Deerfield River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025

This measure orders a federal study of the Deerfield River in Massachusetts and Vermont to see if it should be added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The study covers the whole river, all its main branches, and key tributaries like the Green, North, and South Rivers, Clesson Brook, Chickley River, and more. The goal is to understand the river’s special natural, cultural, and recreational values and whether it merits extra protection. It does not make any changes right now; it only starts the study and report process.

Key points

• Who is affected: Communities along the Deerfield River and its branches in Massachusetts and Vermont, plus visitors who use the river for recreation.
• What changes: The Department of the Interior must study the river for possible “wild and scenic” status and report the findings to Congress. No immediate new rules; any protections would come later if the river is added to the system.
• When: The study and report must be finished within three years after funding is provided for this work.