How does WSR designation affect a landowners ability to stabilize the bed and/or bank of the rivers in the Skagit System?
The Forest Service, as the river-administering agency, is directed in Section 7(a) of the WSRA to determine if a proposed water resources project adversely affects river values – i.e., the Skagit System’s free-flowing condition, water quality and ORVs (fish, wildlife and scenery). Such review is triggered when the stabilization proposal is assisted by another federal agency through, for example, a loan, grant, permit, or license. If the Forest Service determines the proposed project will adversely affect values, the federal assistance may not continue as proposed. Specific to the Skagit System: For “scenic” segments of the river, on national forest land, the Skagit River Management Plan directs that “artificial stabilization will only be used under strict controls and in very limited locations on the Scenic Rivers (decision authority–Regional Forester)” (Vol. II, page 16). For the “recreational” segment of the river, the law designating the Skagit System includes the following directio
