Initial River Protection Tools/Mechanisms

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could affect streams. Specific classifications or recommendations for subsequent Congressional action could increase the level of focus on management and, in the case of wilderness recommendations and WSR suitability determinations, could obligate the agencies to ensure adequate protection of identified values pending final action by Congress. Finally, the management and protection of river values may be accomplished, in part, by LMP decisions pertaining to other resource management programs and land uses and the continued monitoring of the results of these and other decisions implementing the Plan. B. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 ("WSRA"): The WSRA established a system for the protection of rivers with outstandingly remarkable scenic, geologic, historical, cultural, ecological, recreational, fish and wildlife, and other values ("ORVs"), through the establishment of management parameters for streams designated as WSRs. An ORV is a stream-related rare, uncommon, or extraordinary value; a superior example of a widespread value; or a value outstanding in a statewide, regional, or national context. The determination of ORVs is based on the expertise of professionals, knowledgeable about the value. The designation process under the WSRA involves four steps: • Eligibility: To be eligible, a stream must: (a) generally be free-flowing with no major impoundments in the segment (can be below dams and have altered hydrology); and (b) have at least one ORV. • Tentative classification: Tentative classifications are based on the type and degree of human development associated with the stream and adjacent lands, as they exist at the time of the evaluation. -7- • Suitability: Stream segments determined to be eligible are next evaluated for suitability, a determination of whether a stream is worthy of addition to the WSR system, based on multiple factors, including: land and mineral estate ownership; use tradeoffs and conflicts; compatibility with local/state interests, plans and programs; availability of other methods for protecting ORVs; valid and prior existing rights, such as water rights; water quality; streamside development; and contribution to river system integrity. Suitability analyses are conducted using input from federal agency partners to help identify management conflicts, other issues, alternatives for protecting ORVs to determine whether WSR designation by Congress is the most viable management scenario. Stream segments identified as "Suitable" are managed to protect the ORVs and free flowing condition ("Protective Management"). Protective Management remains in place until Congress either rejects or approves the stream segment for inclusion in the WSR system, or until a federal agency modifies its land use plan. • Tentative classification: Eligible streams and related adjacent lands that possess one or more ORVs are tentatively classified as wild, scenic or recreational: