The "Deerfield River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025" mandates a study of the Deerfield River and its tributaries in Massachusetts and Vermont to assess their suitability for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, with a report due to Congress within 3 years.
Edward "Ed" Markey
Senator
MA
The Deerfield River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025 directs the Secretary of the Interior to study the Deerfield River and its major tributaries in Massachusetts and Vermont for potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The study will assess the river's eligibility based on its outstanding resource values. A report on the study's findings must be submitted to Congress within three years of funding availability.
Study Ordered for Deerfield River: Feds Have 3 Years Post-Funding to Report on 'Wild and Scenic' Potential
This act kicks off a formal look into the Deerfield River system across Massachusetts and Vermont. It officially designates the entire river – including its North, South, East, and West Branches, plus major tributaries like the Green and North Rivers – for study under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The main goal is to figure out if these waterways qualify for special federal protection based on their natural, cultural, or recreational value.
Putting the Deerfield Under the Microscope
So, what does a 'study designation' actually mean? Essentially, Section 2 of this bill tasks the Secretary of the Interior with evaluating the Deerfield system. This involves assessing the river's characteristics – think free-flowing condition, unique scenery, fish and wildlife habitats, historical significance, or recreational opportunities like fishing and boating. It's about gathering the facts needed to determine if parts or all of the river meet the criteria laid out in the national Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
What Happens Next (and When?)
The bill sets a clear deadline: the Secretary must complete this study and send a report with recommendations to Congress within three years. However, that clock only starts ticking after Congress specifically allocates funds for this study. Until the money is budgeted, the study remains on the to-do list. It's important to note this legislation only authorizes the study; it doesn't automatically designate the river. That would require a separate act of Congress based on the study's findings.
Ripple Effects: Who's Watching This Study?
While this bill just greenlights a study, its outcome could have real-world consequences down the line. If the study leads to a future 'Wild and Scenic' designation, it could bring enhanced conservation efforts and potentially boost local tourism centered around recreation. On the flip side, such a designation often comes with rules about development and land use along the river corridor. Landowners and local industries that rely on the river might face new regulations or restrictions, which is why the results of this study will be closely watched by communities all along the Deerfield.