Q: Where is Birch Creek Wild and Scenic River?

A: Birch Creek Wild and Scenic River is a 111-mile portion of the upper Ikhèenjik River that flows from the windswept ridges of the Steese National Conservation Area into the broad expanse of the Yukon Flats in central Alaska.

 

Q: Why did the BLM do a comprehensive river management plan?

A: Section 3(d)(1) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act requires that a comprehensive management plan be prepared for each wild and scenic river (WSR) to provide for the protection of river values. The plan must address resource protection, development of lands and facilities, user capacities, and other management practices necessary or desirable to achieve the purposes of the act. The new plan updates the 1983 River Management Plan. Replacing the old plan is an important part of implementing the Steese Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan (2016).

 

Q: What does the comprehensive river management plan do?

A: The primary goal of this Birch Creek Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP) is to provide management direction for protecting and enhancing the river values for Birch Creek WSR. The CRMP clearly documents the river corridor boundary with enhanced mapping. It also establishes management direction, user capacities, monitoring, and other management practices necessary to protect and enhance the river values including the river’s free-flowing condition, water quality, and outstandingly remarkable values (ORVs). The Birch Creek WSR has scenic, recreation, and fisheries ORVs.  In addition, the Birch Creek WSR is designated as wild because it is free of impoundments, it is generally accessible by trail only, and the watersheds and shorelines are essentially primitive.