The Bridger-Teton National Forest has released a completed comprehensive river management plan for 315 specially protected miles of the Snake River headwaters.

The 230-page plan stems from President Obama’s 2009 signing of an omnibus lands bill, which included the Craig Thomas Snake Headwaters Legacy Act. The act designated over 400 miles of the Snake and 12 of its tributaries as either “wild,” “scenic” or “recreational.”

Separately, the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are developing a management plan for their portion of the Snake headwaters.

The river plans are not expected to result in any drastic changes in terms of regulations or access. The protected status of the 13 rivers and streams extends a quarter mile along each bank, making for a maximum area of 320 acres per mile.

“Wild” waters receive the highest level of protection, and often run through designated wilderness. The designation prohibits land uses such as logging, mining and energy development within the river corridor.

“Scenic” waters allow for some development, such as minor logging and small river diversions for irrigation.

Rivers and creeks designated “recreational” allow for a moderate level of development, and occur where heavy recreational use already exists.

To view the Bridger-Teton’s updated river management plan, visit fs.usda.gov/main/btnf/landmanagement/planning.

This article appeared in the Jackson Hole News & Guide on January 10, 2014.