APPENDIX G 

WILD AND SCENIC RIVER EVALUATION 

United States Department of the Interior

 BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT 

Winnemucca Field Office

5100 East Winnemucca Boulevard 

Winnemucca, Nevada 89445-2921 

 http://www.nv.blm.gov/winnemucca 

 (775) 623-1500 or wfoweb@nv.blm.gov 

In Reply Refer To: 

NV-20.06 

1610.RMP 

Dear Reader/Interested Party: 

Section 5(d)(1) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (Public Law 90-542; 16 USC 1271-1287) directs 

federal agencies to consider potential Wild and Scenic Rivers (WSR) in the land use planning process. 

To fulfill this requirement, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Winnemucca Field Office (WFO), 

has identified and evaluated river segments that may be suitable under the Wild and Scenic River Act. 

As part of the ongoing Winnemucca Resource Management Plan (RMP) process the WFO completed a 

WSR Report. This report documents the BLM’s examination of WFO stream segments as they relate to 

eligibility and classification criteria under the WSR Act. A copy of the report is available for review by 

contacting the WFO at the above address/phone number or at the following web site 

http://www.nv.blm.gov/Winnemucca/. 

It was determined that to be included in the eligibility assessment process the stream segments would be 

evaluated in conjunction with the following criteria: 

1. The stream is free-flowing, 

2. The stream contains one of the “Outstandingly Remarkable Values” (ORV) outlined in 

Section 1(b) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, 

3. Threatened and/or endangered species known to occur in the stream corridor 

automatically became an ORV (e.g. Lahontan cutthroat trout, if segments contained excellent spawning 

and rearing habitat for these fish), and 

4. Habitat for common wildlife species was not considered to be an ORV. 

Of the 165 drainages assessed in the WSR inventory 3 streams were identified as being potentially 

suitable and will be analyzed in the RMP/EIS. These are: 

o North Fork of the Little Humboldt River 

o Crowley Creek 

o Washburn Creek 
The Wild and Scenic River alternatives developed for analysis in the RMP/EIS are as follows: 

• Alternative A: Current Management - none suitable (total mileage: 0) 

• Alternative B: Economic Development - none suitable (total mileage: 0) 

• Alternative C: Ecosystem Protection/Preservation - NF of the Little Humboldt 

(total mileage: 18), Crowley Creek (total mileage 13.6), Washburn Creek (total 

mileage 11.8) 

• Alternative D: Agency Proposed - none suitable (total mileage: 0) 

Following evaluation of impacts in the RMP/EIS, a congressional legislative action would be 

required for actual designation and final classification of any suitable river segments. 

Thank you for your continued interest in the planning process. 

 Sincerely,

 Gail G. Givens

 Field Manager 
United State Department of the Interior 

Bureau of Land Management 

Winnemucca Field Office November 2006 

Wild and Scenic River Report

Crowley Creek. 

Prepared by: 

U.S. Bureau of Land Management 

Winnemucca Field Office 

5100 East Winnemucca Blvd. 

Winnemucca, NV 89445 
Table of Contents 

SECTION 1: Location and Description of Study Area................................................ 1 

SECTION 2: Eligibility Determination......................................................................... 4 

SECTION 3: Suitability Study..................................................................................... 6 

SECTION 4: Suitability Rationale............................................................................... 8 

SECTION 5: Management and Protection Considerations ...................................... 16 

Table 1: W&SR Study Inventory..................................................................18 

Table 2: Eligible Streams...........................................................................26 

Table 3: Classification Criteria.....................................................................28 

Table 4: Interim Protection for Candidate W&SR.............................................29 

Map 1: Streams within RMP Boundary ..................................................................... 31 

Map 2: Potential Eligible Stream Segments.............................................................. 32 

Map 3: Eligible Streams for Suitability ...................................................................... 33 

Map 4: N. Fork of Little Humboldt River..........................................................34 

Map 5: Crowley Creek............................................................................................... 35 

Map 6: Washburn Creek ........................................................................................... 36 

i 
SECTION 1 

1.1 Location and Description of Study Area 

This report covers rivers within the Bureau of Land Management, Winnemucca 

Field Office (WFO). The Field Office administrative boundary covers 

approximately 8.4 million acres of public land. However, approximately 1.2 

million acres of the field office is not part of this study area as it was designated 

by Congress as the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails 

National Conservation Area and Associated Wilderness in late 2000. The WFO 

lies within the Great Basin ecosystem in northern Nevada. This region is 

characterized by broad sagebrush covered plains interspersed with many 

mountain ranges. Each mountain range is striated with a number of canyons all 

of which support perennial or intermittent creeks and streams. Most of the land 

administered by the WFO receives low rainfall, due to the shadow effect created 

by the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Average annual precipitation in the planning 

area varies between 5 and 15 inches, with most occurring as snow from 

November through March. Numerous small mountain streams flow within the 

area, many of which are perennial within their respective headwaters. Many of 

the streams are in terminal basins. Many basins contain deposits of salts 

remaining from evaporated Pleistocene lakes. Most stream flow occurs during 

the spring in direct response to the melting of the snow pack. Typical stream 

flow originates at the upper elevations and enters the stream by way of overland 

flow and shallow groundwater discharge (interflow). As this flow exits the 

mountain block and moves onto the alluvial fan, the surface expression is quickly 

lost as it infiltrates into the alluvium. Riparian vegetation exists in the 

mountainous areas prior to the water being lost as recharge to the alluvial 

aquifer. There are approximately 850 miles of perennial streams featuring three 

primary drainages. These are the Quinn, Owyhee, and Humboldt Rivers. 

Private land in the WFO is generally located near and around water sources. 

Early settlers concentrated around springs and perennial bodies of water 

resulting in a patchwork of private lands along water sources. Checkerboard 

land ownership is another characteristic of the WFO, particularly along the I-80 

corridor. The Railroad Act of 1862 granted to the railroad every other section of 

land, twenty miles on the railroad centerline to encourage western rail expansion. 

This grant resulted in a checkerboard pattern of public and private lands. 

Alternating public and private land sections create challenges for management of 

the land and rivers. 

1.2 The Wild and Scenic River Study Process 

The Wild and Scenic River study process is comprised of two main components: 

the inventory phase and the study phase. The inventory phase includes 

identifying eligible river and stream segments, assigning tentative classification 

(Wild, Scenic, or Recreational), and describing protective management for the 

eligible segments. The study phase includes determining the suitability of eligible 

segments for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (NWSRS) 

and describing interim management measures. 

1 
1.2.1 The Inventory Process 

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of October 2, 1968 (Public Law 90-542) requires 

the Bureau of Land Management to consider Wild and Scenic River values in its 

land use planning process. The objective of the Wild and Scenic Rivers (WSR) 

Act is to preserve in free-flowing condition selected rivers in the nation which 

possess outstandingly remarkable values and to protect those rivers and their 

immediate environments for the benefit of present and future generations. 

Policy requires BLM to “identify and evaluate river segments within the resource 

management planning process to determine eligibility, tentative classification, 

protection requirements, and suitability under the Wild and Scenic River Act.” 

The procedures by which the BLM determines eligibility and suitability and 

provides management direction are described in the USDI-USDA Final Revised 

Guidelines for Eligibility, Classification, and Management of River Areas (Federal 

Register Vol. 47, No. 173, September 7, 1982) and BLM Manual 8351. 

The evaluation process for determining eligibility and suitability only applies to 

those portions of streams on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land 

Management. 

1.2.2 Relationship of Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to Private Land 

The basic objective of wild and scenic river designation is to maintain the existing 

condition of the river. If a land use or development clearly threatens the 

outstandingly remarkable value that resulted in designation of the river, efforts 

would be made to remove the threat through local zoning, land exchanges, 

purchases from willing sellers, and other actions except condemnation. 

Agriculture and grazing activities occurring at the time of designation would 

generally not be affected. Under the WSR Act, designation neither gives nor 

implies government control of private lands within the river corridor. Although 

Congress (or the Secretary of the Interior for 2(a) (ii) rivers) could include private 

lands (in-holdings) within the boundaries of the designated river area, 

management restrictions will apply only to public lands. The federal government 

has no authority to regulate or zone private lands under the Act; however, 

administering agencies may highlight the need for amendments to local zoning 

(where state and local zoning occurs). People living within a river corridor will be 

able to use their property as they had before designation. 

2 
1.2.3 Inventory of Streams & Rivers in the Winnemucca Field Office 

Planning Area 

Assessing eligibility of individual river segments for possible inclusion into the 

National Wild and Scenic River System (NWSRS) was accomplished by a team 

of BLM resource specialists. The team used personal knowledge, Geographic 

Information System (GIS) resources, the Nationwide Rivers Inventory and land 

ownership information to conduct the evaluations. 

Because there are hundreds of dry washes, gullies and canyons as well as 

perennial, ephemeral, and intermittent streams within the planning area an 

objective method of selecting which drainages would be assessed for eligibility 

was developed. 

It was determined that to be included in the eligibility assessment process the 

drainage would need to meet one of the following criteria 

1. The stream is perennial, and 

2. The stream contains one of the “Outstandingly Remarkable Values” 

outlined in Section 1(b) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. 

Table 1 shows all of the stream segments in the planning area that were 

assessed in the WSR inventory and their potential outstandingly remarkable 

values, if any. 

3 
SECTION 2 

2.1 Eligibility Determination 

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and Bureau of Land Management manual 8351 

provide criteria for determining stream eligibility. The stream segment must be 

free-flowing and possess one or more outstandingly remarkable values (ORV). 

Most streams in the district have segments that are free-flowing. However, many 

of these streams have diversions in the lower portions, generally for agricultural 

purposes, which may affect the free flowing nature of the stream. The ORV 

categories are: scenic, recreational, geological, fish and wildlife, historic, 

prehistoric, and other similar values. To possess one of these values, the stream 

must be outstandingly remarkable when compared with other streams in the 

Northern Great Basin region. 

The following additional criteria were used to select streams for eligibility: 

1. Threatened and endangered or endangered species known to occur in 

the stream corridor automatically became an outstandingly remarkable 

value (e.g. Lahontan Cutthroat Trout), if segments contained excellent 

spawning and rearing habitat for these fish. 

2. Habitat for common wildlife species was not an outstandingly remarkable 

value. 

Scenic 

The “scenic” ORV areas are of particularly exceptional views. Several of these 

stream segments contain gorges, notably the North Fork of the Little Humboldt 

River, Crowley Creek, and Washburn Creek. A number these creeks contain 

stands of aspen and cottonwood trees, which provide stunning fall colors. 

Recreation 

Recreation ORV areas include where fishing, camping, wildlife viewing or 

backcountry hiking opportunities are outstanding and are unusual enough to 

attract visitors to the geographic region. Several of the segments, namely the 

segments tentatively identified in the “Recreational” classification also have roads 

and two-tracks which provide access and opportunities for recreational driving or 

4-wheeling. 

Cultural 

The “cultural” or “historic” ORVs are areas which indicate streams with historic or 

prehistoric remnants of human occupation. Given the preciousness of water 

across the arid Nevada landscape, rivers and streams were used as travel 

corridors, and permanent and semi-permanent settlements. For instance, 

several rock shelters and lithic scatters are found along the North Fork of the 

Little Humboldt River. Also, this segment has several old buildings present (ages 

unknown). 

4 
Geology 

If a stream possesses the “geology” ORV, it contains outstanding geologic 

features such as deep gorges, lithologic and structurally complex formations, and 

structural features or areas featuring unique geology. The geologic composition 

itself may not be particularly unique but may be present in an unusual formation. 

2.2 Potentially Eligible Streams 

Of the 165 streams assessed in the WSR inventory 13 potential eligible streams 

were identified (See table 2), having free flowing water and may contain ORV(s). 

A tentative classification of the stream is made once its eligibility is determined. 

The criteria for classification are defined in Section 2(b) of the WSR Act (see 

Table 3). Classification categories are Wild, Scenic, or Recreational, and are 

based on the type and degree of human development and access associated 

with the river and adjacent lands at the time of the inventory. The classification 

assigned during the inventory phase is tentative. Final classification is a 

Congressional legislative determination along with designation of a river segment 

as part of the NWSRS. A tentative classification, wild, scenic or recreational was 

also made for each of the 13 streams (see Table 3 for a description of these 

designations). 

Upon further evaluation, 10 of the 13 streams did not have sufficient free flowing 

water, ORVs, and segments containing LCT Trout that did not contain excellent 

spawning or rearing habitat when compared to other streams within the Great 

Basin and were subsequently identified as not eligible. 

The BLM identified 3 eligible stream segments to be considered for the tentative 

suitability study. These are: 

o North Fork of the Little Humboldt River 

o Crowley Creek 

o Washburn Creek. 

5 
SECTION 3 

3.1 Suitability Study Phase – Eligible River Segments 

The purpose of the study phase is to determine whether eligible river segments 

are suitable or unsuitable for inclusion in the NWSRS per the criteria of the WSR 

Act. The suitability evaluation does not result in actual designation, but only a 

suitability determination for designation. BLM does not recommend any stream 

segments for designation into the NWSRS, and no stream segment studied is or 

will be automatically designated as part of the NWSRS. Only Congress can 

designate a Wild and Scenic River. 

In some instances, the Secretary of the Interior may designate a Wild and Scenic 

River when the governor of a state, under certain conditions, petitions for a river 

to be designated. Congress will ultimately choose the legislative language of any 

suitable segments presented to them. Water-protection strategies and measures 

to meet the purposes of the WSR Act will be the responsibility of Congress in any 

legislation proposed. Rivers found unsuitable will be dropped from further 

consideration and managed according to the objectives outlined in the RMP. 

Impacts that would occur from designation and non-designation of the eligible 

river segments are then analyzed in the EIS associated with the RMP. Public 

review and comment on suitability determinations included in the DRMP is 

considered before the BLM makes final suitability determinations. 

3.2 Tentative Suitability Determination 

The following thirteen factors, identified in BLM Manual Section 8351 (BLM 

2001), are applied to each eligible river segment when completing the suitability 

study: 

1. Characteristics that do or do not make the river a worthy addition to the 

NWSRS; 

2. The status of land and minerals, use in the area, and associated or 

incompatible uses; 

3. Reasonably foreseeable potential uses of the land and related waters that 

would be enhanced, foreclosed, or curtailed if the area were included in the 

NWSRS, and values that would be foreclosed or diminished if the area is not 

designated; 

4. The federal or state agency that will administer the river should it be added to 

the NWSRS; 

5. Federal, state, local, tribal, or other interests in designation or nondesignation of the river, including the extent to which the agency proposes 

that administration of the river, including costs thereof, be shared by state, 

local, or other agencies and individuals; 

6. The estimated cost to the United States of acquiring necessary lands, 

interests in lands, and of administering the area should it be added to the 

NWSRS; 

6 
7. A determination of the degree to which the state or its political subdivision(s) 

might participate in the preservation and administration of the river should it 

be proposed for inclusion in the NWSRS. 

8. The federal agencies ability or other mechanism (existing or potential) to 

protect and manage the identified river related values other than WSR 

designation. 

9. An evaluation of the adequacy of local zoning and other land use controls in 

protecting the river’s ORVs by preventing incompatible development. 

10. Support or opposition to the designation. 

11. Historical or existing rights which could be adversely affected. 

12. The consistency of designation with other agency plans, programs, or policies 

and in meeting regional objectives. 

13. The contribution to a river system, watershed, or basin integrity. 

3.3 Tentative Suitability 

Upon review of the list of eligible streams, the BLM team used suitability 

determination factors and the following questions to guide the development of 

suitable river alternatives: 

1. Should the stream’s free flowing character, water quality and ORV’s be 

protected or are one or more other uses important enough to warrant 

doing otherwise? 

2. Will the stream’s free-flowing character, water quality, and ORV’s be 

protected by designation? 

3. Is the Wild and Scenic River designation the best method for protecting 

the stream corridor? 

The 3 stream segments that have potential for inclusion in the NWSRS are: 

North Fork of the Little Humboldt River 

Length within Planning Area: 18.0 miles (see Map 3) 

Tentative Classification: 18 miles Wild 

Proposed Boundary: Approximate 0.5-mile corridor centered on the river from 

private land at Greeley Crossing to private land upstream of Chimney Reservoir 

Crowley Creek 

Length within Planning Area: 13.6 miles (see Map 4) in the Montana Mountains 

Tentative Classification: 5 miles Wild and 8.6 miles Scenic 

Proposed Boundary: Approximate 0.5-mile corridor centered on the river from the 

headwaters to private property 

Washburn Creek 

Length within Planning Area: 11.8 miles (see Map 5) in the Montana Mountains 

Tentative Classification: 5 miles Wild and 6.8 miles Scenic 

Proposed Boundary: Approximate 0.5-mile corridor centered on the river from the 

headwaters to confluence with Little Washburn Creek 

7 
SECTION 4 

4.1 Tentative Suitability Recommendations 

4.1.1 North Fork of the Little Humboldt River 

1. Characteristics which do or do not make the area a worthy addition to the 

NWSRS. 

The North Fork of the Little Humboldt River contains the most outstandingly 

remarkable values. The outstandingly remarkable values that qualify this 

river segment as eligible for inclusion in the NWSRS are scenic, recreation, 

fish, geology, history, and prehistory, as described in Table 2. The freeflowing river is important to the scenic and recreation values. The segment 

found eligible here is entirely within a Wilderness Study Area. 

The North Fork of the Little Humboldt is generally free-flowing. However, 

there are two minor water impoundments along this stretch of river. Both lie 

on private land. A small irrigation diversion is located at T42N, R43E, Section 

32, NE 1⁄4, NE 1⁄4. A culvert is located at Greeley Crossing T44N, R42E, 

Section 16. 

The specified river segment is largely undeveloped and quite remote. The 

main gorge, which begins at T44N, R42E, Section 23, has high scenic 

qualities: steep cliffs come straight down to the water’s edge. The main 

gorge has walls 300-500 feet high. Below the main gorge, which ends at 

T42N, R43E, Section 21, the landscape flattens out again and resembles 

most other streams in the area. 

The gorge contains unique cliff vegetation with a number of unusual endemic 

and sensitive plant species. Two species found near the North Fork of the 

Little Humboldt are listed on the Nevada Native Plant Society list. Both 

Artemisia packardiae (Packard Mugwort) and Hackelia ophiobia (Rattlesnake 

stickseed) are listed as marginal. 

As is typical with any river in the Great Basin region water flows can vary 

greatly. Years of drought can greatly diminish the level of water. In 1982, the 

BLM and Forest Service completed a WSR evaluation for the North Fork of 

the Little Humboldt River. The report, North Fork of the Little Humboldt Wild 

and Scenic River Evaluation (August 1982), concludes that low water flows 

hinder opportunities for outdoor recreation as compared with other rivers. 

However, the report also indicates that it is an outstanding area with scenic 

and other ORVs. 

8 
The North Fork of the Little Humboldt provides opportunities for camping and 

fishing in a natural and primitive setting. 

Other possible opportunities exist for hunting, backpacking, horseback riding, 

and geologic sightseeing. Potential for water sports, such as canoeing, 

rafting and tubing are moderate in the spring, but low stream flow and few 

natural pools can diminish these opportunities during the summer months. 

Opportunities for peace and solitude are high. 

The bedrock along the river is volcanic or of volcanic origin. The upper 

reaches are composed of a conglomeration of older alluvial rocks, welded 

and non-welded siliceous, sedimentary tuff composition. The Tertiary rocks 

continue through the main gorge, which is composed of basalt overlain by 

rhyolitic flows. Before entering Chimney Reservoir, the river flows through 

Quaternary alluvium. The formation types are not considered to be unique or 

outstanding, but the shapes of the formations in the main gorge are 

outstanding. 

Numerous cultural sites have been found along the river. Ezra’s Retreat, an 

Indian rock shelter, is found at the mouth of the main gorge. Several other 

rock shelters have been found along the river. The North Fork Lithic Scatter 

has been used as a study plot to determine erosion patterns. 

The lower portion of the watershed shows the effects of past heavy grazing 

use. 

2. Status of landownership, minerals, use in the area, including the amount of 

private land involved and associated or incompatible uses. 

The North Fork of the Little Humboldt River lies principally upon lands 

managed by the BLM, Winnemucca Field Office. Of the 5,417 acres within 

the corridor, 99% lies on BLM land and 1% on private land. Use in the area 

consists primarily of livestock grazing and dispersed recreation. There is low 

to no mineral or oil and gas potential in the area surrounding the stream 

corridor, though there is moderate geothermal potential to the southeast of 

the river—well outside the 0.5 mile corridor. There are no mining claims in 

the corridor. 

3. Reasonably foreseeable potential uses of the land and related water which 

would be enhanced, foreclosed, or curtailed if the area were included in the 

NWSRS, and values which could be foreclosed or diminished if the area is 

not protected as part of the NWSRS. 

There are limited foreseeable potential uses of the land and water within the 

North Fork of the Little Humboldt due to access constraints. The steep gorge 

walls limit access to the stream. Access is easiest at Greeley Crossing. 

Below this crossing motorized access is limited until the river leaves the main 

gorge. A primitive road follows the river until a point near Chimney Reservoir. 

This road is within 0.25 miles of the river for approximately 2 miles; at places 

it is within 400 feet of the edge of the gorge. It would not be visible from the 

river itself due to the high walls of the gorge. The river is accessible by horse 

or foot except for the steeper parts of the gorges. One fence crosses the 

stream near Greeley Crossing. 

9 
4. The federal or state agency that will administer the river should it be added to 

the NWSRS. 

The river segment specified would be entirely managed by the Bureau of 

Land Management, Winnemucca Field Office. 

5. Federal, state, local, tribal, or other interests in designation or nondesignation of the river, including the extent to which the agency proposes 

that administration of the river, including costs thereof, be shared by state, 

local, or other agencies and individuals. 

The BLM did not receive any public comments showing interest in 

designating the North Fork of the Little Humboldt. The river flows over 5 

miles of National Forest Land, upstream of the segment described here. This 

upstream segment from the headwaters in the Humboldt National Forest to 

where it enters BLM managed lands is not a notably scenic or exceptional 

segment of the river. However, were designation for this river to occur 

visitation would likely increase, and this would trickle over onto National 

Forest Lands. There have been no proposals to jointly share the costs of 

administration of the North Fork of the Little Humboldt with the Forest Service 

were it to be added to the NWSRS. 

6. The estimated cost to the United States of acquiring necessary lands, 

interests in lands, and of administering the area should it be added to the 

NWSRS. 

The BLM would not actively pursue the acquisition of the private lands within 

the proposed boundary. The BLM would consider acquisition under a willing 

seller/willing buyer basis if opportunities were presented. Acquisition of 

private lands may make it easier to manage the segment for the protection of 

identified values. 

Management of segments of the North Fork of the Little Humboldt within the 

Wilderness Study Area could increase cost of WSA interim management 

compliance as designation may draw more people into the area. 

7. A determination of the degree to which the state or its political

subdivision(s) might participate in the preservation and administration of the 

river should it be proposed for inclusion in the NWSRS. 

It is not anticipated that there would be great interest from the state of 

Nevada for administration of the river were it to be included in the NWSRS. 

The only likely interest would be in the form of increased or increasing 

tourism to the state. This would probably take the form of advertising. 

However, any increase in visitation would likely not be substantial due to the 

remoteness of the site. 

8. Federal agency ability or other mechanisms (existing or potential) to protect 

 and manage the identified river related values other than WSA. 

Currently, the eligible portion of the North Fork of the Little Humboldt River is 

protected as a WSA. In addition, the BLM is preparing a Resource 

Management Plan which has identified the North Fork of the Little Humboldt 

River watershed as a priority watershed management area. Goals, 

Objectives and Management actions are specifically being developed that will 

protect portions of the watershed. 

10 
9. An evaluation of the adequacy of local zoning and other land use controls in 

protecting the river’s ORVs by preventing incompatible development. 

 Local zoning and other use controls to protect ORVs are not anticipated due 

to the rural location of the river. 

10. Support or opposition to designation. 

 Based on input from public scoping and other meetings there would be 

opposition for WSR designation. Due to the NCA legislation, existing WSA’s 

and potential new Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, a portion of the 

public is opposed to additional designations. 

11. Historical or existing rights which could be adversely affected. 

 Currently there are no active mining claims within the area of the North Fork 

of the Little Humboldt River. 

12. The consistency of designation with other agency plans, programs or policies 

and in meeting regional objectives. 

 Designation may increase visitation to adjoining Forest Service lands. This 

could change Forest Service policies and objectives to meet increased 

visitation. 

13. The contribution to a river system, watershed, or basin integrity. 

 Designation may increase visitation and uses within the watershed which 

could have minimal water quality or flow impacts to downstream river 

systems. 

Summary: Currently the eligible portions of the North Fork of the Little 

Humboldt River are protected within a WSA. The RMP being developed has 

identified the watershed of the North Fork of the Little Humboldt River as a 

priority watershed. Goals, objectives and management actions are being 

developed to protect this priority watershed and stream segment. Protection 

afforded by the WSA designation plus additional management protective 

measures being developed in the RMP should ensure ORVs are adequately 

protected. Public input has indicated there would be controversy and 

opposition to the designation. 

4.1.2 Crowley Creek 

1. Characteristics which do or do not make the area a worthy addition to the 

NWSRS. 

The outstandingly remarkable values that qualify this river segment as eligible 

for inclusion in the NWSRS are fish, scenic, and recreation, as described in 

Table 2. The upper reaches of Crowley Creek flow through a canyon. The 

canyon walls are largely comprised of large, red rock fields dotted with 

sagebrush. The canyon bottom, however, is covered with willow, rose and 

aspen. Populations of beaver have created several pools along the main 

Crowley Creek channel. 

This segment contains a population of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, which is a 

federally listed species under the 1973 Endangered Species Act. Crowley 

Creek contains excellent spawning and rearing habitat for these fish. The 

flow of Crowley Creek is 5.0 cubic feet per second (2000). 

11 
2. Status of landownership, minerals, use in the 

area, including the amount of private land 

involved and associated or incompatible uses. 

The segment of Crowley Creek found eligible 

lies entirely on lands administered by the BLM, 

Winnemucca Field Office. Of the 4336 acres 

within the specified corridor 100% lies on BLM 

land. Use in the area principally consists of

cattle grazing and dispersed recreation. There 

are some impacts from grazing found along the 

stream channel, but it is considered light. The 

creek has been closed to anglers since 1988 to 

protect Lahontan Cutthroat Trout habitat. 

The geologic landform substrate is chiefly of 

alluvium deposits on the valley floor throughout 

the lower and central portions, with basalt and 

rhyolite being prominent through the canyon. 

3. Reasonably foreseeable potential uses of the land and related water which 

would be enhanced, foreclosed, or curtailed if the area were included in the 

NWSRS, and values which could be foreclosed or diminished if the area is 

not protected as part of the NWSRS. 

Motorized access to this stream segment is available along the lower portions 

by a dirt road that follows the stream for approximately 7 miles, crossing the 

stream once. The dirt track ends at T46N, R35E, Section 36. The upper 

reaches of the stream are accessible by foot. Generally the canyon walls are 

too steep and rocky for travel by horseback, though horse or ATV could be 

used on the hill tops above the canyon. 

If designated, the upstream portion, tentatively classified as Wild, the BLM 

would limit the construction and maintenance of any proposed diversion 

structures. If designated, the BLM would not allow mineral, oil, gas, or 

geothermal leasing activities to occur within the segment’s boundary. 

Designation could also attract more visitors increasing traffic and use of the 

stream. Both of these factors could affect water quality. 

There is one fence (Disaster Peak Seasonal Fence) that crosses the stream. 

This occurs in the portion tentatively classified as Scenic. 

4. The federal or state agency that will administer the river should it be added to 

the NWSRS. 

The selected segment of Crowley Creek is on land entirely administered by 

the BLM. It is not proposed that administration of the area be shared by 

another federal, state or local agency. 

5. Federal, state, local, tribal, or other interests in designation or nondesignation of the river, including the extent to which the agency proposes 

that administration of the river, including costs thereof, be shared by state, 

local, or other agencies and individuals. 

12 
 

The BLM did not receive any public comments interested in designating 

Crowley Creek. It is not proposed here to jointly share the costs of 

administration of Crowley were it to be added to the NWSRS with any federal, 

state or local agency. 

6. The estimated cost to the United States of acquiring necessary lands, 

interests in lands, and of administering the area should it be added to the

NWSRS. 

The indicated portion of Crowley Creek lies entirely on lands administered by 

the BLM, Winnemucca Field Office. Therefore there would be no need to 

obtain any private, or other lands. Cost to manage Crowley Creek WSA 

would increase due to potential increase in public visitation. 

7. A determination of the degree to which the state or its political subdivision(s) 

might participate in the preservation and administration of the river should it 

be proposed for inclusion in the NWSRS. 

 It is not anticipated that there would be interest from the state of Nevada for 

administration of the river were it to be included in the NWSRS. 

8. Federal agency ability or other mechanisms (existing or potential) to protect 

 and manage the identified river related values other than WSA. 

The BLM is preparing a Resource Management Plan which has identified the 

Crowley Creek watershed as a priority watershed. Goals, Objectives and 

Management actions are being developed that will protect river related values 

in the RMP. 

9. An evaluation of the adequacy of local zoning and other land use controls in 

protecting the river’s ORVs by preventing incompatible development. 

 Local zoning and other use controls are not anticipated due to the rural 

location of the river. 

10. Support or opposition to designation. 

 Based on input from public scoping and other meetings there would be 

opposition for WSR designation. Due to the NCA legislation, existing WSA’s 

and potential new Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, a portion of the 

public is opposed to additional designations. 

11. Historical or existing rights which could be adversely affected. 

 Active mining claims occur within the Crowley Creek segment. 

12. The consistency of designation with other agency plans, programs or policies 

and in meeting regional objectives. 

 No conflicts identified 

13. The contribution to a river system, watershed, or basin integrity. 

 Designation may increase visitation and uses within the watershed which 

could have minimal adverse impacts to downstream river systems. 

13 
Summary: The RMP has identified Crowley Creek as a priority watershed. 

Goals, Objectives and management actions are being developed to protect 

the watershed and stream segment as the RMP is being developed. Public 

input has indicated there would be controversy and opposition to the 

designation. Water flows within the creek are subject to seasonal fluctuation 

with low flows during the summer months. 

4.1.3 Washburn Creek 

1. Characteristics which do or do not make the area a worthy addition to the 

NWSRS. 

The outstandingly remarkable values that qualify this river segment as eligible 

for inclusion in the NWSRS are fish, scenic, and recreation. Similarly to 

Crowley Creek, Washburn Creek contains excellent Lahontan Cutthroat Trout 

habitat. This stream has also been closed to anglers since 1988 to protect 

the Trout. 

Washburn Creek flows from the Montana Mountains through a broad valley. 

The valley contains abundant willow and sagebrush, interspersed with stands 

of aspen. Dispersed recreation opportunities include hiking, horseback 

riding, camping and hunting. These opportunities are influenced by steep 

and rocky terrain which may restrict access into areas. 

The geological landform substrate is comprised principally of alluvium 

deposits on the valley floor at the lower reaches of the creek, with basalt, 

andesite and silicic tuffs at the upper reaches. 

2. Status of landownership, minerals, use in the area, including the amount of 

private land involved and associated or incompatible uses. 

Washburn Creek and its associated 0.5 mile corridor described here, lies 

entirely on lands managed by the BLM, Winnemucca Field Office. Of the 

3,830 acres within this corridor all are managed by the BLM. 

Uses of the land are primarily livestock grazing and dispersed recreation. 

3. Reasonably foreseeable potential uses of the land and related water which 

would be enhanced, foreclosed, or curtailed if the area were included in the 

NWSRS, and values which could be foreclosed or diminished if the area is 

not protected as part of the NWSRS. 

Washburn Creek is accessible in its lower and headwater portions by 4-wheel 

drive jeep trails. The central segment, tentatively classified as Wild, is only 

accessible by foot or horseback. Designation could also attract more visitors, 

increasing traffic and use of the stream. Both of these factors could affect 

water quality. 

There is one grazing allotment fence (Jordan Meadows) that crosses the 

stream through the central portion, tentatively designated as Wild. There is 

also a seasonal fence that crosses downstream, in the portion tentatively 

classified as Scenic. 

4. The federal or state agency that will administer the river should it be added to 

the NWSRS. 

14 
This stream lies entirely upon lands managed by the BLM. Consequently, it 

is currently proposed that administration of the stream, should it be added to 

the NWSRS, would be the BLM. 

5. Federal, state, local, tribal, or other interests in designation or nondesignation of the river, including the extent to which the agency proposes 

that administration of the river, including costs thereof, be shared by state, 

local, or other agencies and individuals. 

The BLM did not receive any public comments interested in designating 

Washburn Creek. It is not proposed here to jointly share the costs of 

administration of Crowley were it to be added to the NWSRS with any federal, 

state or local agency. 

6. The estimated cost to the United States of acquiring necessary lands, 

interests in lands, and of administering the area should it be added to the 

NWSRS. 

The indicated portion of Washburn Creek lies entirely on lands administered 

by the BLM, Winnemucca Field Office. Therefore there would be no need to 

obtain any private or other lands. 

7. A determination of the degree to which the state or its political subdivision(s) 

might participate in the preservation and administration of the river should it 

be proposed for inclusion in the NWSRS. 

 It is not anticipated that there would be interest from the state of Nevada for 

administration of the river were it to be included in the NWSRS. 

8. Federal agency ability or other mechanisms (existing or potential) to protect 

and manage the identified river related values other than WSA. 

The BLM is preparing a Resource Management Plan which has identified the 

Washburn Creek watershed as a priority watershed. Goals, Objectives and 

Management actions are being developed that will protect river related values 

in the RMP. 

9. An evaluation of the adequacy of local zoning and other land use controls in 

protecting the river’s ORVs by preventing incompatible development. 

 Local zoning and other use controls are not anticipated due to the rural 

location of the river. 

10. Support or opposition to designation. 

 Based on input from public scoping and other meetings there would be 

opposition for WSR designation. Due to the NCA legislation, existing WSA’s 

and potential new Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, a portion of the 

public is opposed to additional designations. 

11. Historical or existing rights which could be adversely affected. 

 Active mining claims occur within the Washburn Creek segment. 

12. The consistency of designation with other agency plans, programs or policies 

and in meeting regional objectives. 

 No conflicts identified 

15 
13. The contribution to a river system, watershed, or basin integrity. 

 Designation may increase visitation and uses within the watershed which 

could have minimal impacts to downstream river systems. 

Summary: The RMP has identified Washburn Creek as a priority watershed. 

Goals, objectives and management actions are being developed to protect 

the watershed and stream segment. Public input has indicated there would 

be controversy and opposition to the designation. Water flows within the 

creek are subject to seasonal fluctuation with low flows during the summer 

months. 

SECTION 5 

5.1 Management and Protection Considerations 

Two important land uses in northern Nevada are grazing and mineral exploration. 

These are to some degree nonconforming land uses in or near a Wild and Scenic 

River. 

Continued cattle grazing on public land on or near a Wild and Scenic River 

should be managed in a manner which maintains or improves forage production, 

maintains or enhances riparian vegetation, wildlife habitat, watershed and scenic 

values, and minimizes conflict between livestock and recreationists. 

Construction of livestock management facilities such as fences or water sources, 

should comply with scenic restrictions appropriate to the classification of the Wild 

and Scenic River segment. If necessary to the designated segment 

consideration some facilities on private lands, such as fences or corrals, may be 

removed or relocated subject to obtaining scenic easements. 

Exclusion of livestock from high visitor use areas, such as campsites, through 

fencing or changes in use seasons may also be necessary. 

An inventory of mineral resources and mining claims should be conducted upon 

designation of a Wild and Scenic River to assist in management planning. 

Depending upon the classification of the stream, development of mineral 

resources are provided for in the Act, in such a manner as to prevent degradation 

of the aesthetic, prehistoric, historic, geologic, and primitive features of the area. 

Needed actions may include mining claim validity determinations, and scenic 

easements. 

5.2 Interim Management 

Interim management for the eligible river segments is described in Table 4. 

5.3 Alternatives 

BLM Manual 8351, Section .33C states in part: “At least one alternative 

analyzed in detail shall provide for designation of those eligible river segments 

being studied in the RMP/EIS in accordance with tentative classification which 

have been made.” The BLM is bringing forward the North Fork of the Little 

16 
Humboldt River, Crowley Creek, and Washburn Creek in one alternative of the 

RMP. 

The RMP alternatives developed: 

• Alternative A: Current Management - none suitable (total mileage: 0) 

• Alternative B: Economic Development - none suitable (total mileage: 0) 

• Alternative C: Ecosystem Protection/Preservation - NF of the Little 

Humboldt only (total mileage: 18), Crowley Creek (total mileage 13.6), 

Washburn Creek (total mileage 11.8) 

• Alternative D: Agency Proposed - none suitable (total mileage: 0) 

Congressional legislative action is required for actual designation and final 

classification of suitable river segments. 

The following people provided input to this process: 

Craig Drake Matt Varner Brian Murdock 

Emily Harris Jeff D. Johnson Dave Valentine 

Allan Jenne (NDOW) Peggy McGuckian 

17 
Table 1: Wild & Scenic River Study Inventory 

Free Potential outstandingly remarkable values Mountain Range/Stream Flowing 

Name Scenery Recreation Geology LCT * Wildlife Prehistory History 

Bilk Creek Mountains Alkali Creek Bilk Creek Y Y Cherry Creek House Creek Little Wilder Creek Log Cabin Creek Y Maggie Creek, NF Mud Creek Raster Creek Rodeo Creek Wilder Creek Black Rock Range Bartlett Creek Battle Creek Y Y Butte Creek Center Creek Paiute Creek Rough Canyon East Range Peavine Canyon 

Rockhill Canyon 

Eugene Mountains Central Canyon Creek 
Mountain Range/Stream Free Potential outstandingly remarkable values 

Name Flowing 

Scenery Recreation Geology LCT * Wildlife Prehistory History 

Chicken Basin Spring 

Woody Canyon Creek 

Granite Range Clear Creek Y Cottonwood Creek Y Y 

Granite Creek Little Cottonwood Creek Negro Creek, NF & MF Red Mountain Creek Rock Creek Unnamed Creek (T34N R22E Sections 14, 15, 22, 23, 27) Wagontire Creek 

Humboldt Range American Creek Antelope Creek Black Canyon Creek Bloody Canyon Creek Buena Vista Creek Buffalo Canyon Creek Cottonwood Canyon Coyote Creek Y Echo Canyon Fisher Canyon Indian Creek John Brown Canyon Creek Humboldt Range Rocky Canyon Creek 
Mountain Range/Stream Free Potential outstandingly remarkable values 

Name Flowing 

Scenery Recreation Geology LCT * Wildlife Prehistory History 

Santa Clara Canyon Star Creek Straight Canyon Wilson Canyon Creek Wright Canyon Creek 

Jackson Mountains 

Big Creek Bottle Creek Deer Creek Happy Creek Trout Creek Willow Creek 

Montana Mountains 

Calavera Canyon Crowley Creek Y Y Y Horse Creek Pole Creek Riser Creek Y Y Washburn Creek Y Y Y 

Osgoods Anderson Creek Julian Creek Pine Forest Range Alder Creek Alta Creek 
Mountain Range/Stream Free Potential outstandingly remarkable values 

Name Flowing 

Scenery Recreation Geology LCT * Wildlife Prehistory History 

Big Creek Bishop Canyon Creek Boyd Creek Boyd Creek Buckaroo Canyon Creek Cherry Gulch Chicken Creek Corral Creek Cove Creek Cow Creek Craine Creek Granite Creek Knott Creek Leonard Creek Little Alder Creek Little Alder Creek Oakley Creek Pass Creek Road Canyon Sage Hen Creek Willow Creek Woody Canyon 
Mountain Range/Stream Free Potential outstandingly remarkable values 

Name Flowing 

Scenery Recreation Geology LCT * Wildlife Prehistory History 

Santa Rosa Range Abel Creek Adorno Creek Antelope Creek N Austin Creek Buffalo Canyon Cottonwood Creek Dry Creek Eagle Creek Falls Canyon Creek Hansen Creek, NF Horse Canyon Creek Indian Creek Lamance Creek Leonard Creek Little Cottonwood Creek Martin Creek Morey Creek Mullinix Creek Peterman Creek Pole Creek Provo Canyon Creek Rock Creek Singas Creek Solid Silver Creek Stonehouse Creek Threemile Creek Unnamed perennial (T40N R38E S10, 16) Santa Rosa Range 
Mountain Range/Stream Free Potential outstandingly remarkable values 

Name Flowing 

Scenery Recreation Geology LCT * Wildlife Prehistory History 

Unnamed perennial (T40N R39E S6, 8) Wash O'Neil Creek Willow Creek 

Sonoma Range Clear Creek Y Y 

Clearwater Canyon Creek Cumberland Creek Devils Canyon Elbow Canyon, MF Granite Canyon Creek Harmony Canyon Creek Kluncy Canyon Creek Layson Creek Pole Creek Polkinghorne Canyon Robber Creek Rock Creek Sonoma Creek Squaw Valley Creek Thomas Canyon Creek Water Canyon Creek Y Y 

Tobin Range Bushee Creek Garden Canyon Golconda Canyon Hoffman Canyon Creek Tobin Range 
Mountain Range/Stream Free Potential outstandingly remarkable values 

Name Flowing 

Scenery Recreation Geology LCT * Wildlife Prehistory History 

Pollard Canyon Creek 

Unnamed Creek (T32N, R31E, Section 17, 18) 

Trout Creek Mountains China Creek Cold Springs Creek Corral Canyon Creek Y 

Y 

Flat Creek, NF 

King River Line Canyon Creek Y 

Y 

Little Creek McDermitt Creek Y 

Y 

Sage Creek Y 

Y 

Other Calico Creek Kelly Creek Kenny Creek Little Humboldt, NF Y Y Y Y Y Y 

Little Humboldt, SF Little Owyhee River Quinn River Y Y 

Y 

Humboldt River Y 

Y 

Y 

Kings River New York Canyon Creek (Stillwater Range) 

Y Y 

Rodeo Creek (Fox Range) 
General Area/Stream Free Potential outstandingly remarkable values 

Name Flowing 

Scenery Recreation Geology LCT * Wildlife Prehistory History 

Removed (non-perennial on public land) Garden Creek

Virgin Creek

Broad Gulch 

Say Canyon 

Granite Creek, EF & WF 

* Source: Recovery Plan for the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, Jan. 1995, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service – Region 1 
Table 2: Potential Eligible Streams 

Stream Name Segment Description and 

Approximate Length 

Outstandingly 

Remarkable 

Value2 

Tentative 

Classification 

Battle Creek 

Black Rock Range 

From Wilderness border to private 

property- both North and South 

Forks 

(6.6 miles total- all on BLM land) 

Scenic recreation All Wild 

Bilk Creek 

Bilk Creek Mountains 

T44N R32E from private land in 

Section 02 to private land in 

Section 26 

(4.8 miles total- all on BLM land) 

Scenic, recreation 

1.8 miles 

Recreational 

3 miles Scenic 

Bottle Creek 

Jackson Mountains 

Headwaters (including main fork, 

unnamed fork to the south, and Big 

South Fork) to private land 

(9.3 miles total- all on BLM land) 

Scenic, recreation All Recreational 

Clear Creek 

Sonoma Range 

From headwaters (including main 

fork and major tributary fork to the 

west) to private land at T33N R38E 

(public sections only) 

(14.6 miles total- 10.4 miles on 

BLM land, 4.2 miles on private) 

Scenic, recreation All Recreational 

Corral Canyon 

Creek 

Trout Creek Mountains 

Headwaters to private land 

(3.3 miles total- all on BLM land) 

**not entirely perennial** 

Scenic, recreation All Recreational 

Cottonwood 

Creek 

Granite Range 

Headwaters to private land at T35N 

R23E Section 28 

(7.6 miles total- 5.8 miles on BLM 

land, 1.8 miles on private) 

Scenic, recreation All Recreational 

Coyote Canyon 

Creek 

Humboldt Range 

Headwaters (including main fork 

and 2 major tributary forks to the 

north and south) to private land 

(6.2 miles total- all on BLM land) 

Scenic, recreation 

4.5 miles Scenic 

1.7 miles 

Recreational 

26 
Stream Name Segment Description and 

Approximate Length 

Outstandingly 

Remarkable 

Value2 

Tentative 

Classification 

Crowley Creek 

Montana Mountains 

Headwaters (including main fork 

and major tributary fork to the 

south) to private property 

(13.6 miles total- all on BLM land) 

Fish, scenic, 

recreation 

5 miles Wild 

8.6 miles Scenic 

Kings River 

Trout Creek Mountains 

Oregon border to private land 

(3.7 miles total- all on BLM land) 

Scenic, recreation 

2.5 miles Scenic 

1.2 miles 

Recreational 

North Fork of the 

Little Humboldt1 

From private land in T44N R42E 

Section 23 to private land in T42N 

R43E Section 21 (18 miles totalall on BLM land) 

Scenic, 

recreation, 

geology, 

prehistory, other 

All Wild 

Riser Creek 

Montana Mountains 

Headwaters (including the 2 main 

headwater forks) to Oregon border; 

public lands only 

(19.6 miles total- 18.9 miles on 

BLM land, 0.7 miles on private) 

**not entirely perennial** 

Fish, scenic, 

recreation 

14 miles Scenic 

5.6 miles 

Recreational 

Sage Creek 

Trout Creek Mountains 

From private land in T48N R34E 

Section 35 to Oregon border 

(3.2 miles total- all on BLM land) 

Fish, scenic, 

recreation 

2 miles Scenic 

1.2 miles 

Recreational 

Washburn Creek 

Montana Mountains 

Headwaters to confluence with 

Little Washburn Creek 

(11.8 miles total- all on BLM land) 

Fish, scenic, 

recreation 

5 miles Wild 

6.8 miles Scenic 

1

 Listed in the Nationwide Rivers Inventory List 

2

 Descriptions of the ORVs are given below 

27 
Table 3: ORV Classification Criteria for Wild, Scenic and Recreational River Areas from 

the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, Section 5(d)(1) 

Wild Scenic Recreational 

Attributes 

Free-flowing. Low dams, 

diversion works or other 

minor structures which do 

not inundate the natural 

riverbank may not bar 

consideration as wild. 

Future construction 

restricted. 

Free-flowing. Low dams, 

diversion works or other 

minor structures which do 

not inundate the natural 

riverbank may not bar 

consideration. Future 

construction restricted. 

May have undergone 

some impoundment or 

diversion in the past. 

Water should not have 

characteristics of an 

impoundment for any 

significant distance. 

Future construction 

restricted. 

Generally inaccessible by 

road. One or two 

inconspicuous roads to 

the area may be 

permissible. 

Accessible by roads 

which may occasionally 

bridge the river area. 

Short stretches of 

conspicuous or longer 

stretches of 

inconspicuous and wellscreened roads or 

railroads paralleling river 

area may be permitted. 

Readily accessible, with 

likelihood of paralleling 

roads or railroads along 

river banks and bridges. 

Shorelines essentially 

primitive. One or two 

inconspicuous dwellings 

and land devoted to 

production of hay may be 

permitted. Watershed 

natural-like in 

appearance. 

Shoreline largely 

primitive. Small 

communities limited to 

short reaches of total 

area. Agricultural 

practices which do not 

adversely affect river area 

may be permitted. 

Shoreline may be 

developed. 

Water quality meets 

minimum criteria for 

primary contact 

recreation except where 

such criteria would be 

exceeded by natural 

background conditions 

and esthetics and 

capable of supporting 

propagation of aquatic life 

normally adapted to 

habitat of the stream. 

Water quality should meet minimum criteria for 

desired types of recreation except where such criteria 

would be exceeded by natural background conditions 

and esthetics and capable of supporting propagation 

of aquatic life normally adapted to habitat of the 

stream, or capable of and is being restored to that 

quality. 

Management 

Objectives See Manual Section .51 

28 
Table 4: Interim Protection for Candidate Wild and Scenic Rivers 

Issue/Action Eligible Suitable 

Study 

Boundary 

Minimum of 0.25 mile from 

ordinary high-water mark 

Boundary may include adjacent 

areas needed to protect identified 

values 

Minimum of 0.25 mile from 

ordinary high-water mark 

Boundary may include adjacent 

areas needed to protect identified 

values 

Preliminary 

Classification Section 2(b): 

Three classes: Wild, Scenic, and 

Recreational defined by statute 

Criteria for classification described 

in Interagency Guidelines 

Manage at preliminary 

classification 

Section 2(b): 

Three classes: Wild, Scenic, and 

Recreational defined by statute 

Criteria for classification described 

in Interagency Guidelines 

Manage at preliminary 

classification 

Study Report 

Review 

Procedures 

Notice of study report/Draft EA 

published in Federal Register 

Comments/response from federal, 

state, and local agencies, and the 

public included in the study 

report/Final EA transmitted to the 

President and Congress 

Private Land 

-Administration 

-Acquisition 

Affect private land uses through 

voluntary partnership with 

state/local governments and 

landowners 

No regulatory authority 

No ability to acquire interests in 

land under the Act’s authority prior 

to designation 

Affect private land uses through 

voluntary partnership with 

state/local governments and 

landowners 

No regulatory authority 

No ability to acquire interests in 

land under the Act’s authority prior 

to designation 

Typically an evaluation of the 

adequacy of the local zoning and 

land use controls is a component 

of suitability determination 

29 
Issue/Action Eligible Suitable 

Water 

Resources 

Project 

River’s free-flowing condition protected to the extent of other agency 

authorities; not protected under the Act 

Land 

Disposition 

Agency discretion to retain lands within river corridor in federal 

ownership 

Mining and 

Mineral 

Leasing 

Protect free flow and outstandingly remarkable values 

Actions of 

Other 

Agencies 

Affect actions of other agencies through voluntary partnerships 

Protect 

Outstandingly 

Remarkable 

Values 

No regulatory authority conferred by the Act; agency protects through 

other authorities 

Section 11(b) 1: 

Limited financial or other assistance to encourage participation in the 

acquisition, protection, and management of river resources. 

30 
O R E G O N

Map 1: Streams within Winnemucca Admin Boundary

Legend

Towns

RENO

Winnemucca

Elko

LAS

VEGAS

NEVADA

15

80

No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management

as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these 

data for individual or aggregate use with other data.

Lovelock

Winnemucca

Gerlach

Denio McDermitt

447

140

95

80

80

HUMBOLDT

COUNTY

PERSHING

COUNTY

WASHOE

COUNTY

CHURCHILL

COUNTY

0 10 20 30 40 50 5

Miles

12/2/05 

Land Status

LYON

COUNTY

Streams

Bureau of Land Management

Bureau of Reclamation

Fish and Wildlife Service

Water

Private

Native American Reservation

Nevada State

United States Forest Service

BLM Wilderness Study Area 31

Counties

BLM Winnemucca Field Office

Administrative Boundary

Roads

U.S. Interstate

State Highway

U.S. Highway

Black Rock/High Rock NCA

RMP Area
Map 2: Potential Eligible Streams within 

Winnemucca Admin Boundary

RENO

Winnemucca

Elko

LAS

VEGAS

NEVADA

15

80

No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management

as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these 

data for individual or aggregate use with other data.

Lovelock

Winnemucca

Gerlach

Denio McDermitt

447

140

95

80

80

HUMBOLDT

COUNTY

PERSHING

COUNTY

WASHOE

COUNTY

CHURCHILL

COUNTY

0 10 20 30 40 50 5

Miles

12/2/05 

LYON

COUNTY

1 2 3

4 5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Roads

U.S. Interstate

State Highway

U.S. Highway

Land Status

Bureau of Land Management

Bureau of Reclamation

BLM Wilderness Study Area

Fish and Wildlife Service

Water

Private

Native American Reservation

Nevada State

United States Forest Service 32

Legend

1- Kings River

2- Corral Canyon Creek

3- Sage Creek

4- Riser Creek

5- Washburn Creek

6- Crowley Creek

7- Bilk Creek

8- Battle Creek

9- Bottle Creek

10- N. Fk. Little Humboldt R.

11- Clear Creek

12- Coyote Canyon Creek

13- Cottonwood Creek

Eligible Streams

Towns

Counties

Black Rock/High Rock NCA

RMP Area

Winnemucca BLM Field Office

Administrative Boundary

O R E G O N
Map 3: Eligible Streams for Suitability Analysis

Legend within Winnemucca Admin Boundary

Towns

RENO

Winnemucca

Elko

LAS

VEGAS

NEVADA

15

80

No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management

as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these 

data for individual or aggregate use with other data.

Lovelock

Winnemucca

Gerlach

Denio McDermitt

447

140

95

80

80

HUMBOLDT

COUNTY

PERSHING

COUNTY

WASHOE

COUNTY

CHURCHILL

COUNTY

0 10 20 30 40 50 5

Miles

12/2/05 

Land Status

LYON

COUNTY

Suitable Streams

Bureau of Land Management

Bureau of Reclamation

Fish and Wildlife Service

Water

Private

Native American Reservation

Nevada State

United States Forest Service

BLM Wilderness Study Area

Crowley Creek

Washburn Creek

N. Fk. Little Humboldt R.

33

Counties

Roads

U.S. Interstate

State Highway

U.S. Highway

BLM Winnemucca Field Office

Administrative Boundary

Black Rock/High Rock NCA

RMP Area

O R E G O N
N. Fork

of

the

Little

Humboldt

River

Map 4: N. Fk. Little Humboldt River - Eligible portion for Wild & Scenic River Suitability

Legend

Land Status

Bureau of Land Management

Private

Suitable Wild and Scenic River Designation Boundary

(approx. 0.5-mile corridor, centered on N. Fk. Little Humboldt River)

5,417 total acres- 99% BLM land, 1% private land

Suitable portion of N. Fk. Little Humboldt River

for Wild & Scenic River Designation

(Total length- 18 miles- all on BLM land)

No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management

as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these 

data for individual or aggregate use with other data. 12/1/05

Detail Area

N E V A D A

1:105,000

0 1 2 0.5

Miles 34

Winnemucca Admin Boundary

BLM Wilderness Study Area
Map 5: Crowley Creek - Eligible portion for Wild & Scenic River Suitability

Legend

Land Status

Bureau of Land Management

Private

Suitable Wild and Scenic River Designation Boundary

(approx. 0.5-mile corridor, centered on Crowley Creek)

4,336 total acres- 100% BLM land

Suitable portion of Crowley Creek

for Wild & Scenic River Designation

(Total length- 13.6 miles- all on BLM land)

No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management

as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these 

data for individual or aggregate use with other data. 12/1/05 Detail Area

N E V A D A

1:100,000

0 0.75 1.5 2.25 3

Miles

35

Winnemucca Admin Boundary
Map 6: Washburn Creek - Eligible portion for Wild & Scenic River Suitability

Legend

Land Status

Bureau of Land Management

Private

Suitable Wild and Scenic River Designation Boundary

(approx. 0.5-mile corridor, centered on Washburn Creek)

3,830 total acres- 100% BLM land

Suitable portion of Washburn Creek

for Wild & Scenic River Designation

(Total length- 11.8 miles- all on BLM land)

No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management

as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these 

Detail Area data for individual or aggregate use with other data. 12/1/05

N E V A D A

1:100,000

0 0.75 1.5 2.25 3

Miles

36

Winnemucca Admin Boundary