• Create the Big Sur Management Unit, a division of the Los Padres National Forest, with its own source of funding;
• Add portions of five Central Coast rivers to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (Arroyo Seco River, Big Creek, Carmel River, San Antonio River and San Carpoforo Creek);
• Add 2,287 acres to the Ventana Wilderness and adjusts some boundary areas;
• Create a Wildland Urban Interface Special Study Area for use in demonstrating fire prevention methods;
• Establish the Arroyo Seco-Indians National Recreational Trail and the 65-acre Jeff Norman Botanical Area.

The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress in 1968. Its mission is to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

Wild and Scenic status prevents any dam or other major development in the designated waterway. Since the segments designated in this bill all flow through Forest Service wilderness lands, such development is already prohibited by federal law. However, Wild and Scenic River status would also require the Forest Service to manage the adjacent riparian corridor to enhance the designated stream’s outstanding scenic, recreational, historic/cultural, wildlife and other similar values. California state law would continue to govern any downstream water rights. The designations do not confer any federal authority over the use of private land or local zoning adjacent to or downstream from designated segments.

Section-by-section analysis of legislation

Letters of support:

• Big Creek Reserve
• Carmel Valley Association
• Salinan Nation
• Tassajara Zen Mountain Center

Maps and supporting documents:

• Wild and Scenic Rivers Adjustment
• Big Sur Managament Unit Boundary Adjustment Map
• Jeff Norman Special Botanical Area
• Ventana Wilderness Adjustment
• Little Sur Wilderness Adjustment
• Silver Peak Wilderness Adjustment
• Horse Canyon Wilderness Addition
• Horse Pasture Wilderness Addition (map forthcoming)