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President Jimmy Carter loved fly-fishing in Pa. His conservation legacy lives on.

Carter's dedication to protecting natural resources has inspired efforts in the commonwealth to safeguard its rivers.

Sebastian Miller casts his line while fly-fishing on the Schuylkill boardwalk in November 2018. President Jimmy Carter was a passionate fly-fisher who frequently fished in Pennsylvania.
Sebastian Miller casts his line while fly-fishing on the Schuylkill boardwalk in November 2018. President Jimmy Carter was a passionate fly-fisher who frequently fished in Pennsylvania.Read moreBen Mikesell / Staff Photographer

I recently came across a photo of President Jimmy Carter and my mother, Shirley Adams, after his Sunday school class in Plains, Ga. She passed away in 2023, but I’ll never forget how excited she was to meet the president, who — like her — loved nature and was committed to creating a better world.

While Carter left an enduring legacy on many important issues during his decades of public service, his profound impact as a conservation leader deserves special recognition. A passionate fly-fisher who frequently fished Spruce Creek in Pennsylvania’s Huntingdon County, Carter’s dedication to protecting our natural resources has inspired efforts in the commonwealth to safeguard its rivers.

As governor of Georgia, Carter championed the protection of the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers for paddlers, anglers, and other recreationists. As president, he designated 25 wild and scenic rivers and made significant contributions to strengthening the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, which safeguards free-flowing waterways with exceptional natural, cultural, and recreational value.

“I think it’s very important for all Americans to take a stand, a positive stand, in protecting wild rivers and scenic areas,” Carter once said, emphasizing his belief in conservation for public enjoyment.

Carter’s leadership as a river conservation hero served as a model and inspiration for the Pennsylvania Rivers Conservation Program, created by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and its predecessor, the Department of Environmental Resources. This program focuses on studying rivers, educating communities about their importance, and improving watershed health while connecting people with water-based outdoor recreation opportunities. Through this program, the department has built boat launches and access trails, planted trees, and conserved key pieces of land for public use.

The Philadelphia region boasts an abundance of wild and scenic waterways, from the federally designated Lower Delaware and Schuylkill to the state-designated French Creek and Lower Brandywine. In total, Pennsylvania has 19 designated scenic rivers (six federally designated and 13 state-designated). These waterways, plus the state’s 26 official water trails, offer countless opportunities for paddling, fishing, bird watching, and other water-based activities.

As an avid paddler, one of my favorite rivers is the Clarion River in Northwest Pennsylvania, which winds through the rugged mountains and majestic hemlock forests of Cook Forest State Park. Another cherished spot is the Yellow Breeches Creek, a spring-fed tributary of the Susquehanna River that is home to lots of wildlife, including threatened species like the bog turtle. I’ve made lifelong memories paddling these waterways in a canoe or kayak, soaking in the sights and sounds of nature, and enjoying laughter with loved ones or restorative solitude when exploring alone.

The Susquehanna River, the largest tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, plays a vital role in the region’s ecosystem. Thanks to Pennsylvania’s sustained efforts, the bay recently achieved its best environmental rating in more than two decades, with the Upper Chesapeake — fed by the Susquehanna — recognized as one of its healthiest areas. This progress is a testament to initiatives like the Pennsylvania Rivers Conservation Program, which has greatly benefited the state’s people, communities, and environment. Through this program, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has planted thousands of acres of streamside trees to reduce pollution and create wildlife habitats.

In addition, the Chesapeake Bay watershed has seen significant investment in projects that enhance water access and conservation. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has allocated tens of millions of dollars to initiatives like boat launches, the preservation of over 3.6 million acres, and the development of trails connecting communities to waterways. To see the full extent of these efforts, visit our interactive map of rivers conservation projects.

President Carter’s legacy as a conservationist continues to inspire us, especially his commitment to environmental stewardship and protecting clean water. We remain dedicated to honoring his vision by safeguarding our waterways for the enjoyment and benefit of current and future generations — and no matter who is in the Oval Office, we will always keep working to protect the natural resources that make Pennsylvania the Great American Getaway.

Cindy Adams Dunn is secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.