Indiana Code Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources § 14-29-6-7

Sec. 7. As part of the continuing growth of the population and development of the economy of Indiana, it is necessary and desirable that rivers of unusual natural, scenic, or recreational significance be set aside and preserved for the benefit of present and future generations before the rivers have been destroyed.  After rivers are destroyed, the rivers cannot be wholly restored.  It is essential to the people of Indiana that the people retain the opportunities to maintain close contact with the natural, scenic, and recreational rivers and to benefit from the scientific, aesthetic, cultural, recreational, scenic, and spiritual values the rivers possess.  It is, therefore, the following public policy of Indiana: