Watershed Assessment Framework for National PArk Service Wild and Scenic Rivers

The objectives of this study are to develop expertise through the Recipient to: (1) identify a set of key indicators that can be used to develop a watershed health and vulnerability assessment for wild and scenic rivers, including indicators such as reference flow conditions, upstream flow modifications, land use changes, flood and drought projections, potential pollutant sources, and water quality impairments; (2) provide river managing agencies and their partners with timely and relevant information to help prioritize land conservation and restoration activities that improve water quality and hydrologic function of wild and scenic rivers; (3) place special emphasis on developing and enhancing cooperative relationships between federal, state and local agencies to protect and improve water quality in a manner consistent with the intent of the 1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, including opportunities for citizen science such as Stream Tracker, Swim Guide and/or Water Reporter.