Last updated: January 24, 2022
Article
NPS Publishes Reference Manual 46 Agency Guidance
With great rivers comes great responsibility.
The NPS Wild and Scenic River (WSR) program is celebrating the release of Reference Manual #46 in April 2021. Reference Manual 46 addresses issues that the NPS frequently encounters as part of our administrative and management responsibilities. It is intended to provide detailed guidance to staff charged with carrying out NPS responsibilities under the WSR Act and Director’s Order #46 . It includes information on river studies and planning, best practices for river management and stewardship, and guidance on the evaluation process and standards for evaluating water resources projects (e.g. dams, bridges, rip rap) under Section 7 of the WSR Act.
NPS / Jean Van Tatenhove
The NPS has responsibility for over 4,000 river miles within 64 designated rivers, including:
- 32 within, bordering or designated as NPS lands
- 16 managed in partnership with local Councils
- 15 state-administered
- 1 tribe-administered (3 co-administered)
NPS Photo
NPS strives to remove internal barriers and increase coordination to protect and enhance wild and scenic river resources under our care. Developing this guidance was a collaborative effort amongst the NPS WSR Steering Committee over many years. The Steering Committee, formed in 2007, was jointly chartered in the Directorates of Partnerships and Civic Engagement and Natural Resource Stewardship and Science. The Steering Committee is composed of representatives from the regions, Superintendents, and the Washington Support Office.
Free-flowing rivers are vital, and their protection relies on your support! The Steering Committee hopes this document is valued and used across the service as a living document. If you’re looking for guidance interpreting and/or applying the Reference Manual or have additions to make, please reach out to your regional representative on the NPS WSR Steering Committee.