13:1B-15.5.Ā  Responsibility of department for acquiring, maintaining and preserving natural areas
The department is hereby vested with the responsibility of acquiring, maintaining and preserving natural areas within the State as a habitat for rareĀ  and vanishing species of plant and animal life so that the people of the StateĀ  may be assured of their right to enjoy the benefits of such areas as places ofĀ  natural interest and scenic beauty, as a living illustration of the State'sĀ  original heritage and as a place for scientific study.

L.1961, c. 51, p. 525, s. 2, eff. June 3, 1961.
Ā