The Wild and Scenic River StudyA Wild and Scenic River Study is a congressionally authorized study to determine whether a particular river is eligible and suitable for designation as a National Wild and Scenic River. The Study is based on the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act passed by Congress in 1968 to provide a mechanism to protect the last and best rivers of the nation. The Study provides an opportunity for towns to work together at a watershed-scale. It is a vehicle for providing communities with the incentive, structure, expertise and funding needed to collectively identify the issues and goals they have for their shared resource, and to set forth the means for achieving those goals. The process is entirely voluntary and in the hands of the local communities to determine. |
Wild and Scenic Designation |
Mission StatementThe Vermont Wild & Scenic Rivers Study Committee is formed of local appointees and partner organizations to evaluate Wild and Scenic Designation along the upper Missisquoi and Trout Rivers. The group's mission is to facilitate the transfer of information between the ten communities through which the rivers flow - Berkshire, Town of Enosburgh, Village of Enosburg Falls, Jay, Lowell, Montgomery, Village of North Troy, Richford, Westfield, and the Town of Troy, and evaluate the potential benefits of the Wild & Scenic designation. At the end of the study in 2012, we will provide an accurate assessment as to whether the rivers fit designation criteria and whether designation is supported, and make recommendations of voluntary strategies for protection of the rivers’ resources. Study Committee meetings are open to the public and driven by consensus. |
and Designation Process |
Identify the "outstandingly remarkable values" of the rivers considering its ecological attributes as well as its recreational use, scenery, geology, and cultural features.
Determine the eligibility of the Missisquoi and Trout. Free-flowing rivers (or segments of rivers) with at least one "outstandingly remarkable value" are eligible for designation.
Identify the issues and threats to the river and watershed.
Gather community input and establish goals and broad objectives for the rivers and watershed within each town and for all towns together.
Evaluate all existing means of resource protection and determine gaps between existing protection and protection needed. Propose appropriate measures to address these gaps.
Towns vote on whether to request designation or not.
Prepare a Wild and Scenic Study Report. Address the question of suitability - is there enough local support for protection and designation to warrant becoming a wild and scenic river?
If both eligible and suitable, a bill can be introduced into Congress for a Missisquoi and Trout Wild and Scenic River designation.
Wild and Scenic Designation |
Designation would be granted if the Study demonstrates both nationally outstanding resources and a local commitment to protect them.
In addition to protection at the local and state level, designation would add critical federal protection which could ensure any federally-funded or permitted water resource project would not adversely impact the river. It could help protect water quality and prohibit new federally licensed dams and harmful diversions.
Designation would qualify the Missisquoi and Trout for federal funds on an annual basis to support projects and activities that protect and enhance the river's outstanding values.
A river management plan would be developed and a locally-based coordinating council established to oversee its implementation.
Designation would not lead to establishment of a federal park nor any locally undesirable federal land ownership.
Source: National Park Service
This page last Updated August 13, 2010