SALT LAKE CITY -- Green, Uinta, Logan, Whiterocks and Provo.

Those are just a few of the Utah rivers cited in the "Renowned Rivers" report that a local environmental group wants protected from dams, diversion or development.

The report from the Utah Rivers Council cites 17 of state's most beloved rivers and creeks. They say those waterways deserve protection under the U.S. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act passed by Congress in 1968.

Some 165 rivers in 38 states are protected under the act, but none are in Utah.

Council Solutions Coordinator Mark Danenhauer said the U.S. Forest Service will release an environmental impact report and recommendations for "wild and scenic" river designation later this year. Eighty-six rivers, creeks or river segments in Utah's national forests are being considered.

The Forest Service relies on input from local elected officials to determine a "suitability" factor for each of the rivers or river segments under considering, he said.

"Ultimately, suitability is a political process," Danenhauer said.

Opponents to federal designation, including San Juan County commissioners, say it will stifle development and endanger water rights around listed rivers.

The nonprofit organization has earned support for the protection of some river segments from commissioners in Summit, Daggett and Carbon counties. The council has also met with Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, about 21 miles of the Fish and Gooseberry Creek that flows through Utah, Carbon and Sanpete counties, but has no commitment of support, Danenhauer said.

Protecting Utah rivers under the "wild and scenic" designation would mean each resource would be managed so that nearby development would maintain or enhance its value.

"It's not like we're going to stop any of these sorts of development activities from happening. We just want to make sure they're consistent with the way the river is today," Danenhauer said.