This webpage serves as a guide to help introduce you to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, as well as providing links to resources that will help you further your knowledge as WSR managers and partners. The page includes information about the study process, evaluating water resources, developing a Comprehensive River Management Plan, and managing Wild and Scenic Rivers. We owe a HUGE thanks to Jackie Diedrich for leading the development of this webpage.
The River Management Society is uniquely positioned to provide WSR managers with information and training opportunities related to the the Wild and Scenic Rivers System, having worked with each of the four federal WSR-administering agencies and the Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council. The River Training Center (RTC) offers online and in-person training developed and presented by subject matter experts with decades of experience in WSR study and management.
Wild and Scenic Rivers 101
These are five areas related to managing wild and scenic rivers that should become reliably familiar. We offer an assortment of documents, videos and self-administered study modules.
Managing wild and scenic rivers requires understanding of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, including core elements and key requirements related to designation and mangement.
Wild and Scenic Rivers Management Courses Below are two modules of a 13-module course covering history, policies, management and monitoring of WSRs. Registration is required (at no charge) to view the modules and complete them at your own pace.
WSR Act 101 - Gain familiarity with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act key provisionsand awareness of planning and management requirements for wild and scenic rivers. (33:52) (2025)
Federal agencies study rivers at the request of Congress, through agency inventory and planning processes, or during evaluation upon application by a state to the Secretary of the Interior.
Technical Information from the IWSRCC
The Wild & Scenic River Study Process – This paper explains the wild and scenic river study process for congressionally authorized and agency-identified study rivers.
Study Rivers – Section 2(a)(ii), 5(d)(1) and 5(a) studies available for review.
Online Resources
Wild and Scenic Rivers Management Courses Below are two modules of a 13-module course covering history, policies, management and monitoring of wild and scenic rivers. Registration is required (at no charge) to to view the modules and complete them at your own pace.
Fundamentals of the WSR Study Process - Explore the study process for adding a river to the National Wild and Scenic River system. Gain insights into eligibility inventory, delve into different river classifications, and the factors considered in a suitability analysis, empowering you to navigate the intricate landscape of river designation more effectively. (1:34:54) (2024)
Estimated time to complete: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Section 7 of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act requires evaluation of federally assisted water resource projects and a determination of effects by the river administering agencies to ensure a river remains free-flowing and that river values are protected.
Section 7 Overview (RMS & IWSRCC Webinar)- This training provides an overview of the Act and a framework for Section 7, including components of Section 7 determinations. Registration is required (at no charge) to view webinar. (1:58:46) (2020)
Wild and Scenic Rivers Management Course
Below is one module of a 13-module course history, policies, management and monitoring of WSRs. Registration is required (at no charge) to view the modules and complete them at your own pace.
Introduction to Section 7 of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act - Familiarize yourself with when and how to complete a Section 7 analysis and determination and gain awareness of additional resources to gain understanding of how to comply with Section 7 requirements. (54:43) (2025)
Estimated time to complete: 4 hours
Under the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, each river is required to have a Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP) written to manage the outstanding river values, water quality, and free flow of the river. Technical Information from the IWSRCC
CRMPs(A directory of existing CRMPs) - Locate the CRMP for your river to become familiar with your wild and scenic river management responsibilities.
Online Resources
Wild and Scenic Rivers Management Course
Below is one module of a 13-module course history, policies, management and monitoring of WSRs. Registration is required (at no charge) to view the modules and complete them at your own pace.
Managing wild and scenic rivers requires awareness of the responsibilities to protect and enhance rivers as well as familiarity with agency policies and guidance.
Below is one module of a 13-module course history, policies, management and monitoring of WSRs. Registration is required (at no charge) to view the modules and complete them at your own pace.
Managing Wild and Scenic Rivers - This webinar explains the hierarchy of management direction stemming from the WSR Act, including specific agency-developed management guidance. (1:31:07) (2022)
Foundations of River Management - This session discusses the River Management Technical Core Competencies recommended by the IWSRCC. Assess and enhance your skills while discovering where to access vital information, enabling you to navigate your role more efficiently and effectively. (1:30:37) (2024)
Estimated time to complete: 4 hours
Wild and Scenic Rivers 201
Ready to advance your skills? Explore our next set of training materials below.
(Video: April 1, 2024) Video Chronicles Florida Community's Success Protecting Wekiva River
(2024 Training Series) Registration open for RMS 2024 Wild and Scenic River Training Series
(Article: Aug. 2023): River Network, supported by the USDA Forest Service, has awarded $150,000 to local organizations
(Article: April 2023) New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Gains Additional Acreage
(Article: April 2023) River group looks to boost river safety, stewardship and citizen science on Three Forks of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River
(2023 Training Series) Registration opens for RMS 2023 Wild and Scenic River Training Series
(Recorded webinars: 2022) Wild and Scenic Rivers Trainings from the 2022 National Wilderness Skills Institute
(Presentation Recording: Oct. 2022) Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes New Cultural Waterways Ordinance
(Article: Sep. 2022) ... Bill Adding Little Manatee River to National Park Service’s Wild and Scenic River System Passes
(Whitepaper: March 2022) Instream Flow Protection Strategies for Wild and Scenic Rivers, A Technical Report of the Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council
(Article: June 1, 2022) This Canadian River Just Became a Legal Person
(Article: June 1, 2022) A Historic Chance to Protect America’s Free-Flowing Rivers
(Article: March 1, 2022) Roadblocks on ‘The Oregon Way’ to Protecting State’s Rivers
(Training) Flathead River Group Launches Wild and Scenic River Webinar Series
(NPS Newsletter) The fourth edition of Wild and Scenic River Currents, an annual newsletter designed to share stories about National Park Service wild and scenic rivers and the community of people working to protect and enhance them, is now published.
(Training) RMS Wild and Scenic Webinar Series January - June 2022
(Article Series) Reflections - RMS has partnered with the Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council (IWSRCC) to highlight the stories of river managers and their involvement in the development of Comprehensive River Management Plans (CRMPs) in an article series called Reflections.
(Training: May 19, 2021) RMS Wild and Scenic Webinar Series: Outstandingly Remarkable Values
(Article: Feb. 2, 2021) House passes major public lands package
(Article: Jan. 11, 2021) U.S. Forest Service Releases Management Plan For Fossil Creek
(Article: Dec. 22, 2020) Celebrating Little Miami River Success
(Article: Dec. 22, 2020) The Klamath River restoration will be the biggest dam removal in history – but what does this mean for the people who call the river home?
(Article: Dec. 17, 2020) Helen Clough receives Jackie Diedrich Wild and Scenic Rivers Leadership Award
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