Initial River Protection Tools/Mechanisms

Home Browse Search

all forms of recreation to wilderness designation and conservation of historic and cultural sites. Note: Numerous other federal designations exist, such as National Recreation Areas, National Scenic Areas, and Special Management Areas, but they all share many attributes of NCAs, so the description above serves as their template. E. Federal Legislation (special): 1 . Rio Grande Natural Area ("RGNA") in Colorado: S 26, 109th Congress. The purposes of the RGNA are to conserve, restore and protect the native, historic, cultural, -12- scientific, scenic, wildlife and recreational resources of the RGNA. The Act specifically finds that the Rio Grande shall not be considered for WSR designation. The nine- member RGNA Commission was established to advise the Secretary on the RGNA and prepare an RGNA Management Plan ("Plan"), hold hearings and enter into cooperative agreements. The Commission may not acquire real property. In assisting in the implementation of the Plan, the Commission may assist Colorado in preserving state land and wildlife; increasing public awareness of the RGNA; encouraging Colorado political subdivisions to implement land-use plans consistent with the management of the RGNA and helping private individuals in implementation of the Plan. The Commission, in developing the Plan, is to consider other plans in existence for RGNA lands to prepare a unified conservation effort; develop the Plan under FLPMA, and ensure Plan consistency with BLM plans for adjacent areas. The Secretary is to cooperate with Colorado and the Rio Grande Water Conservation District to determine any needed changes in stream flows. This approach allows a local community the ability to develop an appropriate stream-management plan. 2. North St. Vrain Creek ("Creek"). Pursuant to special federal legislation, 16 USC § 195a, neither the Secretary nor any other federal agency may provide any assistance for the construction of any new water-impoundment facility in any segment of the Creek or its tributaries within Rocky Mountain National Park or on the Creek mainstem in a designated section of the stream below the Park. F. Programs like the South Platte Protection Plan: The South Platte Protection Plan, a river management plan, (the "Plan") was negotiated under the threat of a WSR suitability finding and possible designation. The USFS held its suitability determination in abeyance while the parties negotiated the Plan, which has county zoning overlays as part of the protection. The Plan also includes a $1 million endowment that is available for grants for river restoration and other projects that will help protect the ORVs of the Platte River. The USFS still has the authority to find the Platte River suitable, should the Plan fall apart. The Plan provides certainty and flexibility to water providers, while protecting ORVs. G. Rio Chama Management Plan ("RCMP"). See P.L. 100-633 (1988): Through correspondence, four official public meetings, and many meetings with outfitters, private boaters, and grazing interests, an Interdisciplinary Team was established to develop a Scoping Summary Package for the RCMP. The package was distributed to interested citizens as an update on the planning process and to request additional information. Water managers and owners met to identify their issues and