Eligibility Flowchart

Eligibility Flowchart

Inventory

Free Flowing?

Outstandingly Remarkable Values?

Not Eligible

Eligible

Not Eligible

Preliminary Classification?

Recreational

Scenic

Wild

Classifications

There are three different classifications:

• Wild
• Scenic
• Recreational

Classifications are based on the level of development along the river segment, not on its Outstandingly Remarkable Value (ORV). Be careful not to confuse the classification with the ORV.

If the ORV is recreation, the river segment could be classified as wild, scenic, or recreational, but is not synonymous with the recreation ORV. A scenic classification does not necessarily have a scenic ORV. River classification is based on the conditions at the time of the study process and gives a baseline from which to manage and monitor the river.

Oustandingly Remarkable Values

Must Be:

• River-related, however, they do not have to be flow-related
• Located in the river or on its immediate shorelands or shorelines
• Unique, rare, or exemplary
• Regionally significant

Eligibility

One of the first steps in completing an eligibility assessment is to identify river segments to analyze.

• There is no standard length for river segments
• River segments must just be long enough to protect their Outstandingly Remarkable Values

If a river segment is free flowing and has at least one Oustandingly Remarkable Value, Section 2b of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act states that it should be classified as Wild, Scenic, or Recreational. The next step in the study process is to determine that Preliminary Classification.

For agency-identified rivers found not eligible:

• Retain analysis as part of inventory record
• Segments are released from any further protection under Wild Scenic Rivers Act agency guidance

Free Flowing

• Flowing in natural condition
• No modifications of the waterway

Section 16(b) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act defines free flow as: “Existing or flowing in a natural condition without impoundment, diversion, straightening, rip-rapping, or other modification of the waterway." The existence 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 the national wild and scenic rivers system.

Eligibility Inventory

Eligibility is a process of inventorying river segments and their related values. The final goal is to create a formal eligibilty report.

Inventory Process

When to Conduct