Forest Service studies may help Ventana Wild Rivers Campaign

As reported in the last Ventana the Club is working with other environmental groups to achieve “Wild and Scenic River” designation for free-flowing Central Coast rivers. Currently only the Big Sur River has this designation. A “wild and scenic” designation would protect additional rivers or river segments from dams, diversions and new development.

Earlier this year the U.S. Forest Service agreed to study designation of the Arroyo Seco River, San Antonio River, and the North Fork of the Little Sur River. If the Forest Service determines that these rivers merit listing, the recommendation will be incorporated into the draft Management Plan for the Los Padres National Forest. The public comment period of the proposed plan would be an opportunity to express your support for permanent protection of wild and free flowing streams of the northern Santa Lucia Mountains and the Big Sur coast.

Rivers are added to the National Wild and Scenic River System by Congress, which means that the process is always political.

Whatever happens, local activists will continue to survey the wild and free flowing rivers and streams of the northern Santa Lucia to document their “Outstanding Remarkable Values” and work for their protection. For additional information, visit the Ventana Wild Rivers Campaign website.