Wild and Scenic Scoped in BTNF

In response to the 2009 designation of approximately 300-miles of Bridger-Teton rivers and streams as part of the Wild and Scenic Snake River Headwaters, the Bridger-Teton National Forest has released a scoping document to solicit further public responses regarding potential changes to management of these waterways.  Forest Spokesperson Mary Cernicek says the law that sets aside the Snake River Headwaters as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers system requires that managing agencies create a Comprehensive River Management Plan to protect the outstanding values that made it worthy of designation. Consequently, Cernicek says both the National Park Service and the US Forest Service are in the process of defining what and where those values are; as well as how best to ensure their protection into the future. Current public input into category descriptions for specific rivers and streams is being sought, as well as comments regarding whether specific river segments have already been assigned to the appropriate group.  The scoping document can be found online, or interested individuals may call 307-886-1274 to request a copy be mailed to them.