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.

Terms Used In West Virginia Code 22-13-4

  • Free-flowing: means existing or flowing in natural condition without impoundment, by diversion, or flooding of the waterway. See West Virginia Code 22-13-3
  • Stream: means a flowing body of water or a section or portion thereof, including rivers, streams, creeks, branches or small lakes. See West Virginia Code 22-13-3