Wekiva’s Outstanding Resources
The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act states that in order for a river to be eligible for designation it must be “free-flowing” and must possess one or more “outstandingly remarkable” values. The designated waters within the Wekiva River System were found to be free flowing and possess five outstandingly remarkable values (ORVs). The goals of the Outstandingly Remarkable Values are listed as follows:
Natural Scenic Goals
- Maintain and enhance healthy native plant and animal communities in the Wekiva River System.
- Maintain and enhance the wild and scenic character of the Wekiva River System by limiting the intrusion of the visual and auditory aspects of human development and activity.
Recreation Goals
- Provide opportunities for recreation on the Wekiva River System that are compatible with the area’s natural and cultural features and management objectives.
- Ensure that river recreation minimizes environmental impacts and user conflicts and is Compatible with the preservation of natural and cultural qualities of a National Wild and Scenic River.
Wildlife and Habitat Goals
- Protect aquatic and aquatic-dependent organisms and their habitats throughout the Wekiva River System and its associated wetlands.
- Maintain habitat quality, landscape diversity, and ecosystem connectivity within the Wekiva basin area and associated ecosystems with an emphasis on the black bear as an umbrella species.
- Reduce the impacts of invasive species and exotic species on native species and habitats throughout the Wekiva River System and its associated wetlands.
Historic and Cultural Resource Goals
- Identify, protect, and preserve historic and cultural resources from human related and natural threats.
- Foster an understanding among the public of the significance of the historic and cultural resources of the Wekiva basin.
Water Quality and Quantity Goals
- Protect instream water quality of the Wekiva River System.
- Protect flow regimes of the Wekiva River System.
