It might be hard to even think of Rhode Island as a "wild" place, but it does have its nooks and crannies where nature persists -- sometimes against all odds.

One thing that can tip the odds for a river is to be designated "Wild and Scenic." This brings an extra measure of protection to the waterway.

Some time ago, advocates proposed that the Taunton River, which flows into Narragansett Bay, should be so designated. This could help in the fight against proposed LNG facilities, which are opposed by just about everyone. The issue is now being debated in Congress, and won approval in the House this week.  Click here for an update via the Huffington Post. More info about why the LNG plan is a bad idea at stopweaverscove.com.

Another local group is lobbying for Wild and Scenic protection for Buckeye Brook, the little river that runs along the edge of Green Airport in Warwick, into Narragansett Bay. The brook would be the first Wild & Scenic river for Rhode Island.

Local river advocate Steve Insana organized a site visit for officials from the National Park Service, the EPA, and others, and was encouraged by the response.  "Good news!" he told NNN. "Buckeye Brook in Warwick is on its way to being RI's first wild and scenic river." The brook has historical significance, offers recreational opportunities and is a herring run. Click here for the Warwick Beacon story by John Howell. Click here for a Rhode Island Monthly story about the brook and advocates' fight to protect it from pollution. And click here to visit the Web site of the Buckeye Brook Coalition.