LEARNING & EXPLORING

Wild & Scenic Program Overview

The National Wild & Scenic River System was established by Congress in 1968 to protect certain outstanding rivers from the harmful effects of new federal projects such as dams and hydroelectric facilities. Since then over 160 rivers or river segments totaling over 11,000 miles have been protected nationwide. To be considered a "Wild & Scenic" river it must be free flowing and have at least one outstanding natural, cultural, or recreational value.

Only seven Wild and Scenic segments are located in New England: the Farmington in Connecticut; the Allagash in Maine; the Wildcat and Lamprey in New Hampshire; and the Westfield and Concord-Sudbury-Assabet in Massachusetts. One additional study is ongoing in New England - the Taunton River in Massachusetts.

Each river designated into the national system receives permanent protection from federally licensed or assisted dams, diversions, channelizations and other water projects that would have a direct and adverse effect on its free-flowing condition and special resources. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act explicitly prohibits any new dam or other project licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on or directly affecting a designated river segment, and requires that all other proposed federally assisted water resource development projects in the area be evaluated by the managing agency (in this case the National Park Service) for their potential impacts on the river's “outstandingly remarkable” values and free-flowing condition. Any federally licensed or initiated project that would result in adverse effects to the designated segment is precluded under the Act.

A Wild & Scenic River Act (WSRA) designation process can also bring additional benefits to the local community through management plans, studies and staff effort required to qualify for consideration under the Act. Additionally, designation boosts the visibility of locally initiated land use initiatives and increases the likelihood of matching grants and support funding.

Before a river can be added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, it must be found both eligible and suitable. To be eligible, the river must be 1) free flowing and 2) possess at least one "outstandingly remarkable" resource value such as exceptional scenery, fisheries and wildlife, water quality or cultural resources. The suitability determination is based on evidence of lasting protection measures (both current and planned) for the free flowing character and outstanding resources and on evidence of strong support from local residents and organizations that will participate in the long term protection of the river. The details of these requirements are explained in the following chapters as each requirement is addressed.