Bill 118 s 608, also known as the Deerfield River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to authorize a study of the Deerfield River in Massachusetts to determine its eligibility for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
The bill calls for the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a comprehensive study of the Deerfield River to assess its scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, and other values. The study will also evaluate the potential benefits and impacts of designating the Deerfield River as a wild and scenic river.
If the study determines that the Deerfield River meets the criteria for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, the Secretary of the Interior will submit a report to Congress recommending its designation. This designation would provide additional protections for the river and its surrounding areas, ensuring that they are preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Overall, the Deerfield River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2023 aims to assess the value of the Deerfield River and potentially designate it as a wild and scenic river, providing important protections for this natural resource.