"

About the River Management Society

About RMS

We are a national non-profit organization whose mission is “to support professionals who study, protect and manage North America’s rivers.” We do so by developing and hosting training workshops and open information-sharing events that enable anyone who works on, around or in service to rivers to learn and meet experts and enthusiasts. Our roots are in the former Interagency Whitewater Committee (est. 1972) and the 1996 merger of the American River Management Society (est. 1988) and River Federation (est. 1985). 

We are the home of the River Training CenterNational Rivers Project and River Studies and Leadership Certificate and support Wild and Scenic River managers with online and in-person workshops to help folks understand how to better support rivers that are federally protected. Dedicated to holistic river management, our diverse membership includes river rangers and planners who work for regional, state and federal agencies; faculty and students, scientists, river conservation professionals and rafting and angling outfitters and enthusiasts. Events are open to the public, and many programs are recorded and posted online at the River Training Channel.

 

 

How we do it

RMS Logo

RMS advances the profession of river management by providing a unique variety of forums for sharing information about the appropriate use and management of river resources. RMS continues to build its base of expertise in all aspects of river management and stewardship including an ecosystem approach to recreation, water quality, riparian health, and watershed management. Besides creating multiple opportunities each year for river professionals to learn, train and network, RMS is growing partnerships that will help river professionals serve both our river resources and the people who use and enjoy them.

There are seven regional chapters: Alaska, Pacific, Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast and Southeast, and Canada. Each chapter holds meetings and regional field trips to share and discuss river management issues on a local level, building lasting partnerships along the way. Online workshops and trainings connect members across geographical boundaries.  We are always looking for new ways to connect members to each other and each others' colleagues.

 

Become a Member

Membership allows you to stay connected with your river professional peers through regular communication, training opportunities and river trips. As a member, you receive exclusive biweekly email news updates, access to our directory and listserv to field questions, discounts on workshops and Symposia, and invitations to members-only trips. Learn more and join today! 

Join Today

Mission:

To support professionals who study, protect, and manage North America's rivers.

Vision:

To be the national and international leader in river management education, collaboration and training, whose members, volunteers and partners represent the nation’s leaders of thought, agents of change and resources for all things related to the holistic management of rivers and river environments.

Goals:

  • Goal 1: Professional Development - Support career-long learning, quality in river management, and leadership in our field.
  • Goal 2: Information and Education - Expand our understanding of rivers through networking and the sharing of river science and management experiences.
  • Goal 3: Provide a Voice - Promote the use of science and research in policy development and decision-making at all levels, public and private.
  • Goal 4: Collaborate - Build capacity in our organization to achieve these goals.

Our Impact

650+

 RMS Members

53

 River Studies & Leadership Certificate graduates

2000+

 River segments in National Rivers Project database

350+

 Wild & Scenic River Segments in National Rivers Project database

19

 National Symposia hosted since 1992

12

 River Ranger Rendezvous hosted since 2010

14

 Universities participating in River Studies & Leadership Certificate