The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 protects free-flowing rivers. Eleven of the park's rivers, either in their entirety or selected segments, have been recommended for designation. The Clean Air Act of 1977 gives the National Park Service authority to protect air quality. This program gives the National Park Service, as managers of Federal Class I areas, the responsibility and authority to ensure that no new major facility will have an adverse impact on the air quality of an area, including visibility. The Secretary has made that determination and the NPS is seeking to implement dam removal.
Additional legislation affects cultural re sources.
The Antiquities Act of 1906 prohibits removal of artifacts or disturbance of archeological sites without authorization from the Secretary. It also requires consultation with the state and an Advisory Council on Historic Preservation prior to undertaking action which would affect a National Register property. The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 protects burial sites, remains and objects within the park, and provides a process for repatriation to tribes. The American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 protects and preserves American Indians' rights to practice traditional religions, including ritual activities at sites in parks.