Intermountain Region

Wild and Scenic Rivers Suitability Study for National Forest System Lands in Utah

Overview of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, establishes a National Wild and Scenic Rivers System for the protection of selected national rivers and their immediate environments, which possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values which are to be preserved in free-flowing condition.

The purpose of the Act is to institute a National Wild and Scenic Rivers System by designating the initial components of that system and by prescribing the methods and standards applicable to adding components to the system. For more information on the Act, please go to the following web site: http://www.rivers.gov/.

Congress established this Act to protect rivers and their immediate environments for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations; to preserve selected rivers in their free-flowing condition; and to protect water quality and fulfill other vital national conservation purposes. However, designation as a wild and scenic river does not ‘lock it up.’ The idea behind the National System is not to halt use of a river; instead, the goal is to preserve the character of a river. Uses compatible with the management goals of a particular river are allowed; change is expected to happen. However, development must ensure the river's free flow and protect its "outstandingly remarkable resources." The intent of Congress was to create a national system of protected rivers that co-existed with use and appropriate development.

National Wild and Scenic Rivers System

The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (System) is comprised of rivers that Congress authorizes for inclusion or that are designated as wild, scenic, or recreational rivers by the legislatures of the states through which they flow. Rivers that are designated by a state must be administered permanently as wild, scenic, or recreational rivers by an agency or political subdivision of the state concerned, determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting the criteria established in the Act, and approved by the Secretary for inclusion in the System.

What Are the Effects of Wild and Scenic Rivers Designation?

• No new dams can be constructed on the river.
• Protects our river heritage and some of our nation's premiere rivers.
• No federally assisted water resource development projects are allowed on the river.
• No affect on the jurisdiction or responsibilities of the States with respect to fish and wildlife. Hunting and fishing shall be permitted on lands and waters administered as parts of the system under applicable State and Federal laws and regulations unless, in the case of hunting, those lands or waters are within a national park or monument.
• Mining and mineral leasing laws on the federal land are affected:
• • Valid existing rights are not rescinded
  • Ongoing mining and mineral leasing is subject to regulations.