Vermont River Study: Feds Launch Three-Year Review for Wild and Scenic Status on Nulhegan River and Paul Stream

This bill, officially titled the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025, is purely procedural, but it kicks off a major federal review that could lock in environmental protections for two key Vermont waterways. Essentially, Congress is instructing the Secretary of the Interior to study whether the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream are eligible to be added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This designation is a big deal—it’s the highest level of protection the federal government offers to free-flowing rivers.

The Fine Print: What Gets Studied and When

The bill is very specific about the segments under review. For the Nulhegan River, the study covers about 22 miles of the main stem, running from the headwaters near Nulhegan Pond down to where it meets the Connecticut River, plus all its side streams. Paul Stream gets a similar treatment, with roughly 18 miles being studied from its headwaters on West Mountain until it joins the Connecticut River. This isn't just a casual look; the study needs to assess the rivers' "outstanding remarkable values"—things like scenery, recreation, geology, or fish and wildlife—that make them worthy of permanent protection.

The Three-Year Clock Starts Now (Sort Of)

Here’s the catch for anyone waiting for action: the bill sets a hard deadline of three years for the Secretary of the Interior to complete the study and report back to Congress. However, that three-year clock only starts ticking after the Secretary secures the necessary funding to do the work (SEC. 2). This means the study won't be delayed indefinitely, but the start date depends on future appropriations. Once the report is delivered, Congress will use that information to decide whether to officially designate the rivers as Wild and Scenic.

Real-World Impact: What Wild and Scenic Means for You

For most people who enjoy the outdoors—paddlers, anglers, hikers, and local residents—this study is great news. Inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers System generally means no new federally licensed dams or water projects can be built on these segments, preserving the natural flow and character of the river. If you own property nearby, this could mean enhanced environmental quality and stable land values, though it also means new federal regulations and restrictions on development or resource extraction in the immediate vicinity of the river. Anyone looking to undertake large-scale projects, like logging or major construction, along these 40 miles of river will face much stricter scrutiny if the designation goes through, which is the main reason why future developers or land users might find this process restrictive. For now, it’s just a study, but it’s the crucial first step toward permanent conservation of these beautiful, free-flowing waterways.