This dataset includes selected rivers in the United States preserved for possessing outstandingly, remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values. Rivers, or sections of rivers, so designated are preserved in their free-flowing condition and are not dammed or otherwise improved.

This dataset and its attribution establishes a lineage of the river segments for future reference, as their boundaries may change over time. Their attributes serve to store feature level metadata information for the lines, as well as document the origin and characteristics of each line segment. Lines shall be segmented when any of the attributes change (e.g. when the classification changes) or to capture changes in Outstandingly Remarkable Value (ORV). Every river segment must have at least one record in the related table, nlcs_wsr_orv_tbl. Please see the Entity and Attribute section of this metadata for information regarding the ORV table (nlcs_wsr_orv_tbl) and its relationship to this feature class (nlcs_wsr_ln).

The footprints depicted in this NLCS dataset are based on the results of the river suitability determination within the Record of Decision (ROD) (May 29, 1996) and the follow-up BLM Arizona Statewide Wild and Scenic Rivers Study/Report (February, 1997). Thirteen of the twenty river areas reviewed for eligibility were considered suitable for classification/designation. River areas deemed "unsuitable" were not recommended for designation were released from wild and scenic river consideration. Additional supplemental information (plans, assessments, and amendments) are described in sections 1 and 3 of the ROD.

On October 2, 1968, President Johnson signed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, sponsored by Senator Frank Church. The act currently protects more than two hundred rivers in thirty-five states and Puerto Rico. The Act’s legacy is one of protecting the special character of certain rivers, while recognizing the potential for use and development. In June 2000, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) responded to growing public concern over the loss of open space by establishing the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS). The NLCS stores some of the BLM’s premier designation areas in the hopes of increasing public awareness of the scientific, cultural, educational, ecological, and other values of these areas.