Medford Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Glossary

Medford Record of Decision

Medford District Resource Management Plan Table of Contents:

- Tables

- Maps

- Appendices

Wild and Scenic Rivers

Objectives

Manage designated segments of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System to protect their outstandingly remarkable values and maintain and enhance the natural integrity of river-related values.

Protect outstandingly remarkable values identified on BLM-administered lands within the study corridors of eligible river segments studied and administratively found suitable for inclusion as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Provide interim protective management for outstandingly remarkable values identified on BLM-administered lands along river segments determined eligible but not studied for inclusion as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Land Use Allocations

Designated River Segments

Four river segments that cover approximately 20 miles (all tributaries to the Rogue Wild and Scenic River) are found suitable for potential wild designation (see Map 9). No river segments are found suitable for potential scenic or recreation designation.

Suitable River Segments

The corridor width for rivers found eligible or studied for suitability is generally defined as one-quarter mile on either side of the river (approximately one-half mile wide corridor).

Suitability reports for river segments found suitable for inclusion in the national system are located in Appendix J of the Final PRMP.

Manage the natural integrity of river-related values to maintain or enhance the highest tentative classification. Classification criteria are found in Appendix 2-WS-1, Draft RMP.

Management Actions/Direction

Revise approved wild and scenic river management plans for both the wild and recreation segments of the Rogue River to address attainment of Aquatic Conservation Strategy and riparian reserve objectives.

Manage the previously designated Rogue River, both the wild and recreation segments, according to existing management plans. A new management plan for the recreational segment is currently being prepared.

Under interim protective management, all authorized action on BLM-administered land within the one-half mile wide corridor must have either a positive or neutral effect on identified outstandingly remarkable values (ORVs) that resulted in rivers being found eligible/suitable (see Appendix 2-WS-2, Draft RMP). A synopsis of interim management follows:

• Eligible and/or suitable recreational rivers: exclude timber harvest in the riparian reserves, moderately restrict development of leasable and saleable minerals, and protect a segments' free-flowing values and identified ORVs.
  
  
• Eligible and/or suitable scenic rivers: exclude timber harvest in the riparian reserve. Provide VRM Class II management in the one-half mile wide corridor, and protect a segments' free-flowing values and identified ORVs.
  
  
• Eligible and/or suitable wild rivers: exclude timber harvest and other disturbing activities within the one-half mile wide corridor.

Determine the role of fire and probable risk of high intensity wildfire destroying scenic values within the wild section of the Rogue River. Determine the appropriate use of prescribed fire needed to meet long-term resource management objectives. Pending completion of the fire management activity plan, continue to maintain a higher level of protection through identification of extra protection needs on an annual basis.

Upon completion of the ROD for this resource management plan, release from interim protection all river segments found not suitable for inclusion as components of the national system.