Initial River Protection Tools

• Description: Documents related to the Lower Colorado River Wild and Scenic Staekholder Collaborative
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 6
• Date: 6/30/2010
• Author: River Protection Workgroup
• Title: Initial River Protection Tools
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Meeting

• 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.
• Recommendation of lands for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation
System ("NWPS"). (USFS only; BLM recommendations are considered through
separate, legislative Environmental Impact Statements.)
• Identification of river segments as eligible or suitable for inclusion in the National
Wild and Scenic Rivers System('WSRS").
• 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 an 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 affect
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 San Juan Public Lands Center("SJPLC") is
required to manage the stream corridor to protect the ORVs identified in the LMP. If, for
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