Comparative case study to identify opportunities to strengthen federal-tribal shared stewardship of Wild and Scenic Rivers

Abstract

In recent years, the U.S. Federal government has advanced shared stewardship (see Study Background for definition) of Federal lands with American Indian Tribes across land management agencies. Yet little is understood about how these efforts are carried out in the context of Wild and Scenic Rivers (WSRs). The WSRs are managed across four Federal land management agencies: the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Rivers designated under the WSR Act are managed to protect their free-flowing, undammed quality, along with Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs). The ORVs are rare, unique, or exemplary features at a regional or national scale and are categorized as scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values. These values are identified in the enabling legislation at the time of designation or in the Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP), which outlines management of the river designation (USDA 2020).

Citation

Redmore, Lauren; Rushing, Jaclyn Fox; Carim, Kellie. 2025. Comparative case study to identify opportunities to strengthen federal-tribal shared stewardship of Wild and Scenic Rivers. Missoula, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute. 12 p.