It is hereby declared to be the policy of the United States that
certain selected rivers of the Nation which, with their immediate
environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational,
geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values,
shall be preserved in free-flowing condition, and that they and their
immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment
of present and future generations. The Congress declares that the
established national policy of dams and other construction at
appropriate sections of the rivers of the United States needs to be
complemented by a policy that would preserve other selected rivers or
sections thereof in their free-flowing condition to protect the water
quality of such rivers and to fulfill other vital national conservation
purposes. (Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, October 2, 1968)
What don't they understand?