What does the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act do?

Congress enacted the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (WSRA) in 1968, declaring it the “policy of the United States that certain selected rivers of the Nation which, with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar …

What federal agency in the United States oversees the management of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers?

The National Park Service
To accomplish this goal, the Act established a National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (NWSRS) (16 USC 1272). The National Park Service (NPS) is one of the four Federal land-managing agencies with wild and scenic river (WSR) management responsibilities.

How many years ago was the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act made into law?

50 years ago
The Act represented a major political and conservation achievement 50 years ago. It remains an important cornerstone of America’s conservation efforts a half century later. President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act into law on October 2, 1968.

What Four federal agencies are part of the Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council?

The BLM, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Forest Service are the four Federal agencies charged with safeguarding the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Can wild and scenic rivers be dammed?

Visitors to these rivers are cautioned to be aware of and respect private property rights. The Act purposefully strives to balance dam and other construction at appropriate sections of rivers with permanent protection for some of the country’s most outstanding free-flowing rivers.

Which state has the most rivers protected by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act?

The 1980s represented a decade of significant growth to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System due to the passage of laws that designated all 25 rivers in Alaska and most rivers in Oregon.

Which state has the most wild and scenic rivers?

Oregon
The 1980s represented a decade of significant growth to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System due to the passage of laws that designated all 25 rivers in Alaska and most rivers in Oregon.

What rivers are protected by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act?

State rivers receiving state and federal protection under the Wild and Scenic Rivers acts include the Albion, Amargosa, American, Eel, Gualala, Klamath, Merced, Trinity and Tuolumne.

What does it mean when a river is designated wild and scenic?

National Wild and Scenic Rivers System
Wild and Scenic refers to rivers designated as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. 1271 et seq.) to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

Who manages wild and scenic rivers?

Congressionally designated wild and scenic rivers are managed by the Department of Agriculture (Forest Service) or Department of the Interior (Bureau of Land Management, Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service).

Who designates Wild and Scenic Rivers?

Congress
Congress designates most rivers into the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System. The typical process is: Congress authorizes one of the river-managing agencies to first conduct a study to determine if the river is eligible and suitable for designation.

How are wild and Scenic Rivers Act designated?

(Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, October 2, 1968) Rivers may be designated by Congress or, if certain requirements are met, the Secretary of the Interior. Each river is administered by either a federal or state agency. Designated segments need not include the entire river and may include tributaries.

Who are the members of the Scenic River Advisory Council?

Upon designation of a river as wild, scenic or recreational, the director of ODNR appoints a 10-member Scenic River Advisory Council that represents local interests within the watershed. Members often include private citizens, local government officials, conservation organizations and property owners.

How are rivers designated under the WSR Act?

Rivers may be designated by Congress or, if certain requirements are met, the Secretary of the Interior. Each river is administered by either a federal or state agency. Designated segments need not include the entire river and may include tributaries.

How does the Secretary of the Interior designate a river?

— Mollie Beattie Section 2 (a) (ii) of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act allows the Secretary of the Interior to designate a river if a state governor requests designation. However, for a river to qualify for the National System through Section 2 (a) (ii) of the Act, four requirements must first be met.