(A) The department shall inventory and study all South Carolina rivers and identify the rivers or river segments which possess unique or outstanding scenic, recreational, geological, botanical, fish, wildlife, historic, or cultural values in accordance with § 49-29-70.

(B) Rivers or river segments identified in the inventory as possessing unique or outstanding scenic, recreational, geologic, botanical, fish, wildlife, historic, or cultural values are eligible for the State Scenic Rivers Program and may be designated as an eligible state scenic river by the department. Rivers or river segments so designated are subject to the completion of a management plan and the acquisition of management rights on adjacent riparian lands.

(C) Proposals for including additional rivers or river segments may be made by state agencies, local governments, and other governmental or citizen’s groups and submitted to the department for evaluation and study.