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| Wild azaleas bloom along the Wild and Scenic Illinois River (Barbara Ullian photo) |
After an extensive public process in the 1970's, the Forest Service prepared of an environmental impact statement that recommended 50.4 miles of the lower Illinois River—where it flows through the Kalmiopsis Wildlands (from the boundary of the Siskiyou National Forest to Illinois' confluence with the National Wild and Scenic Rogue River)—be added to the National Wild and Scenic River System.
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| Click on map to enlarge. |
Congress acted on the Forest Service's recommendations in 1984 in recognition of the river's outstandingly remarkable values (ORV). Over the years these ORVs (especially fisheries and water quality) have become degraded) but the agency's 1977 descriptions of the river's nationally outstanding values should serve as benchmarks for restoration and preservation.
- Water Quality (The waters of the Illinois are remarkably and consistently clear, except for a few days during peak flows. Clarity allows view to depth of 15 feet or greater. The mean turbidity is less than 5 Jackson Turbidity Units. The color of the water is exceptional.)
- Fisheries (The fish values of the Illinois is significant in variety and numbers of fish. More than 20 species maintain reproducing populations. The Illinois being a relatively small stream, contains a surprisingly large run of an anadromous fish. Approximately 25,000 salmon and steelhead are caught by sports fisherman each year. The Illinois contributes another 85,000 salmon annually to the offshore commercial fisheries of Oregon and California.)
- Scenic (The outstanding scenic values of the river canyon provides a unity to the scenic experience, yet it is composed of an unlimited variety of elements stemming from the water itself, enhanced by the diverse and spectacular mountain backdrops. The contrast of white water rapids against the blue-green color of the stillwater pools provides a powerful aesthetic impression.)
- Recreation (Provides an opportunity for a river experience in a natural setting, void of the impact of civilization with opportunity for solitude. Outstanding values include salmon and steelhead fishing and white water rafting. The Illinois's Wild River Area is one of the West's most cherished and challenging whitewater rivers).
- Botanical (Rare plants and diverse and abundant flora. The area is generally forested, ranging from an open Jeffrey pine-grass savanna, to mixed conifer-evergreen hardwood forests. It is noted for its many endemic plant species such as Kalmiopsis, Brewer's spruce, Saddler oak and the insectivorous Darlingtonia)
