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.~ 'OO"?g" .'" '''''''' 0 . . . APPENDIX I. . Guide for Identifying Potential Adverse Effects The impact of a proposed action should be assessed in relation to the eligibility and classification criteria of the Wild and Scenic livers Act, 16 V.S.C. 1271-1287. as amended. In order to be eligible for inclusion in the &t1onal System. a river lIust: 1. Be "free-flowing," i. e.. "existing or flowing in natural condition without impoundment, diversion, straightening, rip-rapping, or other modification of the waterway. The existence. however. of low dams, diversion works, and other minor structures at the time any river is proposed for inclusion in the national wild and scenic rivers system shall not automatically bar its consideration for such inclusion: Provided, that this shall not be construed to authorize, intend, or encourage future construction of such structures within components of national wild and scenic rivers system." (16 V.S.C. Sec. 1286) 2. Possess "outstandingly remarkable sceniC. recreational. geologic. fish and wildlife, historic. cultural, or other similar values." (16 V.S.C. Sec. 1271) Eligible river segments are classified according to the extent of evidence of man's activity as one of the following: 1. "Wild river areas--Those rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments and generally inaccessible except by trail. with watersheds or shorelines essentially primitive and waters unpolluted. These represent vestiges of primitive America." '.- .~ 2. "Scenic river areas--Those rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments, with shorelines or watersheds still largely primitive and shorelines largely undeveloped. but accessible in places by roads." "Recreational river areas--Those rivers or sections of rivers that sre readily accessible 'by road or railroad, that may have ~ome development along their shorelines, and that may have undergone ,some impo,:!ndment or diversion in the past." (16 V.S.C. Sec. 1273(b)) Any action which could alter the river segment's ability to meet the above eligibility and classification criteria should be considered an adverse impact. Actions which diminish the free-flowing characteristics or outstandingly remarkable values of a river segment could prevent the segment from qualifying for inclusion in the national system. Actions which increase the degree of evidence of man's activity, i.e., level of development, could cha~e the classification of the river segment. . 3. " . ~:!/f.:. .: '~';'''_'H '. ".