Image of Yosemite Falls and water reflecting below

Merced River Values

The Merced and its South Fork were designated as Wild and Scenic in 1987 because of their free-flowing condition, excellent water quality, and the possession of rare, unique or exemplary values. The Upper Merced River Watershed Council is dedicated to helping our federal partners protect and enhance these values. Explore below to discover what makes the Merced Wild and Scenic River stand apart from all other rivers in the nation.


Outstandingly remarkable values (ORVs) are the "rare, unique, or exemplary" river-related or river-dependent features that make the river stand apart from all other rivers in the region/nation.

Here are the some of the values that make the Merced Wild and Scenic River special.

Language and ORV information from Yosemite National Park, U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.

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