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<br />I NfRODUCf ION <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Natural, free-flowing streams are one of the world's most beautiful <br /> <br />and valuable resources. Before the coming of Christ, the Roman <br /> <br />Emperor Justinian said: "By the law of nature certain things are <br /> <br />corrunon property; for example, the air, running water, and the sea." <br /> <br />America's late Senator Norris said: "The streams that are flowing <br /> <br />downhill were given us by a creator. They do not belong to any <br /> <br />special interest or to any individual. They belong to the people <br /> <br />and ought to be utilized for the benefit of all of them." <br /> <br />Few streams in the United States have escaped degradation from altered <br /> <br />flows by some kind of man-made, "water development" project. Some <br /> <br />recognition is finally being given to instream flow regimens to <br /> <br />protect the natural environment. Scientists from many disciplines <br /> <br />are seeking reliable, practical methods for detennining streamflow <br /> <br />requirements to protect fishes, waterfowl, furbearers, reptiles, <br /> <br />amphibians, mollusks, aquatic invertebrates, and related life forms <br /> <br />from all the various people competing for our Nation's water. <br /> <br />.. <br /> <br />.. <br /> <br />1 <br />