The high abundance of rivers and streams is a defining characteristic of the North Coast and Cascades Network (NCCN). Ninety-four percent of NCCN land area is federally-designated wilderness and contains some of the best remaining aquatic habitats in the Pacific Northwest. The prevalence of these resources gives water quality a high ecological, management and legal significance for the network. NCCN aquatic resources support 38 native fish and 17 native amphibian species as well as human uses, including contact and non-contact recreation and water supply.