Prior to completion of the CRMP, proposed projects and new decisions (e.g., issuance of a special-use permit) on federal lands are evaluated by the wild and scenic river-administering agency to ensure they protect and, to the extent possible, enhance river values (free-flowing condition, water quality and outstandingly remarkable values). The necessary evaluation framework is a detailed description of the existing conditions of these values at the time of designation. Absent this information it may not be possible to evaluate the effects of an activity relative to the non-degradation and enhancement policy of Section 10(a) of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act.
This resource description is not a decision; rather, it is the first step in developing the CRMP. Previous eligibility findings and other pre-designation studies may partially or completely provide adequate detail.
Prior to completion of the CRMP, federally assisted water resources projects are evaluated based on the detailed description of the existing conditions of river values (free-flowing condition, water quality and outstandingly remarkable values). Refer to Wild and Scenic Rivers Act: Section 7 (2004), a technical report of the Council for additional definition, standards, and evaluation procedures.