assigned to one of the value classes. As noted in the 

 introduction, the criteria will not have specific values, 

 numerical ratings, or points attached to them. Instead, raters 

 will study the set of criteria for a given segment and combine 

 that data (and other appropriate . information) with their 

 professional judgment to assign a value class. 



The raters may also take into account the perceived quality of 

 the recreation experience opportunity, local or regional supply 

 of and demand for similar opportunities, volume or seasonality of 

 flow, and other factors. The specific reasons a segment is 

 assigned to a value class will be recorded. This will allow 

 flexibility in value class assignment, yet give raters a common 

 basis for their assessment and allow the process to be understood 

 by others . 



The raters can consider local and regional importance as one of 

 the contributors to value class assignment. Therefore, a river 

 of given characteristics that might not be highly-valued in one 

 part of the state could be hi ghl y- va lued in another region. 

 However, a river segment will not be devalued just because 

 several high-value rivers are located close to each other. 



As stated in the Introduction, the Value Classes will have 

 following descriptions anchored to them, to help raters reach a 

 concensus on value class assignment and maintain consistency from 

 region to region: 



I. Outstanding rec 



exce p 1 1 

 well-kn 

 ever yon 

 Thy are 

 very hi 

 These s 

 that ar 

 agr eeme 

 be unan 

 should 

 di f f icu 

 should 

 e val uat 

 of the 



onal ly f 

 own r ec r 

 e wou Id 

 unique 

 gh-qual i 

 e gmen ts 

 e highly 

 nt that 

 imo u s am 

 be Willi 

 It acces 

 be r eser 

 ion sy st 

 river re 



reational resources are 



ine, popular or 



eational settings that nearly 



agree are "Blue Ribbon" resources, 



within a region or provide 



ty recreational opportunities. 



would likely have many attributes (criteria) 



-valued within the region, and 



the river belongs in this class should 



ong the raters. Recreational users 



ng to travel long distances or endure 



s to use these resources. Use of this class 



ved. For example, in the state's stream 



em for fisheries, only about 10 percent 



aches are in the highest- va lue class. 



II. Substantial recreational resources are highly 



valued, but not quite as much as segments in Class I. 

 These segments would likely contain about five or more 

 criteria ratings judged to be desirable within the 

 region. Very important recreational settings, among 



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