H.C.R. 6 Enrolled

RESOLUTION URGING APPROVAL PROCESS
REQUIRED BEFORE FEDERAL WILD AND
SCENIC RIVER DESIGNATION
2003 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Sponsor: Bradley T. Johnson
This concurrent resolution of the Legislature and the Governor urges the federal
government to receive approval of both the Legislature and the Governor prior to
designating a wild and scenic river under the Federal Wild and Scenic River Act.
Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
WHEREAS, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was passed by Congress in 1968;
WHEREAS, the act stated that: "certain selected rivers of the Nation, which, with their
immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish
and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values, shall be preserved in the free flowing
condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and
enjoyment of present and future generations";
WHEREAS, the act further stated that the protection would depend on the "type and
degree of human development associated with the river and adjacent lands";
WHEREAS, rivers designated for protection and preservation, or under study for
designation, are withdrawn from consideration for water or power projects;
WHEREAS, Congress must approve any rivers recommended by federal agencies for
designation in the Wild and Scenic River System;
WHEREAS, the role of states in the designation of a wild and scenic river should
include a requirement that the federal government receive the approval of the state legislative
body and the Governor prior to any designation; and
WHEREAS, state approval prior to designation is a vital step in ensuring that the
concerns of citizens and governmental entities most directly affected by the designation have
been heard and carefully considered:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the

Governor concurring therein, strongly urge the federal government to receive the approval of the
Legislature and the Governor of a state prior to designating a river within the state as a wild and
scenic river in accordance with the Wild and Scenic River Act.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the director of the
United States Department of the Interior, the United States Department of Agriculture, the Utah
Department of Natural Resources, and the members of Utah's congressional delegation.

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