A Study on the Wild and Scenic Rivers System(I) -American Experience, and Suggestions for System Building in Korea-

自然景觀水系의 體系樹立을 위한 基礎硏究(I) -美國의 自然景觀水系制度 紹介 및 國內適用 事例硏究-

This study is on system building and model case study to establish a new framework of "The Wild and Scenic Rivers System" and to apply this to Korean rivers. The Wild and Scenic Rivers System of the U. S. , which had become law in 1968 for establishing wild scenic and recreational river areas, was investigated. The techniques of two American case studies about the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System designation were investigated and synthesized, and study process was adjusted to Korean river system. Additionally, pilot study was carried out by the method and results were as follows : 1) In the American Wild and Scenic Rivers System, each river was evaluated based on eligibility criteria for designation, such as remarkable scenic, recreational, fish and wildlife, cultural or other ecological values. Segmented river areas were classified into three or four grades and management plans were prepared accordingly. 2) The management of rivers in Korea has emphasized on the flood control and water resources management up to the present, and now takes a growing interest in water quality. But it has been concerned very little with wild and scenic resources conservation of river corridors. It is strongly recommended to build Wild and Scenic Rivers System in Korea for rational management and conservation of the valuable natural resource. 3) Suggested evaluation criteria for the Korean Wild and Scenic Rivers System were wildness, wildlife and plants, hydrology, scenic quality, and historical and cultural resources. The river areas may be graded into four : Positive conservation area(I), Negative conservation area(II), Negative development area(III), Positive development area(IV). Management guidelines were proposed for each grade. 4) To test the applicability of the approach, one of the major tributary of the Han-River was selected for pilot study. The result showed that the evaluation and grading system worked well. Finally, it is recommended to incorporate the Wild and Scenic Rivers System into Korean national park system, and to amend the Korean National Park Act to enable this.