TITLE 12 CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Section 3. Parks, Historic Areas, Memorials, and Recreation, 12-3-1 through 12-3-708.

ARTICLE 4 NATURAL AREAS

12-3-91. Legislative findings and declaration of purpose.

The General Assembly finds that there is an increasing nation-wide concern over the deterioration of man's natural environment in rural as well as urban areas; that there is a serious need to study the long-term effects of our civilization on our natural environment; that while the State of Georgia is still richly endowed with relatively undisturbed natural areas, these areas are rapidly being drastically modified and even destroyed by human activities; that it is of the utmost importance to preserve examples of such areas in their natural state, not only for scientific and educational purposes but for the general well-being of our society and its people. Therefore, it shall be the purpose and function of the Department of Natural Resources to:

1. Identify natural areas in the State of Georgia which are of unusual ecological significance;
2. Use its influence and take any steps within its power to secure the preservation of such areas in an undisturbed natural state in order that such areas may:
   1. Be studied scientifically;
   2. Be used for educational purposes;
   3. Serve as examples of nature to the general public; and
   4. Enrich the quality of our environment for present and future generations; and
3. Recommend areas or parts of areas for recreational use.

(Ga. L. 1969, p. 750, § 2; Ga. L. 1972, p. 1015, § 1511.)