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In its broadest sense, thE! Upper Colorado Region is a vast outdoor recreation-area. With its excellent resource base and abundant open space, there are numerous potentials for providing additional quality recreation areas in unique surroundings. While no wild, scenic, or recreational rivers have been established in the region under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 (Public Law 90-542), various water courses have extremely valuable qualities that warrant further consideration for protection in their natural condition. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act provides for classifi- cation of suitable segments of rivers as wild, scenic or recreational. Once designated each classification relates to certain restrictions on future use and development. The Act should be consulted for details, but generally no development is permitted on wild rivers, and limited development may occur on recreational rivers. The following rivers and others not listed here may have wild-scenic- recreational values that should be considered for protection in terms of the intent of the Act before any development project is planned. These are rivers not listed in the Act and are not yet included in subsequent listings under Section S.d. but appear worthy for consideration of preservation. One is the White in Colorado. Although some development occurs along some segments, it may possess qualities worthy of protection under terms of the Act. The Animas River in Colorado is worthy of consideration for scenic river status. While the stream is shallow, bordered by a famous narrow-gauge railroad, and mine pollutants are present, kayaking and canoeing are possible during the period of spring runoff. It also offers excellent opportunities for big game hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, sightseeing, geologic study, and rock hunting. Only a small portion of the Colorado River remains free-flowing. It is relatively unpolluted by industrial or human waste but normally carries a heavy silt load. Scenery is primitive in the lower portion within Canyonlands National Park where it approaches true wilderness character. In this section it possesses outstanding scenic, archaeological and geological features. In its upper reaches it passes through a variety of terrain that ranges from narrow, scenic gorges to broad valleys with a pastoral setting. Here it has potential for scenic or recreational river designation. 51