Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs) - Upper Missisquoi and Trout Rivers Wild & Scenic Study

ORV Eligibility Requirements

2012-02-20T16:20:00.000-08:00

In order to be listed on the NRI, a river must be free-flowing and possess one or more Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs). Thus, the eligibility analysis consists of an examination of the river's hydrology, including any man-made alterations, and an inventory of its natural, cultural, and recreational resources. There are a variety of methods to determine whether certain resources are so unique, rare or exemplary as to make them outstandingly remarkable. The determination that a river area contains ORVs is a professional judgment on the part of the interdisciplinary study team (IDT), based on objective, scientific analysis. Input from organizations and individuals familiar with specific river resources should be sought and documented as part of the process.

In order to be assessed as outstandingly remarkable, a river-related value must be a unique, rare, or exemplary feature that is significant at a comparative regional or national scale. Dictionary definitions of the words "unique" and "rare" indicate that such a value would be one that is conspicuous example from among a number of similar values that are themselves uncommon or extraordinary. One possible procedure would be to list all of the river's special values and then assess whether they are unique, rare or exemplary within the state, physiographic province, eco region, or the other area of comparison. Only one such value is needed for eligibility.

The area, region or scale of comparison is not fixed, and should be defined as that which serves as a basis for meaningful comparative analysis; it may vary depending on the value being considered. Typically, a "region" is defined on the scale of an administrative unit, a portion of a state, or an appropriately scaled physiographic or hydrologic unit.

While the spectrum of resources that may be considered is broad, all values should be directly river-related. That is, they should:

· Be located in the river or on its immediate shorelands (generally within 1/4 mile on either side of the river);

· Contribute substantially to the functioning of the river ecosystem; and/or

· Owe their location or existence to the presence of the river.

Comments about ORVs?

2011-12-13T10:44:00.000-08:00

The map above is a DRAFT that shows the POTENTIAL Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs) that the Wild & Scenic study committee has identified so far. The ORVs will be finalized in the upcoming months and final versions of this map will be made available at that point. The river segments that are under study are highlighted, as are the towns in the study area. Please have a look around the map and leave any comments about ORVs (that are here or others that you'd like to see included). Feel free to email the Wild & Scenic study coordinator with your comments as well: info(at)vtwsr.org. For more information about ORVs, see the older posts below.

If you'd like to view the ORV data in more detail (using Google Earth), please click here.

Do you think you know of an outstanding resource in the Missisquoi or Trout study area?

2011-07-20T23:30:00.000-07:00

Feel free to post your ideas here. Also, you may contact us with ideas about what resources are outstanding in or along the Missisquoi and Trout Rivers at info@vtwsr.org; 3839 VT Route 105, East Berkshire, VT 05447; or 802-393-0076

How would the rivers be designated Wild and Scenic?

2011-07-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

In order to be designated, the Study Committee must show that there are outstandingly remarkable values which are of regional, national, or state-wide significance. The Study Committee has determined that the Missisquoi and Trout Rivers have these values. The Study Committee must also show community support for designation. This will be accomplished through meetings and discussion with community members, and ultimately by a vote at town meeting in each of the ten towns and villages. If both of these are demonstrated, then legislation is brought to Congress, and if passed signed into law by the President.

What is an Outstandingly Remarkable Value (ORV)?

2011-07-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

To be eligible for designation, a river must be free-flowing and possess one or more outstandingly remarkable values (ORVs). To be an ORV the resource must be of local, state, regional or national significance. It must also be river-related such as: within about 1/4 mile from the riverbank, contribute substantially to the functioning of the river ecosystem, and/or owe its location or existence to the river.

Under what categories do ORVs fall?

2011-07-18T14:02:00.000-07:00

Typically ORVs are recreational (fishing, canoeing, hunting, sightseeing...), historical/cultural, scenic/aesthetic, or natural history (wildlife, plants, water quality, geology...).