H.R. 2451: Deerfield River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Deerfield River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025, aims to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on the Deerfield River, which runs through Massachusetts and Vermont. The study will assess the potential for the river to be added to the national wild and scenic rivers system, which is designed to protect rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values. The key elements of the bill include:

Study Designation

The bill specifically designates the entire Deerfield River for study, including:

• The North, South, East, and West Branches of the Deerfield River
• Major tributaries such as the Green River, North River, South River, Clesson Brook, Chickley River, Cold River, Gulf Brook, Bog Brook, and Dunbar Brook

Timeline for Study Completion

The Secretary of the Interior is required to complete the study within three years of the availability of funds designated for this purpose. Once the study is completed, a report detailing the results must be submitted to the appropriate congressional committees.

Purpose and Implications

The overarching goal of this bill is to evaluate the ecological and scenic attributes of the Deerfield River, which could lead to its designation as a wild and scenic river. This designation would offer the river certain protections and could affect land use and conservation efforts in the surrounding areas.

Relevant Companies

None found