Wild and Scenic Rivers Course of Study

This course of study is designed to help improve knowledge about the management of wild and scenic rivers.

This course of study is self-paced allowing you flexibility in the time needed to complete the modules. You decide the order and progression you’d like to take, allowing you to revisit and review sections in greater depth as needed. You may also complete only the modules you need, rather than the entire course of study.

Elements of the course of study:

• Informational text
• Engaging videos
• Real-life examples and case studies
• Links to resource manuals and documents
• Interactive practice activities
• Informal assessment quizzes
• Final assessments
• Certificates of Completion for each module, as well as an overall Certificate of Completion for the Course of Study

Following each module, you will complete an assessment which requires you to demonstrate your understanding of key course concepts. Upon successful completion of the assessment, you will be awarded an electronic certificate of completion. If you successfully complete all 13 modules, you will be awarded an electronic course of study certificate of completion.Course Outline

The modules included in this course of study are:

• Module 1: History and Importance of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
• Module 2: Fundamentals of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, Key Policies, and the Interagency Coordinating Council
• Module 3: Eligibility
• Module 4: Suitability
• Module 5: Protective Management for Eligible and Suitable Segments
• Module 6: Developing the Comprehensive River Management Plan
• Module 7: Managing Wild and Scenic Rivers
• Module 8: Addressing User Capacity
• Module 9: Section 7(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
• Module 10: Monitoring
• Module 11: Overview of 2(a)(ii) - Rivers
• Module 12: Partnerships
• Module 13: Alaska

Course Objectives

After completing all 13 modules in this course of study, participants should be able to:

1. Discuss the history and significance of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the primary concepts embodied in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and the role of federal land management agencies in implementing the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
2. Discuss the fundamentals of wild and scenic river inventory, evaluation, planning, and management according to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, regulations and policies, and Interagency Guidelines.
3. Determine whether a river segment is eligible for potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System given the criteria in Manual 6400: Wild and Scenic Rivers – Policy and Program Direction for Identification, Evaluation, Planning, and Management. Be able to identify all rivers on Bureau of Land Management-administered lands within a planning area that have the potential to meet eligibility requirements. Be able to evaluate BLM-identified and congressionally authorized study rivers for eligibility for potential wild and scenic river designation.
4. Evaluate BLM-identified and congressionally authorized study rivers for suitability and for potential designation through the land use planning process under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
5. Determine appropriate application of protective management requirements on BLM-identified and congressionally authorized study rivers under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and BLM 6400 manual.
6. Describe the immediate actions to be taken for a new wild and scenic river and the process of developing a Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP) for all congressionally designated wild and scenic rivers.
7. Explain the responsibilities of river managers and others to manage designated wild and scenic rivers to protect and enhance river values, and explain the hierarchy of management direction to maintain the classification of wild and scenic rivers.
8. Explain the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act’s Section 3(d)(1) user capacities provision and apply the requirements contained in BLM Manual 6400 for a recommended framework to address user capacities.
9. Explain, through a proposed project on a stream protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, how to evaluate a project under the standards specified in Section 7 of the Act.
10. Describe the steps for design and implementation of a monitoring program and explain how monitoring helps implement specific provisions of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and improves wild and scenic river management. Explain the monitoring procedures that follow the proposed monitoring matrix contained in BLM Manual 6400.
11. Describe the history and intent, policy, and process of and management responsibilities under Section 2(a)(ii) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act; and explain how 2(a)(ii) rivers differ from other wild and scenic rivers.
12. Discuss the history, role, benefits, and future of partnerships in wild and scenic river management.
13. Describe the key distinctions of managing wild and scenic rivers in Alaska due to the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), wild and scenic river management under ANILCA, and ANILCA’s Conservation System Units (CSUs).

Prerequisites

There are no required prerequisites for this course of study.

Frequenly Asked Questions

Aside from an internet connection, what resources will I need for the course?

No additional resources are required for this course.

Will I get a certificate after completing the course?

Yes! All courses include a final assessment to evaluate your understanding of key course concepts. A certificate of completion will be offered to you if you complete the assessment with a score of 80% or higher. You will earn a certificate of completion for a certificate program after completing all program assignments and the assessments with a score of 80% or higher.

Why should I take this course?

Each Eppley e-course is designed collaboratively among experienced instructional designers, subject matter experts, and our partner organizations and institutions. The course curriculum includes current information and best practices in the field and is recognized by national leaders in parks, recreation, and land management. Not only will this course benefit your career by expanding your knowledge base, but it will also enhance your application and problem-solving skills.

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