§ 22-13-4

For the purpose of implementing the public policy declared in section two of this article, there is hereby established a natural stream preservation system to be composed of streams designated by the Legislature as 'protected streams,' and these shall be administered for the use and enjoyment of the citizens of West Virginia in such manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as free-flowing streams, and so as to provide for the protection and the preservation of these streams in their natural character.