WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS ACT

(16 U.S.C. 1271 to 1287)

This Act establishes a National Wild and Scenic Rivers System for the protection of rivers with important scenic, recreational, fish and wildlife, and other values. Rivers are classified as wild, scenic or recreational. The Act designates specific rivers for inclusion in the System and prescribes the methods and standards by which additional rivers may be added. The Act contains procedures and limitations for control of lands in federally administered components of the System and for disposition of lands and minerals under federal ownership. Hunting and fishing are permitted in components of the System under applicable federal and state laws.

PURPOSE

"It is hereby declared to be the policy of the United States that certain selected rivers of the Nation which, with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values, shall be preserved in free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations."

FULL TEXT

LINKS

The Center for Wildlife Law

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Digest of Federal Resource Laws of Interest to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service