Before a river can be designated Wild and Scenic, it must meet certain requirements for eligibility. One of the primary bases for determining eligibility is the identification of the river’s Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act defines these values as those characteristics that make the river worthy of special protection. Outstandingly Remarkable Values can include scenery, recreation, fish and wildlife, geology, history, culture, and other similar values.

In order to be considered, two vital questions must be answered to establish the criteria for selection of Outstandingly Remarkable Values:

• Is the value river-related or river-dependent?
  

• Is the value rare, unique, or exemplary in a regional or national context?

In the administration of a Wild and Scenic River, "primary emphasis shall be given to protecting its aesthetic, scenic, historic, archeologic, and scientific features" (16 USC 1281[a]). The Merced River Plan includes a set of Outstandingly Remarkable Values for the main stem and South Fork of the Merced River that were refined through the public planning process. Application of the Merced River Plan’s seven management elements will allow for the protection and enhancement of these Outstandingly Remarkable Values. The following are categories of Outstandingly Remarkable Values used in the Merced River Plan (table 2 presents the values for each river segment):

• Scientific – Because much of the watershed is largely within designated Wilderness in Yosemite, the Merced River corridor constitutes a rich resource for scientific study. Scientific Outstandingly Remarkable Values relate to the Merced River’s value for research.

• Scenic – Yosemite National Park is recognized worldwide for its spectacular scenic wonders. Scenic resource Outstandingly Remarkable Values include spectacular views from the river and its banks and include a number of viewpoints that exhibit the sublime character of Yosemite National Park.

• Geologic Processes/Conditions – Unique to the Merced River corridor is the dramatic evidence of natural processes at work for thousands of years. Geologic process and geologic condition Outstandingly Remarkable Values are generally related to glaciation, granite domes, river processes, and unique geologic features.

• Recreation – The vast spectrum of recreational opportunities through-out the Merced River corridor – from fishing and hiking to enjoying solitude and natural sounds along the river – all contribute to a special Yosemite experience. Outstandingly Remarkable Values have been identified relating to those activities unique to the Merced River.

• Biological – From the presence of the Wawona riffle beetle to the diversity of neotropical songbirds, the Merced River is a vital component in deter-mining the overall health of riparian communities. Biological resource Outstandingly Remarkable Values have been identified and include riverine habitats such as riparian forests, meadows, and the aquatic environment of the river and associated special-status species.

• Cultural – For thousands of years, Yosemite’s human residents have lived within the Merced River corridor. Evidence of historic and prehistoric lifeways tells the story of the Merced River’s unique heritage. Cultural resource Outstandingly Remarkable Values include river-related cultural resources that are not intended to divert the free flow of the river and that are either eligible for or listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

• Hydrologic Processes – A logjam hundreds of years old crosses the river in Little Yosemite Valley. The river meanders through Yosemite Valley, then plunges 2,000 feet in elevation over a course of six miles through the gorge. Such distinct features characterize the value of the Merced River’s unique river processes. Outstandingly Remarkable Values related to hydrologic processes generally include pristine water quality, exceptionally steep gradients, extraordinary examples of cascades, and examples of unique hydrologic conditions (e.g., oxbows, unique wetlands, fluvial processes, and an active flood regime).

Outstandingly Remarkable Values are typically identified in a study prior to the designation of a Wild and Scenic River. However, the Merced River’s designation was not preceded by a formal river study. The river’s Outstandingly Remarkable Values have undergone several iterations since its designation, and a description of the evolution of Outstandingly Remarkable Values is provided in Appendix E of the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan/FEIS. Figure 2 provides a conceptual illustration of the locations of Outstandingly Remarkable Values by segment; table 2 represents a segment-by-segment overview of the Outstandingly Remarkable Values for the main stem and South Fork of the Merced River.