Vermont Rivers Get Federal Spotlight: Nulhegan and Paul Stream Slated for Wild and Scenic Study

This bill, the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025, is purely procedural, but it kicks off a big process for two waterways in Vermont. Essentially, the federal government is directing the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a formal study on the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream to see if they qualify for inclusion in the prestigious National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

The Study Scope: 40 Miles of River

The bill is specific about what needs to be looked at. For the Nulhegan River, the study covers about 22 miles, running from its headwaters near Nulhegan Pond all the way down to where it meets the Connecticut River. Paul Stream gets a similar look, with about 18 miles being studied from its headwaters on West Mountain down to the Connecticut River. Crucially, the bill specifies that the study must include all “connected side streams (tributaries)” for both rivers. This is where things get interesting—and potentially a little vague. While the main segments are clearly defined, that blanket inclusion of tributaries means the federal government will be assessing a much wider swath of land and water than just the main river channels.

The Clock Starts... Eventually

For those who care about the future of these rivers, the bill sets a deadline for the study: three years. However, there’s a catch that busy people need to note: the three-year clock doesn't start ticking until the funding is secured. The bill states the Secretary must complete the study and report back to Congress within three years after money is available to start this work. For regular folks, this means the study could be delayed indefinitely if Congress doesn't appropriate the necessary funds promptly. It’s an authorization to study, not an immediate guarantee of action.

What This Means for the Area

Right now, this bill changes nothing on the ground; it just starts the assessment process. But if these rivers are eventually designated Wild and Scenic, it could significantly impact land use. For example, if you're a landowner, developer, or logging company operating near the rivers or their tributaries, a Wild and Scenic designation could place restrictions on new construction, water resource projects (like dams), and certain types of development to preserve the river’s free-flowing nature and outstanding values. This initial study is the first step toward potential federal protection, which would be a big win for conservationists but could complicate things for anyone planning future development or resource extraction in the river corridors.