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USFS says Deep Creek segments are suitable for wild and scenic designation

Enterprise staff report

In collaboration with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management Colorado River Valley Field Office, the White River National Forest recently participated in an interagency Wild and Scenic River Suitability study as part the Bureau of Land Management’s Resource Management Plan Revision effort.

Together the two agencies conducted the study on jointly managed river segments on both the Colorado River and Deep Creek. The study process, which included large numbers of stakeholders and interest groups, has been under way since 2008.

The Forest Service portion of the Wild and Scenic River study evaluated the suitability of four river segments (totaling 17.25 miles) that were previously found to be eligible in the White River Forest Plan in 2002.



The Forest Service has determined that two river segments on Deep Creek totaling approximately 10.77 miles administered by the White River are suitable. The forest is deferring a suitability determination for the two Colorado River segments within Glenwood Canyon and has made the decision to rely upon the Upper Colorado River Wild and Scenic Stakeholder Group Management Plan (stakeholder plan) to protect the river’s values.

As part of the planning process the White River has prepared a Draft Record of Decision. The decision contains information on the Wild and Scenic River Suitability study determinations on USFS lands and does not include decisions for BLM river segments.

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The Wild and Scenic River Suitability Study Draft Record of Decision for the Upper Colorado River and Deep Creek is subject to the objection process pursuant to 36 CFR 218, subparts A and B. The interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Suitability Study, the Draft Record of Decision and information related to the objection process is available electronically on the WRNF website at http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda-pop.php/?project=43846.

Additional information about the study can be obtained from: Kay Hopkins at 970-846-9040 or email at kchopkins@fs.fed.us.


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