The purpose of the Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers System Act is to institute a State wild, scenic and recreational rivers system within New York. Many rivers of the State, and their immediate environs, possess outstanding natural, scenic, ecological, recreational, aesthetic, botanical, geological, hydrological, fish and wildlife, historical, cultural, archaeological and scientific values. Improvident development and use of these rivers and their immediate environs will deprive present and future generations of the benefit and enjoyment of these unique and valuable resources. It is the policy of the State as set forth in the Wild, Scenic and Recreational Rivers System Act (title 27 of article 15 of the Environmental Conservation Law) hereafter termed “the act”, that designated rivers of the State and their immediate environs possessing the aforementioned characteristics shall be preserved in a free-flowing condition and shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.