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New Wild and Scenic Rivers Considered for Utah
posted June 14, 2007
The Forest Service and BLM in Utah are evaluating 1000's of river miles for potential inclusion in
the national Wild and Scenic Rivers system. The agencies are currently soliciting public comment on
their lists through June 30. This input will be used to prepare a Draft Environmental Impact
Statement by this fall which will be distributed for public review. A final document of
recommendations to Congress will be completed next summer.
Now is the time for the paddling community and those who enjoy the region's rivers to weigh in.
The National Forest Service website is available here.
The BLM website is available here.
In determining suitability for inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers system a key question is, are there Outstandingly Remarkable Values or ORVs? A river must have at least one ORV to be classified as Wild and Scenic . Agencies have interpreted the decisions regarding ORVs to a matter of "informed professional judgement". Paddlers and those who use rivers thus play a critical role in informing river managers of how rivers are enjoyed and used by the public, and what values need to be specifically protected.
In making the case for ORVs, the agency will examine the following three areas of inquiry:
1. River-related. All values assessed should be directly river-related. They should be located in the river or river corridor (at least ¼ mile from the ordinary high water mark on each side of the river), contribute substantially to the functioning of the river ecosystem and its public value, or owe their location or existence to the river.
2. Regionally significant. Resources should be at least regionally significant to be deemed outstandingly remarkable. To make this determination, a region should be explicitly delineated so that the significance of the rivers under review can be compared against others in the region. For recreation as an example, this would mean recreational opportunities are, or have the potential to be, unique enough to attract visitors from outside of the geographic region. Visitors would be willing to travel long distances to use the river resources for recreational purposes.
3. Rare, unique or exemplary. Features that are regionally exemplary, as well as those that are rare or unique, should be considered. Exemplary features are outstanding examples of common, but important types. The goal is to ensure that high quality rivers that typify the nation’s diversity will be preserved as well as those with rare or unique features.
Paddlers can assist by providing input on rivers that are being reviewed and specifically highlighting ORVs using the criteria listed above. In addition we are seeking the assistance of local volunteers who can track the process and assist in developing specific recommendations to be presented by AW.
Comments are due June 30th, 2007.
Now is the time for the paddling community and those who enjoy the region's rivers to weigh in.
The National Forest Service website is available here.
The BLM website is available here.
In determining suitability for inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers system a key question is, are there Outstandingly Remarkable Values or ORVs? A river must have at least one ORV to be classified as Wild and Scenic . Agencies have interpreted the decisions regarding ORVs to a matter of "informed professional judgement". Paddlers and those who use rivers thus play a critical role in informing river managers of how rivers are enjoyed and used by the public, and what values need to be specifically protected.
In making the case for ORVs, the agency will examine the following three areas of inquiry:
1. River-related. All values assessed should be directly river-related. They should be located in the river or river corridor (at least ¼ mile from the ordinary high water mark on each side of the river), contribute substantially to the functioning of the river ecosystem and its public value, or owe their location or existence to the river.
2. Regionally significant. Resources should be at least regionally significant to be deemed outstandingly remarkable. To make this determination, a region should be explicitly delineated so that the significance of the rivers under review can be compared against others in the region. For recreation as an example, this would mean recreational opportunities are, or have the potential to be, unique enough to attract visitors from outside of the geographic region. Visitors would be willing to travel long distances to use the river resources for recreational purposes.
3. Rare, unique or exemplary. Features that are regionally exemplary, as well as those that are rare or unique, should be considered. Exemplary features are outstanding examples of common, but important types. The goal is to ensure that high quality rivers that typify the nation’s diversity will be preserved as well as those with rare or unique features.
Paddlers can assist by providing input on rivers that are being reviewed and specifically highlighting ORVs using the criteria listed above. In addition we are seeking the assistance of local volunteers who can track the process and assist in developing specific recommendations to be presented by AW.
Comments are due June 30th, 2007.