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1 - 32 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I America; the historic sites and buildings preserving the continuity of American history; and large recreational areas including national seashores, 1akeshores, and scenic riverways; all serving an important segment of the Nation's recreational needs. With this diversity of natural, historical, and recreational areas, the National Park System reflects the national policy of preserving the outstanding examples of the natural, esthetic, and cultural heritage of the Nation. ,1 National Park Service programs and activities are guided by a concern for environmental quality and seek to communicate an environmental ethic to enhance man's well-being. The natural and historic landmarks programs encourage preserva- tion of significant natural and historic values of the private sector. ,The Historic Preservation Program and its National Register of Historic Places and grants-in-aid encourage preservation on local, State, and Federal levels. National Park Service provides technical assistance to other nations, other Federal agencies, and States and their political subdivisions in the development, management, and operation of public parks and recreational areas. On Federal water resource studies, the National Park Service assumes study responsibility for archaeological, historical, natural scenic, and other visual environmental resources. In project preauthorization studies, the Service may provide technical assistance in general development planning. Project post-authorization assistance may involve development planning, site planning, consultation pertaining to the development, interpretation, and operation of recreation areas, management planning negotiation of agreements for administration of reservoir recreation areas, and fo11owup on the administration of such agreements. Wild and Scenic River Studies The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (P.L. 90-542) established a national wild and scenic rivers system to protect free-flowing rivers for their "outstanding scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, and cultural values." The Heritage, Conservation and Recreation Service carries out the Interior secretary's responsibility for studying 18 of the 27 "study" rivers to determine: (1) if they qualify for inclusion in the system; (2) what lands are needed to preserve the rivers' free-flowing character and to enable optimum public use and enjoyment; and (3) the most appropriate form of administration. The Secretary reports the findings to the President and the Congres's and recommends whether or not the river should be included in the wild and scenic rivers system. Rivers are added to the system by Federal legislation or, if the river is to be State-administered, by the Secretary of the Interior upon application by the State Governor. National Trail System Studies The National Trail System encourages the establishment of trails to foster pub1 ic enjoyment and appreciation of the "open-air, outdoor areas of thE! Nation" in the same manner the wild and scenic rivers system encourages the protection of free-flowing rivers.