PWSR Toolkit Home > Explore > 5. Navigate Congressional Engagement

For river advocates that decide to pursue a study bill, the typical next step is to initiate conversations with members of Congress - commonly both one U.S. Senator and one U.S. Representative for the state/district containing the river. River advocates can make an explicit request for congressional study legislation and share the collected documentation showing broader support within the community. See examples below of similar study legislation.

After presenting this package, prepare to follow up with congressional staff, track legislative activities (such as hearings), and update your local stakeholders on progress. Advocacy organizations such as the Wild and Scenic Rivers Coalition and others may offer guidance and assistance during this step.

At this point, it is up to the congressional delegation to introduce a Study bill. If the legislation passes, the next phase is the Study process. Visit the Study section in this Toolkit to learn more.

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