There is hereby created in the department a natural areas section in the Division of Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the function of which shall be, under the direction of the commissioner, to administer and enforce the provisions of this act and to perform such other duties as the commissioner may direct or as may be provided by law.
In addition to other functions, powers and duties vested in it by this and any other law, the Division of Parks, Forestry and Recreation shall, through the natural areas section:
a. Make periodic State-wide surveys to determine the availability of land that should be preserved as natural areas or as wild life preserves and recommend an over-all program of acquisition.b. Recommend the acquisition of specific lands or interests in lands which are suitable for natural areas.c. Maintain and operate lands being preserved as natural areas.d. Prepare and disseminate literature and other materials to inform the public with respect to New Jersey's natural area program.e. Consult with and co-operate with conservation and naturalists groups and organizations in the acquisition and maintenance of natural areas.L.1961, c.51, p.525, s.3; amended by L.1966, c.54, s.10, eff. 7/1/1966.