Director's Order #46: Wild and Scenic Rivers (WSR) provides consistent guidance to National Park Service managers and staff to implement NPS responsibilities under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act for the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
The National Park Service WSR Steering Committee, with input from a broad array of stakeholders, wrote Director’s Order #46. The accompanying Reference Manual #46 is intended to complement Director’s Order #46 and provide detailed guidance to staff charged with carrying out NPS responsibilities under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
Reference Manual #46 addresses issues that the National Park Service frequently encounters as part of our administrative and management responsibilities for wild and scenic rivers. Please use the Reference Manual 46 in tandem with Director's Order #46.
How Partners Engage on Wild and Scenic Rivers
The National Park Service works closely with many partners to protect and enhance the Wild and Scenic Rivers placed under its care. Rivers seldom follow political boundaries or property lines and stewardship is a responsibility shared by all. State and local governments are often involved as are national and local nonprofits. The National Park Service is a member of the Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council, supporting the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
For questions, or to learn more, reach out to a National Park Service Wild and Scenic River Contact for support on specific rivers near you.
Last updated: December 4, 2023