The director of natural resources may participate in the federal program for the protection of certain selected rivers that are located within the boundaries of the state as provided in the “Wild and Scenic Rivers Act,” 82 Stat. 906 (1968), 16 U.S.C. § 1271 et seq., as amended. The director may authorize the chief of the division of parks and watercraft to participate in any other federal program established for the purpose of protecting, conserving, or developing recreational access to waters in this state that possess outstanding scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values.