What are the primary effects of a Wild and Scenic Rivers (WSR) designation?

WSR designation seeks to maintain and enhance a river's current natural condition and provide for public use consistent with retaining those values. Designation affords certain legal protection from adverse development, e.g., no new dams can be constructed, nor federally assisted water resource development projects allowed, which might adversely affect designated river values. Where private lands are involved, the federal managing agency will work with local governments and owners to develop protective measures, thereby avoiding land acquisition where possible. Mining and mineral leasing laws applicable to federal lands are affected in three major areas:

- Valid existing rights are not rescinded.

- Ongoing mining and mineral leasing are subject to regulations issued by the Secretaries of the Interior and/or Agriculture to protect water quality and scenic values.

- Subject to valid existing rights, patents are issued for the minerals and surface use only.

- Rivers classified "wild" are withdrawn from the mining and mineral leasing laws.

What are the differences, if any, between Wild and Scenic Rivers and wilderness designations?

Differences include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

- Motors may be allowed on WSRs, whereas in wilderness motorized use is prohibited.

- Although dams could be authorized by the President in wilderness, on a WSR dams would be incompatible with designation.

- Depending on the classification, new rights-of-way, roads, trails, bridges and recreational facilities (e.g., campgrounds, and picnic areas) may be allowed inside WSR areas, whereas these are generally prohibited in wilderness.

- Valid mining claims established prior to designation may be patented for both the surface and mineral estate in wilderness, but for WSRs only the mineral estate may be patented.

- Acquisition of private holdings by condemnation cannot be used in wilderness, whereas the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act allows for it, subject to limitations.