Pennsylvania Code › Title 17 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES › Part I - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources › Subpart D - Resource Conservation › Chapter 41 - RIVERS CONSERVATION-STATEMENT OF POLICY › Section 41.4 - Classification criteria

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a)
Water volume.
A river preferably should have sufficient volume
				  of water during normal years to permit, during the recreation season, full
				  enjoyment of water-related outdoor recreational activities generally associated
				  with comparable rivers. Flow augmentation is acceptable if water volume is
				  inadequate for boating and additional water supply can be provided reasonably
				  and economically without diminishing the scenic, recreation, fish and wildlife,
				  or other values of the segment.
(b)
Length.
A river or river segment should be long enough to
				  provide a rewarding recreational experience. Generally, in urban areas, any
				  segment included in the river system should be at least 5 miles long. In outer
				  urban areas, a segment should be at least 15 miles long. Rural areas should
				  include river segments at least 25 miles in length. For either urban,
				  outer-urban, or rural segments, a shorter stretch that possesses most of the
				  desired outstanding qualifications and values may be considered for inclusion
				  in the system.
(c)
Wild
				  classifications.
Wild rivers provide free-flowing water that supports
				  water-based recreation and fish and wildlife native to the segment. The
				  shorelines visible from the river or its edge present a pleasing pristine view.
				  Segment access is by foot or nonpowered watercraft or both.
(1)
Impoundments.
Free-flowing, low dams, diversion works or other structures are not permitted.
				  Future construction within the segment will be restricted. Upstream impoundment
				  construction shall be contingent on environmental or other adverse
				  impacts.
(2)
Water
				  quality.
Water quality shall be capable of meeting minimum criteria
				  for desired types of recreational use, especially primary contact recreation,
				  except where the criteria would be exceeded by natural background conditions.
				  In addition, the water presently shall be capable of supporting the propagation
				  of aquatic life, including fish which normally would be adapted to the habitat
				  of the stream under the most desirable natural quality conditions.
(3)
Development.
Shorelines
				  are free of habitation and other substantial evidence of man's intrusion,
				  including waterway modification with a direct and adverse effect on values.
				  Watershed is natural-like in appearance. A limited amount of livestock grazing
				  and hay production, and one or two inconspicuous dwellings are permitted. All
				  conservation methods employed shall be in keeping with the river
				  environment.
(4)
Accessibility.
Generally inaccessible by road. No roads or
				  other provisions from overland motorized travel are permitted within a narrow
				  incised river valley, or if the river valley is broad, within 1/4 mile of, and
				  parallel to, the river bank for a distance of about one mile. The presence,
				  however, of one or two inconspicuous roads leading to the river area is
				  permissible.