How are designated wild and scenic rivers (WSR) managed?
WSRs are managed to protect and enhance their free-flowing condition, water quality and outstandingly remarkable values (ORVs). This nondegradation and enhancement policy allows existing uses to continue on federal lands where they do not conflict with river protection. Through development of a management plan and in ongoing management, the river-administering agency works with its partners to identify and resolve any activities adversely affecting river values on federal and nonfederal lands. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service, has the responsibility to manage the Skagit System, including regulation of surface waters for recreational activities. Although the Forest Service manages the river system and has management authority on National Forest System lands, stewardship is a shared responsibility because the Skagit Wild and Scenic River System flows through both public and private lands. Many different people—from private landowners to members of federal, State,
