What does a river’s classification mean?
Rivers added to the National System by Congress are classified in one of three classes depending on the extent of development and accessibility along each segment: Recreation The Skagit River segment of the Skagit System is designated as recreational. Scenic The Sauk, Suiattle, and Cascade River segments of the Skagit System are designated as scenic. Wild There are no wild segments in the Skagit System. In addition to describing the type and intensity of development in existence at the date of the river’s designation, classification serves as a framework for future in-corridor land uses on federal lands, and as a guide in working with state and local governments, and landowners on nonfederal lands. A river’s classification does not represent the values for which it was added to the National System. For example, a “recreational” river does not necessarily mean recreation is an ORV or that this segment of the river will be managed for recreational activities. The direction in the WSRA to
