Mountains, rivers and streams are perhaps the most visually  appealing wonders among our natural treasures.  They  consort  in a dynamic interaction that has a powerful impact on maintaining ecosystems across the globe.

Mountains comprise approximately twenty percent of the earth's landscape. Almost half of the world's population is dependent on mountain ecosystems where about eighty percent of the  planet's fresh water originates. The impact to plant and animal life is equally dramatic. In contrast, it is estimated that less than three percent of the available water on the planet is fresh. Therefore, mountain ecosystems  need to be preserved if they are to continue to be a source of valuble natural resources.

Rivers and springs are bodies of flowing water that originate in  mountains, hills or other elevated land masses. This mountain  water may come from rainfall, melting snow, mountain lakes or  underground springs. Whatever their source, rivers and streams collect additional water as they flow downward. In addition to transporting water, rivers and streams carry microorganisms, gases, minerals and other important nutrients. They are an important biosource for humans, plants and animals. Rivers and streams ultimately terminate in oceans, lakes or bays but along the way they provide water for plant growth and consumption, food, energy sources and transportation lanes.

Some interesting facts regarding rivers and streams in the United States:

• The longest river is the Missouri which flows for 2,540 miles.
• There are at least 10 other rivers that travel over 1,000 miles and include the Mississippi, Yukon, Rio Grande and Snake Rivers.
• It is estimated that 40% of US rivers and streams are too polluted for either swimming or fishing.
• Fifty percent of endangered or threatened wildlife species depend on rivers and streams for their existence.
• In the western US, riparian zones (the land interface along rivers and streams) provides habitats for more species of birds than any other western areas combined.
• As many as 80% of neotropical migrant bird species may depend upon riparian zones for nesting and/or migration.