The Bureau of Land Management NEWS |
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The Bureau of Land Management NEWS |
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Last updated: 04/04/03
Release date: June 6, 1996
- Contacts:
Celia Boddington, 202/452-5128
Gary Marsh, 202/452-7795
Terry O'Sullivan, 602/650-0509
Twenty-five Arizona river segments in 13 river areas have been recommended by the Department of the Interior for wild and scenic river designation according to a recently-signed Record of Decision (ROD). This decision culminates a ten-year review of Arizona's rivers by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
The ROD further recommends a Congressional study of the entire Virgin River watershed, which flows through Utah, Arizona and Nevada. It also releases 19 Arizona river segments from further consideration because they were found to be "nonsuitable" for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
"I welcome this Record of Decision and see it as an important step in protecting some of the nation's most spectacular rivers," said Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Bob Armstrong. "Adding these segments to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System will help conserve a valuable river resource for future generations. The next step is to forward these recommendations to Congress. I look forward to their swift action on legislation implementing this important environmental effort," Armstrong said.
The ROD identifies 233.5 miles in Arizona's 25 different river segments as suitable for wild and scenic river designation. Together, they cover 65,500 acres of public land. In this case, Congress has the authority to designate wild and scenic rivers. The ROD also releases 19 river segments in 14 river areas, totaling 172.3 miles, from further wild and scenic river consideration. However, BLM will continue to manage these river segments in accordance with existing land use plans.
"Designation of these river segments will conserve important riparian areas, which deserve special recognition and protection." commented BLM Acting Director Mike Dombeck. Dombeck noted that the recommendations are the successful conclusion of a ten-year study of all potential wild and scenic rivers on nearly 14 million acres of BLM-managed land in Arizona. The study began in 1986 with "eligibility" determinations required in the resource management plans and ended with the Final Environmental Impact Statement in December 1994.
The Wild and Scenic River Act, approved in 1968, declared it the policy of the United States that certain rivers should be preserved in a free flowing condition. The Act specified that these rivers must be both free-flowing and possess scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, cultural, or similar values. Designated rivers and their immediate environment are protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. Currently, there are 159 rivers in the National Wild and Scenic River system, a total of 10,700 miles. BLM administers 33 of these rivers, or 2,022 miles.
| River Areas Determined Suitable and Recommended for Wild and Scenic River Designation | ||
| RIVER AREA | MILES | SEGMENTS |
| Paria River | 28 | 1 |
| Big Sandy River | 9.2 | 1 |
| Burro Creek | 24.2 | 4 |
| Bill Williams River | 19 | 3 |
| Santa Maria River | 17.6 | 1 |
| Agua Fria River | 22.4 | 3 |
| Gila River (Middle) | 17.6 | 1 |
| Aravaipa Creek | 10 | 1 |
| Bonita Creek | 8.1 | 1 |
| Lower San Francisco River | 6.4 | 2 |
| Gila River (Gila Box) | 26.6 | 3 |
| Cienega Creek | 10.5 | 2 |
| San Pedro River | 44 | 2 |
Recommended for Congressional Study: Virgin River and its major tributaries in Utah,
Arizona and Nevada.
| River Areas Determined Nonsuitable and Released from Wild and Scenic River Consideration | ||
| RIVER AREA | MILES | SEGMENTS |
| Wright Creek | 13 | 1 |
| Francis Creek | 11.4 | 1 |
| Big Sandy River | 18.7 | 1 |
| Burro Creek | 26.4 | 3 |
| Bill Williams River | 1.5 | 2 |
| Santa Maria River | 21.2 | 3 |
| Hassayampa River | 33.4 | 3 |
| Gila River (Middle) | 24.5 | 1 |
| Turkey Creek | 3.2 | 1 |
| Bonita Creek | 6.9 | 1 |
| Lower San Francisco River | 1.6 | 1 |
| Swamp Springs Canyon | 2.5 | 1 |
| Hot Springs Canyon | 6 | 1 |
| San Pedro River | 2 | 1 |
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