What year marked the state-designated wild and scenic rivers being placed under federal Act's protection?

The year that marked the state-designated wild and scenic rivers being placed under federal protection is 1978. This was the year when the California Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was enacted, which designated certain rivers in the state as wild and scenic, allowing them to benefit from additional protective measures under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The Act seeks to preserve rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. By 1978, there was significant recognition of the need to protect certain waterways from development and degradation, which led to these designations. The incorrect choice of 1980 does not align with this timeline, as the federal protection happened with the implementation of the state Act much earlier.