The Explore section of this toolkit is appropriate for those new to WSR designation and takes groups through the process of getting a Wild and Scenic River Study bill introduced and passed through Congress.
The following are key steps for exploring Wild and Scenic River (WSR) designation using the Partnership model (Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers or PWSRs), from learning about the program to requesting a congressional study. Included below are resources for planning, assessment, outreach and community engagement. As all rivers are unique, please note that these steps can vary from river to river: not all steps are necessary in all cases, they may not be sequential, and they can be iterative as an approach evolves.
The first step is to learn more about the PWSR model to see if this is a good fit for the river and its communities. Below are some resources to learn more about the national system and the partnership model.
There are also alternate methods of designation, such as elevating rivers in states with state-level Wild and Scenic River programs. Learn more about the different pathways to study and designate Wild and Scenic Rivers at rivers.gov and in the handbook coming 2024.
After initial exploration, it is important to start a conversation with the regional National Park Service office about initiating the PWSR process.
A team of people is typically needed to explore a PWSR designation. The team is often composed of residents, members of river-related organizations, and other local stakeholders. This team will undertake various tasks:
Identify others who may be interested in exploring a PWSR study and possible designation
Coordinate activities, ask questions, gather facts, disseminate information, and solicit support
Formulate a vision for the rivers and streams within the watershed that might comprise the study area, such as the mainstem, major tributaries, smaller tributaries, and headwater streams
Research existing river stakeholders and their river management activities, initiatives, questions, and priorities
Identify study requirements, study products, study findings, eligibility and suitability requirements, and the effects of designation
Talk with individuals and groups that have successfully conducted Partnership Wild and Scenic River studies. Ask about the process, inquire about helpful resources, and lessons learned
After building a team, this core group of people will develop an outreach strategy, keeping in mind key stakeholders to engage; important information to convey and feedback to collect; and methods of communication to reach the public. Conversations with the community are crucial to this process – these conversations will describe the PWSR process, gauge the needs of the community, prevent misinformation, and convey the potential benefits of PWSR designation. During this process, consider using a mix of outreach strategies, which will allow the team to reach a diverse audience and to consider multiple viewpoints about the river.
EXAMPLE:
The Wood-Pawcatuck River created a fact sheet that answers some basic questions about the PWSR program and how a designation would affect the community. Consider developing something like this to share with the community.
Public outreach and engagement can be difficult to navigate. Take a look at the Communications Guide (coming soon) that provides additional resources on this step.
When conducting outreach and gauging community support, it is important to document these interactions. Documentation helps demonstrate the level of community support to future partners, collaborators, and lawmakers. It is recommended to:
Create a list of supporters, which can range from individuals such as riverfront landowners, to entities such as tribes; municipal boards and officials; civic and nonprofit organizations; businesses; state legislative bodies; and county, state, and federal agencies
Document multiple forms of engagement: fliers, photos, volunteer hours, attendee lists, etc.
Prepare sample letters of support to share with stakeholders. This simplifies participation if organizations wish to show their support
For river advocates that decide to pursue a study bill, the typical next step is to initiate conversations with members of Congress - commonly both one U.S. Senator and one U.S. Representative for the state/district containing the river. River advocates can make an explicit request for congressional study legislation and share the collected documentation showing broader support within the community. See examples below of similar study legislation.
After presenting this package, prepare to follow up with congressional staff, track legislative activities (such as hearings), and update your local stakeholders on progress. Advocacy organizations such as the Wild and Scenic Rivers Coalition and others may offer guidance and assistance during this step.
At this point, it is up to the congressional delegation to introduce a Study bill. If the legislation passes, the next phase is the Study process. Visit the Study page in this Toolkit to learn more.
Create a list of supporters, which can range from individuals such as riverfront landowners, to entities such as tribes; municipal boards and officials; civic and nonprofit organizations; businesses; state legislative bodies; and county, state, and federal agencies 
