U.S. Forest Service U.S. Bureau of Land Management U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Park Service Water Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey 2000 The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress in 1968 (Public Law 90-542; 16 U.S.C 1271 et seq.) to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural cultural, or recreational features in a free flowing condition for enjoyment of present and future generations. As of January 2000, the National System has grown from its initial eight components to a 156-river system with representation in 37 states. application/pdf 10.3133/70039557 en U.S. Geological Survey National wild and scenic rivers system, January 2000 reports