Free-flowing Law and Legal Definition
Pursuant to 16 USCS § 1286 (b), [Title 16. Conservation; Chapter 28. Wild and Scenic Rivers] the term free-flowing, as applied to any river or section of a river, means “existing or flowing in natural condition without impoundment, diversion, straightening, rip-rapping, or other modification of the waterway. The existence, however, of low dams, diversion works, and other minor structures at the time any river is proposed for inclusion in the national wild and scenic rivers system shall not automatically bar its consideration for such inclusion: Provided, That this shall not be construed to authorize, intend, or encourage future construction of such structures within components of the national wild and scenic rivers system.”
