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<br />onJ76 <br /> <br />(2) <br /> <br />STAGES IN THE STUDY <br /> <br />I, The study and the format for the report are organized, the <br />study is Bnnounced to the public, and your input <br />requested. <br /> <br />II. Data on the river are gathered. The data are used to <br />determine if the river qualifies for the National System. To <br />qualify. the river must pass two tests: It must be free <br />flowing and it must display "outstandingly remarkable" <br />values. <br /> <br />The evaluation of "outstandingly remarkable" values is <br />one of the study team's most difficult tasks. Whenever <br />possible. the team seeks and uses in its decisionmaking, <br />information both from other agencies and from the public. <br /> <br />If the rivp' does have one or more of these values and if it <br />is free flowing, it is eligible. If it is not eligible, the report <br />explains why. (If Congress agrees, the river is dropped <br />from consideration; however, Congress may put it in the <br />system regardless of what the report recommends.) <br /> <br />III. If the river is eligible, its highest potential classification is <br />determined, depending on what level of development <br />exists along its banks. The three possible classifications <br />are <br /> <br />WILD RIVER AREA, accessible mostly by trail and <br />representing "vestiges of primitive America .. <br /> <br />SCENIC RIVER AREA, which may have some roads and <br />limited development <br /> <br />RECREATIONAL RIVER AREA, which may contain <br />small communities and have access by roads, railroads and <br />bridges. <br /> <br />IV. The team need not recommend the highest potential <br />classification for the river. The classification it eventually <br />recommends, if any, depends on analysis of alternatives. <br />This stage is a complicated process based on "Principles <br />and Standards," a procedure used in planning water <br />resource projects, During this process, the team creates a <br />series of alternative plans for the river and considers the <br />cost and benefits, to the economy and environment, of <br />each alterna tive. <br />