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<br />G031R6
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<br />9. A WILD RIVER WITH A DAM: Some individuals asked how a river could
<br />possibly be considered wild or scenic, when a dam is to be constructed
<br />on it.
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<br />When the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was moving toward its original
<br />passage back in 1968, Congress very carefully inserted wording which,
<br />would allow segments of rivers to be included in the national system
<br />even though there were dams, proposed dams, or other developments else-
<br />where on the same rivers. This was no more than a concession to
<br />historical facts; all but a very few of America's major rivers are
<br />in part developed in some way;, were the 1968 act to insist that only
<br />completely undeveloped rivers be allowed in the national system, then
<br />such a system would barely be able to exist.
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<br />By allowing segments of rivers to be placed in the ,national system,
<br />Congress recognized that some parts of rivers could be wild and
<br />scenic or recreational, while other more heavily developed sections
<br />would not be designated. The Study Team has identified a total
<br />of 17 rivers proposed for or already included in the national system
<br />which are dammed in one place or another. As noted earlier, McPhee
<br />Dam is not within a designated study segment of the Dolores River.
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<br />10. LEAVE THE RIVER AS IT IS, A very large number of persons asked why
<br />the Dolores could not be left as is. They maintained that already
<br />existing local, state, and Federal laws afforded more than enough
<br />protection.
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<br />First, this is the basic purpose of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act -
<br />to leave rivers as they are, Secondly, the Dolores River is presently
<br />under a diverse complex of management authorities - local, state,
<br />and Federal, It would be quite possible for this situation to
<br />persist, and for the river to maintain some, while gradually losing
<br />much, of its present character.
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<br />Inclusion in the national system, however, would have several distinct
<br />advantages toward the goal 'of leaving the river essentially "as is";
<br />'notable among these is a guaranteed freedom from dams and undesirable,
<br />unsightly development on any designated segment. Perhaps most signi~
<br />ficant, however, wild and scenic designation will bring about a
<br />,coordinated, umbrella management plan for outstanding segments of
<br />the Dolores. This will assure preservation of the river and its
<br />corridor for future generations more effectively and with less
<br />liklihood of undesirable changes than provided by the present mix
<br />of authorities.
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<br />7
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