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Managing a Wild and Scenic River The Wild & Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive River Management Plans derived from the Interagency Wild & S cenic Rivers Coordinating Council

Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

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Page 1: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Managing a Wild and Scenic River

The Wild & Scenic Rivers Act

and Comprehensive River Management Plans

derived from the Interagency

Wild & S cenic R ivers C oordinating C ouncil

Page 2: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Today’s Instructors

2

Randy Welsh Wild and Scenic Rivers Program Lead – WO FS [email protected] 202-205-9333

Sid Woods Wild and Scenic Rivers/ Bridger-Teton NF [email protected] Xxx-xxx-xxxx

Page 3: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Desired Outcomes What will be different… B asic Understanding WS R A

C lear Management Implications

G uidance for Decis ion Makers re: Proposed Projects

C ontents/E lements of C R MP

OR V’s

Mapping

Page 4: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Practices Detailed R iver C orridor B oundary

Protect/E nhance Mandate: effect on existing activities

E valuating Proposed Activities on Federal Lands

Page 5: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Course Content Intent of WS R A Key Provis ions C R MP’s B aseline Descriptions B oundaries C apacity C onundrum Proof in the P udding (monitoring)

Audience Q and A

Page 6: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Pre-Test

• What do you already know about WSR’s?

• Please answer the 10 questions.

Page 7: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Intent of WSRA

To complement the national policy of dam and other construction

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Page 8: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 9: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

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12,597 river miles protected under WSRA

< 1% of rivers designated

860,000 river miles dammed, dredged or channelized

24% of rivers affected

Page 10: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

0

500,000

1,000,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

3,000,000

3,500,000

Designated Wildand Scenic Rivers

Nationwide RiversInventory

Dammed,Channelized &

Dredged

Total

Miles 12,597 84,634 860,000 3,500,000

America's Rivers

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Page 11: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Intent of WSRA

To protect and enhance…

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Page 12: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Free-Flowing Condition

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Page 13: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

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Water Quality

Page 14: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

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Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs)

Page 15: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Overview of WSRA

• 1(b) – Policy • 2(a) and 2(a)(ii) – System • 2(b) – Classification • 3 – Plan • 6 – Acquisition • 7(a) – Water Resources

Projects • 8(a) - Withdrawals

Page 16: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Overview of WSRA

• 9(a) - Minerals • 10 – Management Direction • 11(b)(1) - Assistance • 12 – Management Policies • 13 – Jurisdictions

Page 17: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Declaration of Policy S ection 1(b)

“…declared to be the policy of the United States that certain selected rivers… …be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.”

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Page 18: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Intent of WSRA

Protect and Enhance:

• Free-Flowing Condition

• Water Quality • ORVs

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Page 19: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Declaration of Policy S ection 1(b)

Protect Values Free-flowing C ondition

Water Quality

OR Vs

Define OR Vs G uide Future Management Actions

B asis for C orridor B oundary

B aseline for Monitoring

S cenic R ecreational G eologic Fish and Wildlife Historic C ultural Other S imilar Values

Page 20: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

River Classification Section 2(b)

• Wild

• Scenic

• Recreational

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Page 21: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

River Classification

Wild

Page 22: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

River Classification

Scenic

Page 23: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

River Classification

Recreational

Page 24: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Classification S ection 2(b)

Three C lasses Wild, S cenic and R ecreational

Describes Type/Intensity of E xisting Development

Framework for Future Land Management Activities

Protections in S ec. 7(a) and 10(a) Independent of C lass ification

Page 25: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Existing Rights S ection 12(b)

E xisting R ights or Privileges on Federal Lands cannot cause degradation of values below conditions at time of des ignation.

Page 26: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Boundary S ections 3(b)and (c)

B ank-to-B ank Unacceptable

OR Vs - B as is for E stablishment

Does Not Need to be Marked On-the-G round

P ublish Notice of Availability in Federal R egister

E ffective 90 Days After Transmittal to C ongress

Page 27: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Management Direction S ection 10(a)

Protect and E nhance Nondegradation/E nhancement Policy

Protect by E liminating Adverse E ffects

E nhance by Improving C onditions

P ublic R ecreation/Us e Must Not Adversely Impact/Degrade Values

Page 28: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Management of WSRs in Wilderness

S ection 10(b)

More R estrictive Provis ions

Note the language in some wild corridors in wilderness; i.e., to manage as a wild river. This is typically done to allow uses or facilities inconsistent with Wilderness Act (e.g. on-river motorized use on the Rogue, Salmon WSRs).

Page 29: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Management Plan S ections 3(d)(1) and (d)(2)

1986 G eneric Amendment

R equires C omprehensive R iver Management Plan OR Vs, G oals , Des ired C onditions

Land/Facility Development

User C apacities

Water Quality and Instream Flow

C ollaborative Approach

R egulatory Authorities

Monitoring

Page 30: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Management Plan S ections 3(d)(1) and (d)(2)

Programmatic Plan National E nvironmental Policy Act

(NE PA)

Developed Within/Amend Agency Plans

P ublish Notice of Availability in Federal R egister

Page 31: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

WSRs Administered by NPS and US FWS

S ection 10(c)

Apply Most R estrictive Provis ions

Use G eneral S tatutory Authorities

Page 32: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

WSRs Administered by US FS

S ection 10(d)

Use G eneral S tatutory Authorities

R equires S pecial-Use Permits for C ommercial G uide S ervices

5(d)(1) rivers have agency interim management guidelines

Page 33: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Cooperative Agreements S ection 10(e)

E ncourages Federal-S tate Partnerships

Authority to E ffect Written C ooperative Agreements

Page 34: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Federal Assistance S ection 11(b)(1)

Authorizes Technical Ass istance and Limited Financial Ass istance

Applies Within and Proximate to Designated WS R

Page 35: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Water Resources Projects S ection 7(a)

Administering Agency R esponsible

FE R C Facilities Prohibited

Other WR Ps E valuated Under “Direct and Adverse” S tandard

WR Ps B elow, Above or Tributary E valuated Under “Invade or Unreasonably Diminish” S tandard

Page 36: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

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Standards for Evaluation of a Water Resources Project

Proposed hydropower facilities (FERC-licensed)

Outside the WSR Corridor (upstream, downstream or

tributary) On or directly affecting

Proposed hydropower facilities (FERC-licensed)

Invade the area or unreasonably diminish

Invade the area or unreasonably diminish

Direct and adverse affects

Within the WSR Corridor

Other proposed federally assisted WRPs

Other proposed federally assisted WRPs

To Scenic, Recreational, Fish and Wildlife Values

To Free Flow, Water Quality, and ORV’s

Page 37: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

WRP3 assisted by

federal agency

WRP2 licensed by Federal Energy Regulatory

Commission (FERC)

Evaluative Standard

Evaluative Standard

Standard’s application

Evaluation

Requirements of Standard

WRP licensed or assisted

by federal agency

Evaluative Standard

Act Requirements

Act Requirements

Act Requirements

Evaluation

Requirements of Standard

Water Resources Project (WRP) within a WSR (“Within” Flowchart)

Water Resources Project (WRP) outside a WSR (“Outside” Flowchart)

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Page 38: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Adverse effects Adverse effects - avoidance measures

No adverse effects

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Section 7 Outcomes

Page 39: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Management Policies S ection 12(a)

Direction to Other Federal Agencies

Activities Within or Proximate

Page 40: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Water Pollution S ection 12(c)

C ooperate with E PA/S tate

E nforcement Through E PA/S tate

Page 41: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Fish and Wildlife J urisdiction

S ection 13(a)

Preserves S tate R ole

Partner with S tate

Page 42: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Federal Reservation Of Water

S ection 13(c) and 13(e)

E stablishes a Federal R eserved Water R ight

Quantity Necessary to Achieve Purposes

Describe OR V Dependency on Flow in C R MP

Interstate C ompacts Unaffected (13(e))

Page 43: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Navigable Rivers S ection 13(f)

S tate’s R ights Unaffected

Partner with S tate to Protect

C onsult with Legal C ounsel R egulating Use C onsidered

Page 44: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Easements and ROW S ection 13(g)

E asements on Federal Lands S ubject to C onditions to Protect Values

E valuate In-C hannel C omponent of E asement Proposal as WR P

Page 45: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

References

DOI and US DA Interagency G uidelines – Fed. R eg., Vol. 47, No. 173; S ept. 7, 1982

Agency Direction B LM Manual 8351

Forest S ervice Manual 2354

NPS Working on G uidance

IWS R C C G uidance

Page 46: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 47: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 48: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 49: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 50: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 51: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 52: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 53: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 54: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 55: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 56: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 57: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 58: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 59: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 60: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Crystal Creek Slide

Largest Mass Movement in U.S. In Last Decade

Page 61: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 62: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 63: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 64: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 65: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 66: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 67: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 68: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 69: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 70: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Case study ORVs

Page 71: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Scenic ORV

• River Related or River Dependent: River-related scenery is considered views of the river and its immediate environs and/or scenes from the river of distant landscapes where the river factors into the foreground view.

Page 72: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

• Regional or National Context – The greater Yellowstone ecosystem is uniquely identifiable from scenery across the nation or internationally.

Page 73: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

• Rare – The scenery represents an example of views that are uncommon within the national context.

• Unique – The scenery represents a singular example of views within the regional or national context (Red/lavender hills

• Exemplary – The scenery represents a conspicuous example among other similar views within the regional or national context.

Page 74: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Scenic?

Page 75: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Recreation ORV

Page 76: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Recreation

Page 77: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Boundary Drawing Breakout Session

Page 78: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Case Study Goals

Page 79: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Existing rights/ privileges

• Outfitter permits • WGFD elk

management areas • Rights-of-way • Minerals • Private lands

Page 80: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Grazing permits Breakout session

• Sheep and cattle

allotments • Forest Plan direction • Meeting non-degradation

standard

Page 81: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Desired Conditions • Not all Goals or

Objectives can be achieved in same places

• Desired Condition descriptions create management zones

• Zones coupled with differing management standards

Page 82: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Desired Conditions case study

• Desired Future Condition 3: River Recreation (outside Wns)

• Eligible WSR segments protected from activities that could diminish free-flow, water quality, or values making them eligible.

Page 83: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Desired Future Condition zones B-C-D

Page 84: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service
Page 85: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Management Emphasis

• All designated river segments will be managed to protect and enhance their outstandingly remarkable values (described in detail in applicable Comprehensive River Management Plan), free-flowing condition, and water quality for future generations. This protection, defined as a non-degradation standard, derives from a baseline of developments, conditions and ecosystem functions present at the time of designation.

Page 86: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

“Experience” zones River classification correlation

• B: ready access from highway and developed boating and camping facilities; high numbers of visitors and large group sizes

Page 87: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Experience zones, contd

• C: Boat launches primitive, campgrounds few, opportunities for dispersed camping and day use, smaller groups.

Page 88: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

• D: wild rivers, located outside of designated Wilderness or Wilderness Study Areas (WSA)

Page 89: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Case study: experience not = class • Hoback River • Recreational class • Paved scenic byway • Small campground • Limited dispersed

camping • Short on-river

season • Developments on

private land

Page 90: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Management Direction

• Scenery Management Guideline: Management practices should maintain a high level of scenic integrity…Changes in visual character resulting from natural processes…should only be modified where necessary to provide for public safety or to maintain critical infrastructure.

Page 91: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Standards by zone Resource Area

DFC 3B

DFC 3C

DFC 3D DFC 6/6S

Dispersed Camping

None allowed in corridor during the high use season, between May 1 and Labor Day.

Allowed except where seasonally prohibited. All vehicles at dispersed campsites shall remain outside a 100’ setback from waterways; Hitching, tethering or picketing pack and saddle stock shall remain outside 200’ lake and 100’ stream setbacks.

Hitching, tethering or picketing pack and saddle stock shall remain outside 200’ lake and 100’ stream setbacks.

Page 92: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Land/Facilities Development Resource Area

DFC 3B

DFC 3C

DFC 3D DFC 6/6S

Recreation Facilities and Structures

No new campgrounds; other facilities may be approved, appropriate to setting; enhancements of existing facilities are allowed.

New and existing developed sites, river access, trailhead facilities, interpretive sites are allowed appropriate to setting. Facilities that might result in a more developed classification would not be allowed.

No facilities allowed, although minimal structures such as bear poles may be installed to protect identified values.

Page 93: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Monitoring

Page 94: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Indicators

Variables that can be measured to track change in conditions caused by human activity

Page 95: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Indicator Criteria and Purpose

Meaningful

• Sensitive • Responsive

Reliable

• Objective • Repeatable

Feasible

• Cost effective • Baseline data available • Minimum impact

Focus data collection efforts

Translate desired character into something measurable

Track trends in conditions over time

Evaluate effectiveness of management

Page 96: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Thresholds

Scientific vs. social tipping points Thresholds should be informed by science, but setting amounts is a value-based decision

Determining the Measure: based on management experience, academic literature, scientific research, law and policy, and other sources thresholds may vary across river segments according to the desired conditions established for each

Threshold amount will trigger management action to address negative trends in indicator measurements

Page 97: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Visitor Capacity

• Merced River: Court direction • Evaluate impacts of existing

infrastructure/ policies: not a given baseline

• Thresholds trigger action before degradation occurs

Page 98: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Merced River • Yosemite experience: • Visitor numbers already creating impacts • Indicators and thresholds • Set numbers above point of likely

degradation

Page 99: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Snake River

• Effort at determining capacity consistent with threat to river values

• Discuss but set no current limits on low-use areas

• Behavior changes can be more effective than numeric limits

• Incorporate existing numeric decisions if effective at protection

Page 100: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Collaboration

Page 101: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

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Additional Resources IWSRCC

www.rivers.gov

River Management Society www.river-management.org

River Network www.rivernetwork.org

Page 102: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

WSRA Intent

C omplement National Policy of Dam and Other C onstruction

Protect and E nhance: Free-flowing C ondition

Water Quality

OR Vs

E stablish Process to Add R ivers to the National S ystem

Page 103: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Managing: Key Points

3-Fold Purpose

B oundary R equired

C R MP

S ec. 7(a)

S ec. 10(a)

S ec. 12(a)

Help

Page 104: Managing a Wild and Scenic River - The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Comprehensive Management Plans - Brian Goldberg, and Randy Welsh, USDA Forest Service

Acknowledgements Interagency Wild & Scenic

Rivers Coordinating Council

rivers.gov River Management Society

river-management.org

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