River Protection Workgroup Initial River Protection Tools/Mechanisms

• State: CO
• Basin: San Juan/Dolores
• Water Division: 7
• Date: 4/17/2008
• Author: River Protection Workgroup
• Title: River Protection Workgroup Initial River Protection Tools/Mechanisms
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

by allocating lands to general management areas that reflect different levels of
development and suitable uses;
2. Designation of (a) Research Natural Areas (RNAs) for USFS lands and Areas of
Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) for BLM- administered lands; and (b) suitable
timber land and the establishment of allowable sale quantities for USFS lands.
3. Recommendation of lands for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation
System ( "NWPS "). (USFS only, BLM recommendations are considered through separate,
legislative Environmental Impact Statements.)
4. Identification of river segments as eligible or suitable for inclusion in the National
Wild and Scenic Rivers System ( "WSRS ").
5. Allocation of livestock forage (AUMs) and areas available for livestock grazing
on BLM- administered lands.
The management of rivers and their associated values is subject to the overall desired
outcomes described in a LMP. For instance, desired condition statements about
maintaining or enhancing water quality could frame the future management of rivers and
their watersheds. The establishment of criteria, such as plan standards or guidelines,
could further define management actions to be taken or the decision -space available
during consideration of specific activities that may affect river values.
General management area allocations pull together desired outcomes and management
criteria and may establish the overall management approach for a given area. The
management of streams located within these management areas could be affected by the
levels of development or management activity associated with each management area.
Specific designations or land allocations made in LMPs may also directly effect the
management of rivers. The designation of an RNA or ACEC provides more specific
guidance on management of the particular area. For instance, an ACEC intended to
protect a rare aquatic plant community could require additional scientific study,
management actions to enhance wetland vegetation or desired flow regimes, or design
criteria for adjacent land uses to prevent degradation of the community.
Recommendations for inclusion in the NWPS or findings of suitability for inclusion in
the WSRS require the agencies to manage the identified lands or stream segments and
adjacent corridors to preserve Congress' option to consider legislation either to establish a
new Wilderness Area or a WSR. Such recommendations or findings may be
accompanied by other LMP components, such as desired outcomes or management
criteria to protect identified values pending action by Congress. In the case of a finding
of suitability for inclusion as a WSR, the SJPLC is required to manage the stream
corridor to protect the ORVs identified in the LMP. If, for instance, the ORV were a
native fishery, actions could be required to maintain or enhance fish habitat, including
water quality. Managing for habitat could include specific enhancement projects or the
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