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• Suitability: Stream segments determined to be eligible are next evaluated for <br /> suitability, a determination of whether a stream is worthy of addition to the WSR <br /> system, based on multiple factors, including: land and mineral estate ownership; <br /> use tradeoffs and conflicts; compatibility with local/state interests, plans and <br /> programs; availability of other methods for protecting ORVs; valid and prior existing <br /> rights, such as water rights; water quality; streamside development; and contribution <br /> to river system integrity. Suitability analyses are conducted using input from federal <br /> agency partners to help identify management conflicts, other issues, alternatives for <br /> protecting ORVs to determine whether WSR designation by Congress is the most <br /> viable management scenario. Stream segments identified as "Suitable" are <br /> managed to protect the ORVs and free flowing condition ("Protective Management"). <br /> Protective Management remains in place until Congress either rejects or approves <br /> the stream segment for inclusion in the WSR system, or until a federal agency <br /> modifies its land use plan. <br /> • Tentative dassification: Eligible streams and related adjacent lands that possess <br /> one or more ORVs are tentatively classified as wild, scenic or recreational: <br /> (a) Wild river areas are free of impoundments and generally inaccessible except <br /> by trail, with watersheds or shorelines essentially primitive and waters unpolluted. <br /> (b) Scenic river areas are free of impoundments, with shorelines or watersheds <br /> still largely primitive and shorelines largely undeveloped, but accessible in places by <br /> roads. <br /> (c) Recreational river areas are readily accessible by road or railroad, may have <br /> some development along their shorelines, and may have undergone some <br /> impoundment or diversion in the past. <br /> An agency may actively recommend that Congress/the President dedine to <br /> designate a WSR. Only Congress or the Secretary of the Interior("Secretary") may <br /> designate a WSR. The managing agencies,with public input,develop a Protective <br /> Management Plan to protect and enhance the ORVs. Congressional designation has <br /> historically included a federal reserved water right, but an agency determination of <br /> suitability does not include a water right. <br /> An initial river study, designating legislation, and the subsequent Protective <br /> Management Plan process consider how best to protect ORVs while recognizing private <br /> property rights. While the WSRA carries no authority to control the use of privately <br /> owned land, the question arises, if a water user requires an easement or special use <br /> permit to use National Forest land within the WSR area, what restrictions might apply. <br /> On federally owned land, future development along a WSR is allowed as long as it is <br /> consistent with the river's classification and does not harm the river's ORVs. <br /> -8- <br />