water trails can also link residents and visitors to parks, wildlife refuges and other treasured landscapes, while celebrating our rich cultural and natural heritage.

Protecting Virginia's rivers relies upon the stewardship of the local people closest to them, but also requires close cooperation and coordination among all levels of government. Federal assistance can take our local efforts to the next level. We would never have succeeded in removing the dam without the support of Congress, and departments of state and federal government, especially the Army Corps of Engineers.

America's Great Outdoors must help communities throughout the U.S. protect and enjoy their rivers, by designating new river trails, providing additional funding projects through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and establishing partnerships with local communities.

Every American deserves to enjoy a healthy river. By making rivers the centerpiece of America's Great Outdoors, the administration will ensure the rivers of our states will flow with beauty and vitality, enriching lives for generations to come.