WSP05168

• File Number: 7630.225
• Description: Wild and Scenic-Elk River
• State: CO
• Date: 2/1/1970
• Author: US Forest Service
• Title: Elk WSR Study-Background Information-Guidelines for Evaluating Wild Scenic and Recreational River Areas Proposed for Inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Operating Principles/Plan

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,,,,1-),1 .:.;.; .': ;In evaluating a river for possible inclusion in th~ystem or
for determinin~ its classification, the river and its immedi-
ate land area should be considered as a unit, with primary
emphasis upon the quality of the experience and overall
impressions of the recreationist using the river or the
adjacent riverbank. Although a free-flowing river or river
unit frequently will have more than one classified area,
each wild, scenic, or recreational area must be long enough
to provide a meaningful experience. The number of different
classified areas within a unit should be kept to a minimum.

Any activity, use, or development which is acceptable for a
wild river is also acceptable for scenic and recreational
river areas, and that which is acceptable for a scenic river
is acceptable for a recreation river area. Activity and
development limitations discussed below should not necessar-
ily be interpreted as the desired level to which development
or management activity should be planned. Hunting and
fishing will be permitted, subject to appropriate State and
Federal laws.

II The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act provides that rivers must
be in a free-flowing natural condition, i.e., a flowing body
of water or estuary or a section, portion, or tributary there-
of, including rivers, streams, creeks, runs, kills, rills,
and small lakes which are without impoundment, diversion,
straightening, rip-rapping or other modification of the
waterway. However, low dams, diversion works, and other
minor structures will not automatically preclude the river
unit from being included in the National Wild and Scenic
Rivers System, providing such structures do not unreasonably
diminish,the free-flowing nature of the stream and the scenic,
scientific, geological, historical, cultural, recreational,
and fish and wildlife values present in the area.

lithe river or river unit must be lon~ enough to provide a
meaningful experience. Generally, any unit included in the
system should be at least 25 miles long. However, a shorter
river or segment that possesses outstanding qualifications
may be included in the system.

II There should be sufficient volume of water during normal
years to permit, during the recreation season, full enjoy-
ment of water-related outdoor recreation activities general-

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