As used in this part, the term:

(1) "Free-flowing," as applied to any river or section of a river, means existing or flowing in natural condition without impoundment, diversion, straightening, rip-rapping, or other modification of the waterway.

(2) "River" means a flowing body of water, or a section, portion, or tributary thereof, and includes streams, creeks, branches, and small lakes.

(3) "Scenic easement" means an interest in land which limits the use of land along the shoreline of a scenic river for the purpose of protecting the scenic, recreational, or natural characteristics of the area.

(4) "Scenic river" means certain rivers or sections of rivers of the State of Georgia which have valuable scenic, recreational, or natural characteristics which should be preserved for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.