Source for the Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Watershed

PUBLICATIONS

Wild & Scenic Study Report

 

What is a "Wild & Scenic" River?
The National Wild & Scenic River System was established by Congress in 1968 to protect certain outstanding rivers from the harmful effects of new federal projects such as dams and hydroelectric facilities. Since then 160 rivers or river segments have been protected nationwide, including six in New England. To be considered a "Wild & Scenic" river it must be free flowing and have at least one outstanding natural, cultural, or recreational value. Today, the Wild & Scenic Rivers program is being used effectively to create river protection approaches that bring communities together in protecting and managing local river resources. (Go to www.nps.gov/rivers for more information.)

How was the Wild & Scenic Study established for the Eightmile River? A Wild & Scenic River Study is conducted to determine whether a particular river or river segment should be included in the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System. To establish a study of the Eightmile River, letters from town boards, area land trusts, river-fronting landowners and residents were submitted to Congressman Rob Simmons and Senator Chris Dodd requesting that a Wild & Scenic River Study be authorized and funded by Congress. The entire Connecticut congressional delegation supported the bill and on November 6, 2001 it was signed into law by President Bush (Public Law No. 107-65). The Study is expected to be completed in the fall of 2005.

What did the study process involve?
The study had three primary components:

(1) Determining if the river is eligible for inclusion in the Wild & Scenic Rivers system by demonstrating it has outstanding natural, cultural or recreational values of regional or national significance; (See Outstanding Resource values of the Eightmile.)

(2) Determining if the river is suitable for Wild & Scenic designation by substantiating local support and commitment to designation through methods such as town wide votes of support for designation and adoption of locally-based river protection actions; and

(3) Developing a locally supported river management plan that details the strategy for long-term protection of the area's outstanding values. (See Developing the Management Plan.)

Local input, involvement and ownership are critical to a successful study. This Study provides a unique opportunity for Eightmile River towns to come together, mobilize a public input process, and realize a locally shaped vision for their communities and the future of the Eightmile River.

How does a river get designated "Wild & Scenic"?
For designation to be achieved, the National Park Service must make a positive recommendation in its final report to Congress, based on the successful outcomes of the three primary study components discussed above. A bill designating the river Wild & Scenic must then be passed by Congress and signed into law by the President.

What are the benefits of "Wild & Scenic" designation?
Wild & Scenic designation will qualify the Eightmile River for federal funding and technical support for actions and projects that help achieve the goals of the locally created river management plan, in turn enhancing and protecting the river's outstanding values. Implementation of the management plan is directed by a locally led coordinating council.
Designation would also provide communities with special federal protection of the river. However, designation would rely on local control and self-determination and allow existing river uses to continue. It would not establish a federal park or locally undesired federal land ownership.

What role does the federal government have with a Wild & Scenic River?
The federal government, in this case the National Park Service, is responsible for reviewing and commenting on all federally funded or permitted projects to ensure they do not adversely impact the outstanding values of the river system. The study and designation does not put any land under federal control, require public access to private land, or force any changes in the local land use decision making process.

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