Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 45, November 9, 2024
Section 41.2 - Program interpretation Pennsylvania Wild and Scenic River System(a) In the context of the Declaration of Policy, Definition and River Classifications found in sections 2-4 of the Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers Act (32 P. S. §§ 820.22-820.24), the following is furnished as an initial program interpretation for the involved State and local government agencies and citizens interested in the screening process.(b) The following statements, although specifically representative of the indicated river classifications, are also, to varying degrees, interapplicable among those classifications: (1)Wild, scenic and pastoral river classifications. Wild, scenic and pastoral river classifications will conform to the following: (i) The Commonwealth, through the Department, desires to conserve and enhance, for the public aesthetic-recreational enjoyment, those river segments that remain as the most truly representative of its natural river heritage. Of primary importance is the preservation of the feeling of freedom that the wilderness, or rural, or river expanse imparts. The significance of such segments in social, scientific and educational value as a comparative frame of reference for present and future generations is beyond measure.(ii) Adequate management capability is essential to keep these unique and relatively free-flowing, good-quality waters, their visible predominately wild-pastoral shorelines, and indigenous flora and fauna in the same, or an improved, condition for future generations. Fulfilling the mandate section 2 of the Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers Act should benefit social, economic, cultural and environmental conditions and generate greater citizen interest in the river heritage of this Commonwealth. It is essential that the study report of each segment, recommendations, and nomination to the Governor and General Assembly delineate those population sectors that benefit or are adversely affected and define appropriate restraints and incentives for each. Indepth research of the involved resources present and potential capabilities are particularly important.(2)Recreation and modified recreation river classifications. Recreation and modified recreation river classifications shall conform with the following: (i) It is intended to develop a more coordinated utilization of those river segments that best portray outstanding aesthetic-recreational values and that are ideally suited for active or intensive recreational uses. The utilization shall, however, be maintained within the restraints imposed by the resource capability to adequately support use without degradation. The segments could combine interesting intermixtures of forests, fields and other human modifications, that notwithstanding their marked human influences, still blend into a pleasant readily accessible river-landscape of high visitor interest.(ii) These segments will serve ever-growing numbers of users. Particularly those suitable segments that are located within or adjacent to the urban areas will be subject to extensive use. A continuing energy problem will undoubtedly give added impetus to the growth and will possibly dictate extensive and sooner than anticipated government involvement with these specific segment designations.The provisions of this §41.2 adopted May 31, 1974, effective 6/1/1974, 4 Pa.B. 1104; amended August 13, 1982, effective 8/14/1982, 12 Pa.B. 2683; renumbered from 25 Pa. Code § 11.2, June 7, 1996, effective 6/8/1996, 26 Pa.B. 2707.