Common Questions About Wild and Scenic River Designations

How does a designation affect private land? The Wild & Scenic Rivers Act carries no authority to control the use of privately-owned land. Landowners will be allowed to use their land just as they had before designation.

Will a designation change how riverside lands are used? Most current land uses, public and private, along the river will continue after designation. This includes agricultural uses such as farming and grazing.

Will access or recreation on the river be restricted? River recreation (like fishing and boating) comprise some of the major uses Wild and Scenic designation seeks to protect. Public access to the river and recreational use of the public lands adjacent to a Wild and Scenic river will continue as before, unless the use clearly threatens the river’s outstanding values – in which case it will be addressed in the management planning process.

Can the federal government force landowners to move because of Wild and Scenic designation? No. The river study, enabling legislation, and subsequent management planning process will consider how best to protect river values while recognizing private property rights.

Can riverside lands be developed? Wild and Scenic river designation does not affect private landowners' ability to develop privately-owned lands within the river corridor. On federally owned land, future development along a wild, scenic or recreational river is allowed as long as it is consistent with the river's classification, and does not harm the values for which the river was designated.

Can local citizens have a say in designation? There is ample opportunity for public input at many stages of the designation process. Public comments are considered when the agency determines the eligibility and suitability of a river, and when a study report is released. Also, local citizens can help craft the management plan for a Wild and Scenic river.

How does designation affect existing water rights? Existing, valid water rights are not affected by designation. Alterations to existing irrigation or water withdrawal facilities may be approved as long as there is no direct and adverse effect to the values for which the river was designated.

How does designation affect proposed habitat restoration activities? There are many examples of successful restoration projects that have been implemented on designated Wild and Scenic Rivers. Read this factsheet to learn more.  

How does designation affect maintenance of roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure? There are many examples of road and bridge projects that have been implemented on Wild and Scenic Rivers, maintaining important existing infrastructure while also benefiting the river and its outstanding values. Read this factsheet to learn more.

How does designation affect mining around the area?  There are different rules depending on the type of designation.  Read this factsheet to learn about them.