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002313 Chapter 2 River Conditions and Associated State Protection Efforts Since the 13 studies were completed for which the President recom- mended that the rivers be placed under state rather than federal stew- ardship, conditions on most of these rivers have remained relatively unchanged according to state, local, and environmental group officials and documents they provided (see figs. 2.1 and 2,2). None of the rivers have been negatively affected by new water development projects. How- ever, four rivers have had their original qualities degraded because of new shoreline or resource developments or water pollution problems. Water quality problems largely present when the rivers were studied have generally not worsened but remain a concern. Because these rivers have retained their outstanding values, recreational pressures are growing. Relatedly, we found that water development projects have not to date adversely affected 21 other rivers assessed in April 1985 reports to the Congress, but 1 project under study could inundate another 8 miles of a river in West Virginia. Finally, we found that most state and local offi- cials and private interests on each of the 13 rivers did not express interest in a federal wild and scenic river designation now or when the rivers were studied. In lieu of federal protection, state and local govern- ments and private organizations associated with 11 of the rivers have initiated varying levels of protection efforts. Certain developments, such as water projects, shoreline residences, industry operations, timber harvesting, or roads, have the potential for physically and aesthetically degrading a wild and scenic river. For example, a dam would interrupt flow, inundate scenic and wildlife areas, and transform recreational experiences from river-based to lake- based. Because rivers and their shores provide many uses (waste treat- ment, drinking water, homesites), developmental pressures generally increase over time unless efforts are taken to prevent undesirable change. For most of the rivers we reviewed, the characteristics that orig- inally qualified them for inclusion in the national system have not been negatively changed, In this connection we learned that no rivers had been negatively affected by new water development projects and, with several exceptions, the rivers had not experienced detrimental indus- trial, residential, or utility developments on their shorelines. We also learned, however, that water quality problems remain on nearly all the rivers and that most of the rivers are experiencing unanticipated prob- lems associated with recreational overuse. . Rivers Generally Not Degraded but Some Problems Being Experienced Page 20 GAO/RCED-87.39 Wild and Scenic Rivers