Methodology Study to Develop Evaluation Criteria for Wild and Scenic Rivers: Forest Subproject

The objective of the Forest subproject was to inventory the timber in the Salmon River drainage, and determine the implications of river classification on timber harvest in the area. A secondary objective was to develop a methodology to relate forestry activities to System river selection, then test this methodology using the Salmon River as an example. The timber resource in the Salmon River basin was inventoried and evaluated. Based on the information gathered it was concluded that classification of the river would have little effect on the timber industry in the area. The methodology developed around general steps to take in evaluating the timber resource in relation to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. It was suggested that once it was decided that the river qualified for the System, the researcher suggest various classification schemes for the river. Then rapid, unrefined estimates be made of the amount and value of the affected timber resource. A market base should be selected and the evaluation done on a sustained yield basis. More refined estimates can be made at a later time if warranted. Also discussed were factors involving forestry and system rivers such as selection of interest rate and a land value base. It was determined that the main ties between forestry and system rivers related mainly to transportation, water quality, water quantity, and aesthetics. Harvest types and techniques and their relation to system rivers was discussed, and an interpretation of the Act and guidelines in relation to system rivers was presented. It was concluded that the river basin is not the proper area to consider when relating river classification to the timber industry, as market and not geographic boundaries are relevant