Why is it necessary to designate a river as Wild and Scenic when it is already protected under another congressionally authorized designation (e.g. national parks and Wilderness areas)?
In many cases, there may be no practical effect. However, laws like the Wilderness Act do allow certain activities in designated Wilderness that may be incompatible on a wild and scenic river. For instance, the President may authorize construction of dams in Wilderness areas, but not on wild and scenic rivers. Likewise, the National Park Service may allow major road and bridge construction projects in national parks, but those would not be allowed along wild and scenic rivers if they adversely affected the free-flowing character of any designated reach.
Related Questions
- Why is it necessary to designate a river as Wild and Scenic when it is already protected under another congressionally authorized designation (e.g. national parks and Wilderness areas)?
- What rivers and adjacent lands are preserved and protected under the Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers Program?
- What is the Scenic and Wild River Review Board?
