A Brief Explanation of California Wild and Scenic

By John Regan


                                           Photo ©1999 Alan Banfield

A Brief History of the California Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

Passed in 1972, the California Wild and Scenic Rivers Act declares "it is the policy of the State of California that certain rivers which possess extraordinary scenic, recreational, fishery, or wildlife values shall be preserved in their free-flowing state, together with their immediate environments, for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of the state." (Chapter 1259, 1972)

Segments of five rivers were incorporated in the original Wild and Scenic Rivers Act: the Klamath, American, Eel, Smith and Trinity Rivers. In January 1981, all five rivers were designated components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System at the request of Governor Jerry Brown.

In 1982 the Act was amended to tighten some protective language, restrict administration over the system, and provide a separate standard for regulating timber harvesting in lands adjacent to the state's protected rivers. (Chapter 1481, 1982)

After it was established with its original five rivers the California system remained fundamentally unaltered until 1989, when Republican Governor George Deukmejian signed legislation expanding the system to include the West Walker and East Fork Carson Rivers. A third river, the McCloud, was granted limited protection. The additions had the support of local legislators and passed with only one dissenting vote in the entire state legislature. (Chapter 215, 1989)

The Resources Secretary is the lead agency concerning the Wild and Scenic River System. Under the amended Act, the Resources Secretary is authorized to conduct specific, legislatively-funded research and may recommend additions to the system. The Secretary also has the general authority to coordinate state agencies' administration of the protected rivers.