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" -' ~..--'..'" 0022~9 PRELI~~IN/\RY Df~/\j-. T 2 6. FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES Riverscape - Next to water quality,:' t -1': -r',-.' -'M :..'~ .hn lands adjacent to the-river) is probably the most important element of a scenic waterway. The vegetation types and wildlife species sighted (or that there is merely a chance to sight) play an important role in the overall experience. Therefore, the less developed the banks are, the better. However, some types of development do not necessarily detract from, and may even enhance the experience. For example, in many cases, scattered summer homes, ranches, and farms are completely compatible with a scenic waterway. (In other words, the extent of development and the ~of development are the major criteria. ) .7. Relative Threat" of Channelization and Impoundments - Those rivers and streams which otherwise meet the criter~a for inclusion in the system ,that are under threat or pollution, ' channelization, impoundment, or other types of development shoeld be given immediate attention. There won't be a second chance to evaluate their free-flowing values as th~re will be for other watercourses not proposed for study at this time. 8. Length - The length of the waterway is important to the overall.. experience. Anything less than about 10 miles is not long enough ~o provide a true scenic waterway experience, Also, a watercourse of , less .than the above mentioned length may be extremely hard to preserve and protect as a waterway unit. Too long a length of river segment should also be avoided. Extremely long segments of rivers (more than' about 200 miles) would be difficult to manage, especially,when they cross political boundaries. However, the length of the river segment to be protected should generally be a . function of the values of the river. 9. Diversity of Scenic Character and Water Type a. This region is a land of contrast. The waterways also reflect this contrast, having a range from the desert environment of the Southwest to the mountains environment of the Rockies'- Rivers to be selected should represent the best of each region. However, it should be recognized that the best in each region may not be good enough for the national system. b. Waterways haVing a variety of scenic land forms should also receive high priority. A waterway having bluffs and cliffs mixed periodi- cally with forests and . meadows are prime candidates for scen~c waterway study as they provide a more varied experience to the, watoarway user. c. A mixtture of quiet stretches and rapid stretches adds excitereent .to the waterway experience. Therefore, rivers with a variety of water types should also receive high priority. ONLY L r ,I .,