Vermont's Nulhegan River & Paul Stream Slated for Wild & Scenic Study: Feds Get 3 Years (Once Funded) to Investigate Protections

This new piece of legislation, officially titled the "Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025," isn't about making immediate changes to your favorite Vermont fishing spot or hiking trail just yet. Instead, it's like hitting the 'research' button. The bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a formal study of approximately 22 miles of the Nulhegan River's main stem (from its headwaters near Nulhegan Pond to where it meets the Connecticut River) and about 18 miles of Paul Stream (from its headwaters on West Mountain to the Connecticut River), including any connected tributaries. The main goal? To figure out if these waterways have what it takes—those "outstandingly remarkable values" like unique scenery, wildlife, or history—to be officially added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

So, What's This "Wild and Scenic River Study" All About?

Think of this as the federal government doing its due diligence. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (that's 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq. if you want to get technical) is a cornerstone law for protecting some of America's most special, free-flowing rivers. Getting a river "designated" under this Act means it receives special protections to preserve its natural character and values. This bill, to be clear, doesn't automatically grant that designation. It simply says, "Let's take a thorough look." The study itself will involve assessing things like the rivers' current ecological health, recreational uses, cultural significance, and overall condition. It's basically a deep-dive background check to see if these Vermont rivers meet the high bar for federal protection.

The Clock Starts Ticking... When the Money Shows Up

Here’s a critical detail that anyone following this should note: Section 2 of the bill amends Section 5(b) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to give the Secretary of the Interior three years to complete this study and send a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations to Congress. However, that three-year countdown only begins once Congress actually appropriates the funds needed for the study. This "subject to appropriations" clause is pretty standard for these types of initiatives. It means the authorization to study is there, but the actual work can't start until the money is specifically allocated. So, no cash, no study, no report. For locals in Vermont or anyone who cherishes these rivers, this means the timeline isn't set in stone until those funds are officially "made available."

What Could This Mean Down the Road?

If this study eventually leads to a recommendation for designation, and Congress agrees, it could unlock more resources for managing and protecting the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream. This might involve measures to limit certain types of development near the rivers to safeguard their unique qualities. For people who enjoy these rivers for activities like kayaking, fishing, or simply soaking in nature, such a designation could help ensure these areas remain pristine for generations to come. Naturally, questions about potential impacts on existing land uses or local economies are part of what the study is designed to explore thoroughly. The final report to Congress will lay out all these potential benefits and considerations based on solid, on-the-ground fact-finding. For now, though, the focus is squarely on gathering that information.