Wild and Scenic River Designation
for the White Oak River

What is a Wild and Scenic River?

     A WSR is a free-flowing river with "outstandingly remarkable" values (ORV) as described in the Wild and Scenic River Act of 1968. There are three classifications of WSRs:

• Wild: Those rivers, or sections of rivers, that are free of impoundments, generally inaccessible except by trail (no roads), with watersheds or shorelines essentially primitive, and having unpolluted waters.
• Scenic: Those rivers having the same characteristics as "Wild," but accessible in places by roads. These rivers are usually more developed than "Wild" and less developed than "Recreational."
• Recreational: Those rivers or sections of rivers that remain largely natural in appearance but are readily accessible by road or railroad, may have some development along the shoreline, and may have had some impoundment or diversion in the past.

Why was the Wild and Scenic River Act written?

     Because the U.S. has a policy of damming some rivers, a complementary policy of preserving others was developed. Currently there are over 10,800 river miles in the WSR system but over 600,000 river miles that are obstructed by dams. Many free-flowing rivers have been degraded, compromised by development, or require substantial restoration. The intent of the Act is to help focus management efforts to protect selected rivers and their associated values.

What are the primary effects of WSR designation?

     WSR designation seeks to maintain and enhance a river's current natural condition and provide for public use consistent with retaining those values. Designation affords certain legal protection, e.g., no new dams can be constructed, or federally assisted water resource development projects be allowed, which might adversely affect designated river values. Where private lands are involved, the federal managing agency will work with local governments and property owners to develop protective measures, thereby avoiding land acquisition.
     In other words, scenic or recreational designation will allow current river and land uses to continue while preventing projects that will degrade the outstanding qualities of the river. The designation does not give additional power to the federal government over private landowners.

What are the economic benefits of WSR designation?

     WSR designation can bring increased ecotourism to the designated river. Land prices along the river may increase. Better water quality in the White Oak could cause closed shellfish beds to be opened. A WSR management plan could help direct efforts to improve water quality, and attract grant money.

What are the steps involved in a WSR designation?

     First a river or river segment is determined eligible, meaning it is free-flowing, and has "outstandingly remarkable values." The Croatan National Forest has performed this study on 39.5 miles of the White Oak River. Next, the river must be declared suitable, a study which the Croatan National Forest performed on 27.9 miles of the river. Then the segments are identified as recreational or scenic, the river corridor is identified, and a management plan is created. Finally, it takes federal legislation to designate the river.

What makes the White Oak River eligible and
suitable to be a Wild and Scenic River?

     The White Oak is eligible due to its scenic, botanical, wildlife, historical, and cultural "outstandingly remarkable" values. There are 5 distinct ecotypes along the White Oak: coastal plain bottomland hardwood forest, tidal red cedar forest, brackish marsh, tidal cypress swamp and tidal freshwater marsh. The tidal red cedar forest is especially rare. The river provides habitat for osprey, alligator, and waterfowl and provides an excellent fishing and shellfishing resource. There are at least 36 historic sites eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, and there are archaeological resources with state, regional, and national significance. The river is suitable because designation will effectively protect the river and because there appears to be adequate public support for designation.

How are corridor boundaries established?

     The corridor will average 1/4 mile on either side of the river, for a maximum of 320 acres per mile. This boundary IS NOT a "take line" and the federal government has NO control over private property within the boundary. These boundaries must be finalized, through the management planning process, within one year of designation. The management plan will suggest how to best preserve this area.

Who writes the management plan?

The management plan is often written by the National Park Service or Forest Service. In this case, we anticipate the Forest Service will provide guidance for a plan that includes much input from state and local governments as well as interested citizens. This is just one of the many places your input will be important.

What organizations are involved in this effort?

The North Carolina Coastal Federation and the Croatan National Forest have begun this effort by convening a "steering committee" composed of citizens, business owners, and state government biologists in Carteret, Onslow, and Jones county. Several local businesses, paddling and environmental organizations, and tourism bureaus have already shown support for the designation effort. In addition, the Swansboro Planning Board and Onslow County Board of Commissioners have enthusiastically endorsed designation.

What is the next step?

We will continue to meet with Commissioners in Carteret and Jones Counties this fall. In addition we will continue to seek additional endorsements from local citizens' groups, tourism bureaus, and businesses. Once broad community support is gathered we will seeking congressional legislation.

Endorsers of Scenic and Recreational Designation
for the White Oak River as of 10/15/01

• Barrier Island Kayaks
• Carteret County Crossroads
• Carteret County Tourism Development Bureau
• Carteret County Wildlife Club
• Croatan National Forest
• Crystal Coast Canoe and Kayak Club
• Emerald Isle Realty
• Flying Bridge Restaurant
• Izaak Walton League
• M&W Signs
• North Carolina Coastal Federation
• North Carolina Paddle and Trails Association
• White Oak River Bistro