Benefits may include, but are not limited to, providing managers tools or mechanisms to protect free-flowing condition, i.e., protection of river values through the assessment of hydroelectric facilities or water resource development projects within the designated reach; protection and enhancement of water quality and outstandingly remarkable values; and, if a river’s management plan objective, promotion of economic development, tourism, or recreational use. Based on current limited studies, indications are that property values remain stable or increase on designated rivers. This is often tied to the protection and enhancement of scenery, other aesthetic values and water quality.
Impacts may include, but are not limited to initial or sustained attraction to the river because of designation, authority for federal agencies to purchase property, and changes in permissible land use through zoning adopted by local governments to protect river values.